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The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on February 4, 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
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; as well as, Nora Rivera, Student Representative and approximately 25 members of the staff and public.
Dr. Robert Rich, Assistant Superintendent was absent.
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 Mrs. Bond-Nelson abstaining to accept the public session minutes of January 21, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Smith and approved by a vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining to accept the public session minutes of the Joint Meeting of the Board of Education and the Borough Council of January 26, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Bond-Nelson abstaining to accept the executive session minutes of January 21, 2009.
Financial Report
There was none.
Comments from the Public
Upon request of the chair for topics from the public, there was none.
Student Representative Report
Nora Rivera reported on various student activities some of which included the following:
The Freshman Class with hold a bake sale on February 9th. Tunlaw staff continues to grow as preparation for the February edition is in progress. The Sophomore Class will sponsor a Sadie Hawkins Dance on Friday, February 20th from 7-10 PM in the High School Cafeteria. The Step Team has been performing at the basketball games and attended a competition on January 31st. The Senior Class is planning for the prom and reviewing fundraising ideas. A Pep Rally will be held on Friday, February 6th. The Mr. Canuck competition was a huge success with several hundred students in attendance.
Presentation
Mr. Ostroff, Director of Operations, updated the Board on the status of capital projects for 2008-09. He also gave an overview of two approved grant programs, the Open Space Grant for Krausche Field renovations and the HVAC grant program from the Department of Education.
Superintendent’s Report
RECOGNITION/PUBLIC RELATIONS
Staff
Dr. Marilyn Birnbaum, superintendent, had an article “A Balanced Approach to Assessment” published in the January 2009 On Target, A publication of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators.
Students
On February 4, 2009, Tyson Chandler, NPHS senior, signed his National Letter of Intent to play football at North Carolina State University. He is the first player from NPHS to accept a full athletic scholarship to a Division I school in almost 40 years.
The NPHS boys' basketball team has been seeded 7th (out of 16 teams) in the Somerset County Basketball Tournament. After receiving a first round bye this past Saturday, they will be playing a home game on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 2:00 p.m., against Hillsborough High School.
The NPHS winter guard, under the direction of Shannon Shotwell and Emily Fencik, took fourth place at the competition held at Hillsborough High School this past Saturday. Out of ten participating high schools, this placement is an indication of the hard work and dedication of both Ms. Shotwell and Ms. Fencik, and especially the students of our winter guard, who are further motivated to strive for higher ratings.
A committee of teachers has selected the following students for their exemplary work and behavior. Those recognized earn a NPHS pride pin, a certificate, and a letter of congratulations to their parents/guardians.
November 2008
Fine/Performing Arts Nicolette Weimer
Practical Arts Vipan Kumar
Academic Achievement grades 11-12 Christian Folleco
Academic Achievement grades 9-10 Jacquis Jordan
Academic Achievement grades 9-10 Max Tyndell
Academic Excellence grades 11-12 Ramona Ross
Academic Excellence grades 9-10 Katherine Stephens
“The Canuck” Cassius Ross
School Spirit Sana Saleem
Schools
Stony Brook School
Fit Brains Lean Better at Stony Brook School: Students at Stony Brook are among the first in the district to pilot the Fast ForWord software reading intervention program designed for students reading below grade level expectations. Through the use of technology the students work for thirty minutes per day utilizing brain fitness exercises designed to help develop and strengthen cognitive and reading skills. These exercises help the students to work on improving their memory, visual and auditory attention skills, strengthening visual processing skills and developing stronger sequencing abilities. Fitness has always been important at Stony Brook and now students' brains are also getting fit.
Dr. Hope Blecher Sass Visits Stony Brook to Teach Writing Skill: On January 13, 2009, Dr. Hope Blecher-Sass invited all Stony Brook students in grades 2,3 and 4 and all teachers and staff members to attend her writing workshop. By using poetry, Dr. Blecher-Sass was able to demonstrate many of the requirements of good writing skills that the children will encounter on their NJ PASS and NJASK tests. Dr. Blecher-Sass also shared with the groups that she is an accomplished writer and author herself and promised to return with a second workshop when she will share her books and ideas.
