|
The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on March 18, 2009 at Watchung School, 33 Mountain Avenue, North Plainfield, NJ.
Mr. Branan 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. Mr. Branan requested the call of the roll:
Thomas Allen - arrived 7:45 pm Drew Elliott Smith
David Branan Nancy Szaroleta
Sandra Dodd Linda Bond-Nelson – absent, notified
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, and approximately 5 members of the staff and public
Introduction of New Staff
There was none.
Minutes Approval
Mrs. Dodd moved, seconded by Mrs. Szaroleta and approved by a vote of 4 to 0 with Mr. Smith abstaining to accept the public session minutes of March 4, 2009.
Mrs. Dodd moved, seconded by Mrs. Szaroleta and approved by a vote of 4 to 0 with Mr. Smith abstaining to accept the executive session minutes of March 4, 2009.
Financial Report
Mrs. Dodd moved, seconded by Mrs. Szaroleta and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the list of bills and payrolls dated in the amount of $5,071,877.58.
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Kathleen Mullen - Aye
Mrs. Dodd moved, seconded by Mrs. Szarolet and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education accept the monthly financial reports of the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary and the Treasurer of School Funds, for the month of January 2009, and further recommends in compliance with NJAC 6:23-2.11(B), that the Board of Education certify that to the best of their knowledge no major account or fund has been over expended and that as of this report sufficient funds are available to meet the district’s financial obligation for the remainder of this fiscal year.
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Kathleen Mullen - Aye
Comments from the Public
Upon request of the chair for topics from the public, there were none.
Student Representative Report
Nicole Rivera was absent.
Presentation
There was none.
Superintendent’s Report
Students
On March 5, Cathy Kobylarz, principal of Stony Brook School, proudly presented eighteen of the third and fourth grade students with the second marking period's Honor Roll Awards. The following students were given academic recognition: Caprice Adams, Elmer Guevara, Radha Patel, Naica Sanon, Lance Evans, Noran Zaher, Sigrid Soto, Esteban Vaca, Grace Tapia, Amilyan Boyd, Joselynne Castellanos, Nikita Forrester, Chris Nice, Benjamin Stoudt, Adrianna Baker, Victoria Kisling, Channell Martinez and Aurelia Polly. Each student received an Honor Roll certificate, a gift certificate to Applebee's Restaurant for a dessert treat and an Honor Roll pencil.
The following students were recognized and earned awards at the March 17, 2009 Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) annual inspection:
EXEMPLARY PERSONAL APPEARANCE
1 ALFARO ANTONIO 11 GUITERREZ YESENIA 21 RAMOS GERARDO
2 ALTAMIRAN DANIEL 12 HARRIS JASMINE 22 RIVERA KEVIN
3 COLE NATASHA 13 HERNANDEZ RAAEL 23 SMITH DANNY
4 DABREO STEVEN 14 HERRERA RICKY 24 SMITH MICHAEL ALLEN
5 DAVIES KEVIN 15 LUNA GABRIELLA 24 ZAPATA MARIA
6 GAMBINI EMMA 16 NEVIUS TAZMIERAH 25 VALENCIA DANIELLA
7 GARCIA ZOILA 17 NICHOLSON JASON
8 GONZALEZ CHARLES 18 PENA JESSICA
9 GONZALEZ CARLOS 19 PEREZ RODRIGO
10 GUEVARA HENRY 20 QUILES DORIEN
ACADEMIC RIBBON/HONOR ROLL
APONTE DANIELLE MEDINA MILTON
BERMUDEZ MANUEL PENA JESSICA
GAMBINI EMMA QUINONES ABE
GARCIA ZOILA RAMOS GERARDO
GONZALEZ CARLOS RANA RUKHSAR
HARRIS JASMINE SMALL ASHLEY
LINARES VIKKI
SEAMAN APPRENTICE CPO LT
ABREU DERECK APONTE DANIELLE GAMBINI EMMA
ACOSTA DARWIN BRAVO NICOLE
GONZALEZ CARLOS WILLIAMS JW
HARRIS JASMINE
LOPEZ DAYANARA
NEVIUS TAJMIERAH LCDR
ORTIZ JUAN
WOIENSKI KELLY RAMOS GERARDO
SEAMAN
VALENCIA DANIELLA
SMITH DANNY
CADETS OF THE MONTH
OCTOBER RAMOS GERARDO
NOVEMBER NICHOLSON JASON
DECEMBER ALTAMIRANO DA
JANUARY WILLIAMS JW
FEBRUARY BRAVO NICOLE
NPHS
On March 17, 2009, North Plainfield High School's Navy JROTC had its annual inspection, headed by Area Manager, Commander Joe Hankins, inspecting the program and each of our cadets. As part of the process, the cadets performed before an audience of parents/guardians; representatives of American Legion, AMVETS, and VFW; Jerard Stephenson, principal; and Dr. Marilyn Birnbaum, superintendent. In addition, Commander William James Dooley and First Sergeant Timothy Hinger presented Navy awards to those cadets who had outstanding performance. Commander Dooley remarked, “We are very proud of our cadets! They have come a long way since last year. This year, seventeen of our cadets made the honor roll. As of today, we have 90 cadets, well within our requirements, our senior cadets have earned over 1 million dollars in military scholarship offers, and it appears that 55% of our senior cadets will be going to college, 39% have or will join the military, and 100% will graduate in June. This year our motto has been 'Cooperate and Graduate,’ and it appears that is exactly what we are doing!”