Somerset School
American Revolutionary War Presentation: On Wednesday, January 14, Somerset School fifth graders enjoyed a series of Revolutionary War workshops presented by Carmine LaMarca, of the Third New Jersey Blues Regiment. The students learned about uniforms, equipment, and weaponry used by the colonial soldiers during the American Revolution. On display were exact replicas of an American soldier’s uniform, musket, bayonet, and rucksack, among other paraphernalia, as Mr. LaMarca detailed their construction, use, and importance, and demonstrated the handling of each item.
Question-and-answer segments followed each workshop, engendering many thoughtful questions from both teachers and students. Students wondered about rations, cold weather survival techniques, and the roles of women and African Americans in the war. One young man asked if the drummer boys were ever injured or killed during battles. “Teachers were delighted to welcome back Mr. LaMarca for his second annual visit to Somerset School, and many commented that these lectures greatly embellish classroom activities related to the Revolutionary War. Once again, our sincere thanks to Mr. LaMarca for volunteering his time and talent to enhance our program of studies,” expressed Reginald Sainte-Rose, principal at Somerset School.
East End School
On January 14, East End School held its Winter Concert. Kyle Skrivanek, instrumental music teacher, led his third and fourth grade band students as they entertained the audience with several songs. Diana VanHise, choral music teacher, selected several songs from different countries which integrated the school’s geography building objective. She also collaborated with Joanne Wendt, art teacher, who provided beautiful student art work both on and off the stage. “Parents enjoyed the music as well as the art work. It was extremely well attended, and the importance of the arts was recognized and celebrated. A special thank you to Tom Mazur, supervisor of fine, practical and performing arts, for playing the piano during the choral portion of the concert,” expressed Kathleen Herrmann, East End school principal.
On Friday, January 23, East End School celebrated Pride Day. Students and staff wore their East End attire to demonstrate how proud they were to be members of the East End School Community. Go Mustangs!
Young Orators’ Club began this month under the leadership of Lynnelle Thomas and Leslie Hansen. Students will meet after school to learn public speaking and will demonstrate their skills at an assembly in the spring.
StarLab was kicked off with an assembly on January 26 in the community room. Alexis Holbrook, Karen Lewis, Joanne Wendt and Kathy Porter each represented a component of the solar system and shared with the student body some of the objects they would see when they visit the StarLab. After the presentations, everyone cheered as they witnessed the inflation of the StarLab. “StarLab is an exciting way to integrate science, meet the NJCCCS, and enjoy learning", stated Principal Herrmann.
District
Congratulations to the North Plainfield School District! The Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders has awarded the North Plainfield Board of Education an Open Space Development Grant for up to $1,000,000. The grant will be used to refurbish Krausche Field, the main athletic field located at NPHS. The improvements will include resurfacing and/or replacing the existing field with year-round, multifunctional synthetic turf. “It is definitely an historic day for the athletic programs at the high school and throughout the community. The board and administration’s commitment to athletics in this district is greatly appreciated, and I look forward to the joy this will bring to our student athletes when they get their chance to play on the finished product. Thanks again,” stated Karl Gordon, athletic director.
The North Plainfield Board of Education will receive $1,266,716 in construction grants from the New Jersey School Development Authority.
The grant money will be utilized to offset the cost of new boilers and heating units at West End School and Harrison School. The anticipated cost for both projects is $2,200,000 including architectural and engineering fees. “These grants will give us the funds needed to replace heating systems in two of our buildings that have far exceeded their life expectancy,” noted Don Sternberg, business administrator. Additionally, the district will ultimately save on utility costs. According to Edward Ostroff, director of operations, “The radiant heat and boilers were installed in 1949 and are not energy efficient by today’s standards.” The district is currently planning to go out to bid for both projects in early spring with completion expected by early September.
DISTRICT OPERATIONS & AUXILIARY SERVICES
SAFETY TRAINING
The safety topic for January was ‘Slip and Fall Prevention.” Related safety training was conducted with all staff members on January 22, 2009. The safety topic for February is “Safe Lifting Practices.”
HEALTH & SAFETY
Safety Committee: Edward Ostroff, director of operations and auxiliary serves, is currently in the process of re-establishing a District-Wide Safety Committee. The goal of this committee will be to increase safety awareness, review procedures, and review accidents and injuries.
Asthma Friendly Schools: Mr. Ostroff is currently working with the school nurses to roll out and fully implement the “Asthma Friendly Schools Program” in all of the district’s schools.
DISTRICT OPERATIONS
In addition to completing routine work orders, the maintenance personnel continue to complete a number of in-house projects. The following projects are now in progress:
• High School: Conversion of the server room to a conference room.
• High School: Library improvements and conference room conversion.
• Watchung School: Creation of a secure file area near the conference room.
2008-2009 CAPITAL PROJECTS
STATUS REPORT
HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL
Restroom Renovation Project. Completed, January 12, 2009.
Auditorium Stage Lighting Upgrades. Slated for 2009/2010.
EAST END SCHOOL
Restroom Renovation Project. Completed, January 12, 2009.
WEST END SCHOOL
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Specifications are pending.
Restroom Renovation Project. Completed, January 12, 2009.
STONY BROOK SCHOOL
Restroom Renovation Project. Completed.
HARRISON BUILDING
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Specifications are pending.
2008-2009 MAINTENANCE PROJECTS
STATUS REPORT
HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL
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. Completed, January 13, 2009.
MAINTENANCE COMPOUND/FIELD AREAS
No projects in progress.
DISTRICT-WIDE INITIATIVES
District-Wide Energy Savings Project. Planning Stage.
PROPOSED CAPITAL PROJECTS for 2009-2010
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 upon our share of state aid. Those figures are not available at this time.
Correspondence
Resolution passed by North Plainfield Borough in support of the County Open Space Grant Application
Committee and Delegate Report
A Board/Staff meeting is scheduled for February 11th.
In regard to the Communications Committee, Mr. Smith reported that the automated calling system was discussed. Teachers’ websites are being updated more regularly. In addition, communication issues related to discussions at the joint meeting with the Borough were discussed.
Mr. Branan set-up a Finance and Facilities Meeting for February 19th to review the 2009-10 budget.
In regard to the Policy Committee, Mr. Branan discussed the need for the Administrators to review the regulations. Policy revisions have been sent to Kille & Petracco. The next committee meeting is scheduled for March 2nd.
In regard to Negotiations, Mrs. Bond-Nelson said a meeting is scheduled for February 23rd with the Administrators.
Old Business
There was none.
New Business
Recommendations from Superintendent of Schools
Personnel
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept with regret the resignation of Diane L. Perry, special education teacher at NPHS, for reasons of retirement, effective July 1, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the Board member and/or staff conference and travel expenses as per the attached list.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the certificated staff indicated on the attached list be paid for graduate courses taken between August and December 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve Rafael Burgos as a volunteer assistant to the baseball coach.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Carlos Rodriguez as an Attendance/Residency Officer in the district, at the rate of $19 per hour, effective February 9, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of the following teachers to the co-curricular positions indicated at the 2007-2008 rates shown, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement:
Gretchen Jacot-Guillarmod SB ASK Program Co-Advisor $1162.50
Marina Heller SB ASK Program Co-Advisor $1162.60
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve Megan Schneider from Kean University as a counseling intern in West End School with Linda Remolino and Taryn Buffolino serving as her on-site supervisors.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of the following individual(s) as K – 12 substitute teachers in the district:
Elena Dubas Jill Perugini
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of the following individuals as district substitute paraprofessionals at the 2007-2008 hourly rate of $18.12, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement, effective February 9, 2009.
Amnet Ramos Rachel de Araujo
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve Travis Smith from Kean University’s Graduate Programs in Educational Leadership Field Study in Administration and Supervisor II, as an administrative intern in the district with Dr. Marilyn Birnbaum serving as his on-site supervisor.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the teachers indicated on the attached list as mentors for first year teachers to be paid $550 at the conclusion of the 30-week program or pro-rated accordingly, to be funded with NCLB Title I FY’09 or local funds as indicated.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve that Mary Krause, teacher of mathematics at NPHS, serve as an administrative intern under the University of Scranton Education Administration program, with Patricia Marseglia, supervisor of mathematics and science, serving as her on-site supervisor.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education adjust the guide and salary of Lisa Cerulo, teacher of art at West End School, from the MA Guide to the 2007-2008 MA + 30 Guide/Step 5 at $50,000, effective January 1, 2009 to reflect her attainment of a Master’s degree plus 30 credits, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education adjust the salary of Nicholas Checchio, maintenance worker, to include a stipend of $675 reflecting his attainment of a Boiler License, effective January 14, 2009.