The French Honor Society held a French Cafe Valentine's Day fundraiser on February 11. Students gathered to enjoy delicious desserts made by some of the members and purchased Valentine's cards in the French language. On March 24, members will be visiting the Princeton University Art Museum on the campus of Princeton University for a guided tour of French art masterpieces and sculpture followed by lunch at a restaurant.
Interact Club has been busy helping their sponsoring Rotary Club raise money! Every year Rotary members, with the help of the NPHS Interact Club, sell refreshments at home Rutgers basketball games. This season the Interact members helped raise funds at four home games by selling popcorn, Churros, Dippin' Dots and many other refreshments. The proceeds from the sales are used for scholarships given to graduating seniors from North Plainfield and Plainfield High Schools. Also this winter the Interact Club has been helping serve food at the NP food bank. On Thursday, March 12, 2009, the Interact Club also hosted a special guest speaker who spoke to the club about a new project geared at combating hunger. In addition, Interact has several service engagements lined up for the spring including assisting at a Stony Brook school function, a fun fundraiser to raise money for our newest project ,and further work with the Ronald McDonald House. Interact will also continue to work with their sponsoring Rotary club at the annual Rotary Track Meet in June.
The Peer Leaders have currently been proposing a plan to accomplish their long term goals for the school year. The members have been divided into two groups. One group has been planning the implementation of a buddy system with middle school students. This buddy system will be established as a means of guidance and counseling for the younger individuals. The second group has been planning a proposal for a field day type of activity which they want to accomplish later in the year. At the last meeting the members also showed interest in working within the community in some manner. The members are currently reviewing possibilities and are to present their interests at the upcoming group meeting. The group also plans to participate in "Relay for Life" to raise money and awareness for cancer.
Stony Brook School
The first edition of this year's Stony Brook School Newspaper, The Stony Brook Express '08-'09, rolled off the presses this week with numerous articles written by the students. The newspaper's advisors, Megan Hendrickson and Carla Basile, work with their team of reporters to gather important facts and information and report back to the staff and students. Articles in this edition include "Barack Obama" by Amilyan Boyd; "The Spanish Heritage Celebration " by Sigrid Soto and Esteban Vaca; "Computers with Ms. Caruso," "Welcome, Ms. Ferraino!" and "Reading with Ms. Bonner" written by Joselynne Castellanos; "Keep the Earth Clean" by Victoria Kisling and Aurelia Polly; "Goals with Mrs. Kobylarz" by Nikita Forrester; "Stars in the Sky" by Melissa Vera; and "Safety First, Safety Patrol" by Stephanie Moreno. The newspaper also features upcoming events, word finds and hidden pictures.
East End School
On March 5, Rachel Bijaczyk from Somerset County 4H Club presented a workshop entitled, Math-a-magician. Ms. Bijaczyk worked with each fourth grade class and engaged the students in problem-solving activities. Students used manipulatives and worked both collaboratively and independently to solve the problems. She also provided students with different problem-solving strategies.
Due to the snow day, Read Across America was changed from March 2 to March 6. Allison Longley, East End School’s Library Media Specialist, facilitated this special day. Many special guest readers participated and read to the students. In fact, some guest readers participated in Readers’ Theater which was facilitated by Ms. Longley. Guests included Meredith Hoyer, North Plainfield Public librarian; Tom Mazur, Supervisor of Fine, Practical, and Performing Arts; Captain Frank D’Amore, North Plainfield Fire Department; Patricia Marseglia, Math and Science Supervisor; and Mayor of North Plainfield, Michael Giordano. The PTA provided refreshments for all. The event culminated with a “blurb” in the Courier News.