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 for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the use of the following textbooks and/or trade books in the district as follows:
Title: Local News
Author: Gary Soto
Publisher: Harcourt
Copyright: 1993
Course/Levels: English/Reading Grade 8
Title: Neighborhood Odes
Author: Gary Soto
Publisher: Harcourt
Copyright: 1992
Course/Levels: English/Reading Grade 8
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 LPDC Plan for the 2009-2010 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 the Board of Education approve home instruction for non-classified student HI-13-08-09 for five hours per week, to be provided by district and/or Educational Services Commission staff, effective January 26, 2009.
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 services of Dr. Kavita Sinha for psychiatry and neurology evaluations, on an as-needed basis, at the cost of $300 per evaluation.
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 classified student PSY-04-08-09 receive a neuro-psych evaluation to be provided by Dr. Kavita Sinha, at the cost of $300.
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 that Kimberly Phillips, BCBA, of Applied Behavior Consultants observe classified student ABC-02-08-09 in an in-home environment and make recommendations, at the cost of $120 for direct service (service delivered in the school/home) and $60 for indirect service (writing programs/reports/interventions).
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 classified student ATS-04-08-09 continue to attend the Alternative to Suspension Program at Somerset County Educational Commission’s Alternative High School at the annual rate of $37,335 (to be prorated). Transportation is required.
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 field trips:
Field trip to Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School, Bridgewater, NJ for participation in the Somerset County Middle School Robotics Design Challenge on Saturday, March 21, 2009 from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Students will be transported on a district van.
Field trip to Raritan Valley Community College, Somerville, NJ for students to receive a campus tour and learn about scholarship opportunities through the C.R.E.C.E.R. Program (Caring, Reaching, Educating, Counseling, Enriching & Reaping), an outreach program designed with the purpose of encouraging Latino high school students to pursue a college degree, on Monday, March 30, 2009 from 7:15 AM to 2:40 PM. Students will be transported on a bus provided by RVCC.
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 home instruction for identified student HI-14-08-09 for up to ten hours per week effective February 5 through February 12, 2009, to be provided by district/and or Educational Services Commission 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 the Board of Education approve the following classified students receive assistive technology training to be provided by Bergen County Special Services for up to nine hours each at the rate of $125/hour for training and $50/hr for travel:
ATE-02-08-09 ATE-03-08-09
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen - Aye
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 classified student ATE-04-08-09 receive assistive technology training to be provided by Cerebral Palsy of New Jersey for up to ten hours at the rate of $110/hr for training and $55/hour for travel.
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 home instruction be continued for classified student HI-06-08-09 for up to ten hours per week to be provided by district staff and/or Somerset County Educational Commission 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 services of Pascale Nelson, speech therapist affiliated with Dynamic Therapeutic Services, to provide IEP mandated speech/language services to classified students at the rate of $107 per hour for five hours and fifteen minutes per day, five days per week, effective February 9, 2009.
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 have the Transitional Learning Center staff at Brahmin House provide home instruction for identified student HI-11-08-09, effective December 11, 2008 through January 5, 2009.
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 home instruction for identified student HI-11-08-09 to be provided by Somerset County Educational Commission staff, for up to ten hours per week, effective December 17 through January 5, 2009, for a total of 20 hours.
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 and Agreeements
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 February 4, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen - Aye
Resolution HVAC Project Harrison School
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that
WHEREAS, the North Plainfield Board of Education (“Board”) has obtained approval of the preliminary eligible costs for certain financing from the New Jersey Department of Education, Department for School Facilities Projects, pursuant to the Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act, (the “Act”), N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-1, et seq. and the regulations promulgated thereunder N.J.A.C. 6:23-1.1, et seq. (now codified at N.J.A.C. 6A:26-1.1, et seq.), (the “Regulations”); and
WHEREAS, upon the Board’s submission, the NJ DOE has granted the Board’s application pursuant to the Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act Section 15 Grant Agreement (“Grant Agreement”) for the School Facilities Project at the North Plainfield Board of Education, Admin-Alternative School (Harrison School) (the “School Project”), State Plan No. 3670-X02-09-1002; and
WHEREAS, the Grant Agreement provides for an anticipated grant amount of Three Hundred Forty Four Thousand Four Hundred Twenty Six Dollars ($344,426.00), and an initial local share of Two Hundred Twenty Six Thousand Five Hundred Seventy Four Dollars ($226,574.00); and
WHEREAS, in connection with the funds issued pursuant to the Grant Agreement, the Board passed its Annual Budget on April 15, 2008, which budget authorized the use of public funds from the Board’s Capital Outlay for the purposes of replacement of existing steam heating system to hot water system, to include boilers, flue, and all associated piping and controls at Harrison School; and
WHEREAS, the Board has authorized the transfer of funds into Capital Reserve for purposes of funding the Local Share of the Project; and
WHEREAS, the Board intends to execute, deliver and implement the Grant Agreement with the DOE, in substantially the form submitted at this meeting, with such changes approved by the Board’s counsel.