On March 3, East End School’s PTA provided the second grade students with an in-class workshop entitled, What’s Matter? Students learned about the different states of matter and engaged in hands-on activities where they could see for themselves the different states of matter. This workshop continues to support the science curriculum.
Maschio’s, the district’s food service provider, met with East End School’s Food Advisory Committee, which is comprised of selected students, parents, and staff. Samples of new foods that can be added to the menu were sampled. As the foods were tasted, the participants completed a questionnaire. The comments will be reviewed by Maschio’s. Those in attendance enjoyed the experience as Maschio’s continues to strive to work collaboratively with East End in order to provide students with nutritious meals.
East End students participated in Jump Rope for Heart on March 5, 2009. Jump Rope for Heart is a national educational fund-raising program that is sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Students are sponsored and then jump rope in order to raise money for the American Heart Association. The event was held during each child’s physical education period and was facilitated by Kathy Senna along with John Malazdra, East End School’s physical education teachers. Ms. Senna also spoke during the morning announcements over a period of three days to educate students on the importance of good nutrition and exercise. East End School raised $2,100.
West End School
The Sixth Annual Smile Train Show is on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m., in North Plainfield High School auditorium. Since the show is always sold out, please notify Beth Sobel, principal, if you need a ticket. This year the show has a cowboy theme so put on your boots and be ready for an evening of song and dance and many smiles!!
Coins That Count Project: The purpose of Coins that Count was to combine character education and academics...in this case, math and social studies. Letters explaining the project and baby food containers were sent home with each kindergarten student explaining that West End School was collecting spare change to use in class as a learning tool and would later donate the change to Pennies for Patients to show that kindergartners CARE about others. The kindergarten character trait is caring. In the beginning of February students brought in their containers, many of which were completely full! For a week, teachers used the coins for math lessons on identifying coins, creating patterns, and a variety of counting methods. To take it a step further, teachers also used the coins to lead into an explanation of Presidents’ Day as well. All the coins were collected, counted, and donated to Pennies for Patients. "We are very proud of our kindergartners as they raised $184.00 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!" stated Principal Beth Sobel.
Otto the Auto: For three days, Otto the Auto visited with West End’s kindergarten, first, and second grade students. Otto is a remote controlled car that stands approximately three feet tall and "talks" to the children about staying safe by buckling seat belts, sitting in child safety seats, wearing bicycle helmets and looking all ways before crossing the street. This program is provided to schools by AAA. Many thanks to Robert Meringolo, special education teacher, for coordinating the arrangements to have Otto at West End School and many thanks to Marilyn Pinto, student liaison, for being at each of the assemblies, hosting Otto, and being the moderator for each showing.
First Grade Snack Sale: For their service learning project the first grade students and teachers held a healthy snack sale after school. The First Grade Snack Sale made $166.25 which will be donated to Smile Train. Many thanks to the first grade teachers and staff: Mindy Durkin, Kim Faszczewski, Theresa Knauer, Kourtney Karl, Christina Mundy, Lindsay Sena, Wendy Szymanski, Sharoll Truong, and Cori Williams.
West End’s Read Across America Celebration started in the community room with a building assembly. At the assembly the children learned all about Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. This was followed with a performance by West End’s own Seussical singers (Jon Scott, music teacher, and Sue Fordham and Wendy Szymanski, special education teachers) treating the students to two songs from the Broadway play, Seussical. Throughout the day, West End had over fifty guest readers. “It was so great to see so many of our friends and West End family members back in the building. Many, many thanks to our librarian, Marilyn LaMarca, for months of planning to bring us such an exciting day and coordinating so many guest readers. It was a huge job and she did it with ease. Amazing job! Many thanks to Sue Fordham for being The Cat once again ...you were purrrfect!” commented Beth Sobel, principal.
G&T
On the afternoon of March 16, a group of G & T students (grades 2, 3, 4) attended a program at the Somerset County Library in Bridgewater that tied in with some work the students have been doing this year. Art Explorations for Kids - Designing a Castle: The Architectural Accomplishments of Julia Morgan, was a wonderful program in which students were introduced to this remarkable woman who designed the Hearst Castle. Students had an opportunity to work corroboratively and build a structure of their own design! “I am pleased to tell you that I posted this program on my Inspiration website and had 10 children attend with their parents. Many brought siblings who attend North Plainfield schools, so in actuality, we had 17 students altogether! I took a lot of pictures that I hope to share with you! Although the program was scheduled for 4:30-5:30, the kids had such a great time imagining and creating that we stayed until a little after 6:00 to complete the designs! It was really wonderful to see them so excited and knowledgeable about topics we've studied together in class,” remarked Janet Darvin, G&T teacher.
DISTRICT OPERATIONS & AUXILIARY SERVICES
SAFETY TRAINING
The safety topic for March is “Vehicle Safety.” Related safety training will be conducted with all staff members on Wednesday, March 18, 2009.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Safety Committee: The reestablishment of a District-Wide Safety Committee is nearly complete. They are planning to hold the first Safety Committee Meeting before the end of March. The goal of this committee will be to increase safety awareness, review procedures and to review accidents and injuries.
Quality Initiative: Over the next few weeks, the district will be rolling out a Quality Initiative in an effort to enhance the custodial program. This initiative will include additional building inspections, targeted training and the introduction of a new quality control form to be completed by building principals.
Asthma Friendly Schools: The C.D.C. (Center for Disease Control) is in the process of restructuring the curriculum for the Tools for Schools Program. The Tools for Schools Program is a prerequisite to the Asthma Friendly Schools Program.
DISTRICT OPERATIONS
In addition to completing routine work orders, maintenance personnel continue to complete a number of in-house projects. The following projects have now been completed.
• High School – Conversion of the server room to a conference room.
• High School – Library improvements and conference room conversion.
PROJECT GRANTS
The following project grants have recently been approved for the North Plainfield School District. Please visit our website and click on the link to Operation’s for more information.
Somerset County Freeholders – Open Space Grant
The Somerset County Freeholders have approved the North Plainfield School District for a $1,000,000 Open Space Grant.
S.D.A./D.O.E. Construction Grant
The New Jersey School Development Authority, in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Education, have approved two grants totaling more than $1,200,000 for the replacement of boilers and heating system components at West End School and Harrison School.
Somerset County Energy Audit Grant
The North Plainfield School District has received a grant offered by Somerset County to audit energy usage.
2009-2010 CAPITAL PROJECTS (PROPOSED)
The following Capital Improvement Projects have been *tentatively selected for inclusion in the 2009/2010 School Budget:
• District – Exterior Doors, as needed.
• 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
• H.S. Auditorium Stage 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 and ongoing discussions with our Facilities and Finance Committee. The state aid figures for North Plainfield have not yet been released.
STATUS REPORT (Other Projects)
HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL
Auditorium Stage Lighting Upgrades. Now Slated for 2009/2010.
WEST END SCHOOL
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Specifications are pending.
HARRISON BUILDING
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Specifications are pending.
2008-2009 MAINTENANCE PROJECTS
STATUS REPORT
HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL
Upper Field Sound System Upgrades. On Hold at this time.
High School & Middle School HVAC upgrades. In Progress.
EAST END SCHOOL
Window Replacement (11). Installation is pending.
HARRISON CAMPUS
Modular T1, Floor Replacement. In Progress.
DISTRICT WIDE INITIATIVES
District-Wide Energy Savings Project. Planning Stage.
Correspondence
Letters were received as follows from:
Invitation for tickets to the NPHS Drama Club production of, Little Shop of Horrors.
Invitation for NPHS Scholar-Teacher Recognition Dinner – 4/21/09
Invitation for Gifted & Talented Parent Information Evening – 3/26/09
Committee and Delegate Report
The Board Staff Meeting was cancelled.
The Curriculum Committee had no meeting.
The Finance and Facilities Committee had no meeting.
The Policy Committee met at 6:30 pm this evening and reviewed the nepotism policy which was revised to exempt substitutes from the policy.
In regard to Negotiations. Dr. Birnbaum mentioned that the Administrators’ contract had been ratified.
NJSBA Delegate, Mrs. Szaroleta, mentioned that several pieces of legislation moved out of Committee for further action.
Mr. Allen commented that the SCSBA Student Recognition Dinner was a very nice event.
There was nothing to report from Mrs. Mullen, Somerset County Education Services Commission Representative.
Old Business
In regard, to the Board Retreat scheduled for April 23, 2009, a discussion will be held with Diane Morris, NJSBA Representative, and Linda Bond-Nelson and Ron Fisher to determine topics and the best format for discussion.
The Public Hearing on the Proposed 2009-2010 School District Budget will be held on April 1, 2009 at East End School at 7:30 PM.
Mrs. Dodd asked if the location for High School graduation was discussed with Seniors.
Mrs. Dodd also asked about restraint training.