NOW, THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED by the Board that the Board is hereby authorized to execute, deliver and implement the Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act Section 15 Grant Agreement with the New Jersey Department of Education; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board President, the School District Superintendent or the Business Administrator/Board Secretary are hereby authorized to make the necessary application required by the DOE and to execute and to deliver the Grant Agreement on behalf of the Board, in substantially the form submitted at this meeting; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board President, the School District Superintendent or the Business Administrator/Board Secretary shall have the authority to supervise the Project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board President, the School District Superintendent or the Business Administrator/Board Secretary, and such other appropriate representatives of the Board as may be requested by the aforesaid officer or officers, are hereby authorized to take all actions necessary for implementation of the Grant Agreement and the School Project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen - Aye
HVAC Resolution West End Elementary School
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that
WHEREAS, the North Plainfield Board of Education (“Board”) has obtained approval of the preliminary eligible costs for certain financing from the New Jersey Department of Education, Department for School Facilities Projects, pursuant to the Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act, (the “Act”), N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-1, et seq. and the regulations promulgated thereunder N.J.A.C. 6:23-1.1, et seq. (now codified at N.J.A.C. 6A:26-1.1, et seq.), (the “Regulations”); and
WHEREAS, upon the Board’s submission, the NJ DOE has granted the Board’s application pursuant to the Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act Section 15 Grant Agreement (“Grant Agreement”) for the School Facilities Project at the North Plainfield Board of Education, West End Elementary School (West End School) (the “School Project”), State Plan No. 3670-110-09-1001; and
WHEREAS, the Grant Agreement provides for an anticipated grant amount of Nine Hundred Twenty Two Thousand Two Hundred Ninety Dollars ($922,290.00), and an initial local share of Six Hundred Six Thousand Seven Hundred Ten Dollars ($606,710.00); and
WHEREAS, in connection with the funds issued pursuant to the Grant Agreement, the Board passed its Annual Budget on April 15, 2008, which budget authorized the use of public funds from the Board’s Capital Outlay for the purposes of replacement of existing steam heating system to hot water system, to include boilers, flue, and all associated piping and controls at West End Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, the Board has authorized the transfer of funds into Capital Reserve for purposes of funding the Local Share of the Project; and
WHEREAS, the Board intends to execute, deliver and implement the Grant Agreement with the DOE, in substantially the form submitted at this meeting, with such changes approved by the Board’s counsel.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board that the Board is hereby authorized to execute, deliver and implement the Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act Section 15 Grant Agreement with the New Jersey Department of Education; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board President, the School District Superintendent or the Business Administrator/Board Secretary are hereby authorized to make the necessary application required by the DOE and to execute and to deliver the Grant Agreement on behalf of the Board, in substantially the form submitted at this meeting; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board President, the School District Superintendent or the Business Administrator/Board Secretary shall have the authority to supervise the Project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board President, the School District Superintendent or the Business Administrator/Board Secretary, and such other appropriate representatives of the Board as may be requested by the aforesaid officer or officers, are hereby authorized to take all actions necessary for implementation of the Grant Agreement and the School Project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.
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 – None at this time.
New items requested to be placed on the Agenda – None at this time.
Current Events in Education
Dr. Birnbaum discussed the District’s use of volunteer coaches in response to Mr. Allen’s concerns after a recent newspaper article about a volunteer coach in another district.
Dr. Birnbaum discussed current reports to regionalize districts.
Comments from the Public
Ms. Colas asked about the status of the NPEA Agreeement.
Future Agenda Items
Board Presentations
Policy Update
Fingerprinting Update
Adjournment
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Smith and unanimously approved to hold an executive session on February 18, 2009 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. Smith 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 8:40 pm.
The meeting re-convened to public session at 10:40 pm with the same members present.
Respectfully submitted,
APPROVED: Donald Sternberg
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