New Business
Recommendations from Superintendent of Schools
Personnel
Mrs. Dodd moved, seconded by Mrs. Szaroleta and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of the following teachers as advisors for the co-curricular clubs/activities at the 2007-2008 rates indicated, to be adjusted in accordance with the negotiated Agreement:
Lynnell Thomas Young Orators Club Co-Advisor East End $555
Leslie Hansen Young Orators Club Co Advisor East End $555
Cori Goldberg American Sign Language Honor Society MS/HS $800
Cori Goldberg Sign Language Club MS/HS $800
Sara Spanner ESL Peer Tutoring Prog. Co-Advisor MS/HS $400
Elba Velazquez ESL Peer Tutoring Prog. Co-Advisor MS/.HS $400
Nancy Rodino After-School Book Club Co-Advisor Som. $400
Susan Kagan After-School Book Club Co-Advisor Som $400
Mrs. Dodd moved, seconded by Mrs. Szaroleta 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.
Mrs. Dodd moved, seconded by Mrs. Szaroleta and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the placement of Elizabeth Silvas, special education teacher at East End School working at the special substitute rate of $160 per diem pending certification, be placed on the MA Guide/Step 3 (3/3) at the annual salary rate of $47,490, to be prorated effective November 1, 2008.
Mrs. Dodd moved, seconded by Mrs. Szaroleta and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of the following individual to teach in the adult high school at the rate of $28 per hour:
Name Subject Est. Hrs.
Annemarie Manfredi Mathematics 50 hrs
Substitute
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education grant Lisa Chambers-Smith, LDTC, an unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act from one-half day on March 31, 2009 through April 19, 2009.
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education rescind the recommendation employing Bruce Bogle as lighting director for the spring musical production of Little Shop of Horrors.
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education appoint Dorian Parreott II as lighting director for the NPHS spring musical production of Little Shop of Horrors at the 2007-2008 stipend of $1370, to be adjusted according to the negotiated Agreement.
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the following teachers to work in the middle school after-school detention program at the rate of $25 per hour:
Patricia Bailey Roger Graubard June Troiano
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of the following individuals as K-12 district substitute teachers:
Corey Jones Nicholas Nardo
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the addition of the following co-curricular club/activity at the 2007-2008 rate indicated, to be adjusted in accordance with the negotiated Agreement:
Junior National Honor Society NPMS $700
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education adjust the step and salary of Nicole James-Pieters, speech language specialist, from MA/Step 8 to MA/Step 9 at the annual salary rate of $60,490.
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of the following individuals as temporary paraprofessionals working with the Fast ForWord Program at the rate of $19 per hour, effective March 23, 2009 through June 19, 2009:
Christy Thomas East End School 3.5 hrs/day
CB Bowman East End School 3.0 hrs/day
Jennifer Dimen Somerset School 4.0 hrs/day
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the following fall student teacher placement from Rutgers Graduate School of Education:
Student Teacher Class School Cooperating Teacher
Erena Russo Italian NPHS Assunta Scotto D’Abbrusco
Curriculum, Instruction, and Pupil Services
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for classified student HI-20-08-09 for up to ten hours per week to be provided by district and/or Somerset County Education Services Commission staff, effective March 19, 2009, pending appropriate placement.
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve an adjustment in out-of-district tuition for classified student BBBB-08-09 from $39,420 to $39,600 and from $4,417.80 to $6,600 for the Summer 2008.
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve a change in out-of-district placement of classified student JJJJ-08-09 from Children’s Developmental Center to Somerset Hills Academy, effective March 19, 2009 at the rate of $398 per day. Transportation is required.
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve payment of tuition for classified student TTTTT-08-09 to attend Cranford Alternative Program, at the cost of $39,825 per year (to be prorated), effective March 9, 2009. Transportation is required.
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for non-classified student HI-21-08-09 for up to five hours per week to be provided by UMDNJ staff, effective February 27, 2009 through March 6, 2009.
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for identified student HI-22-08-09 for up to ten hours per week to be provided by district and/or Somerset County Education Services Commission staff, effective March 20, 2009, pending child study team evaluation.
Finance Purchasing and Agreements
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that that the Board of Education gratefully accept a donation of $86.68 from Washington Mutual Bank, to be used by NPHS to support classroom instruction, school trips, etc.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen – Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen 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 March 18, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen – Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that that the Board of Education approve line item transfers in accordance with the attached list dated February 28, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen – Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education authorize the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary to advertise for bids and solicit quotations where necessary for the 2009-2010 school year for the following services, supplies and equipment:
1. Custodial Supplies 17. Food Service Management
2. Lumber Supplies 18. Photocopier Supplies & Equip.
3. Paint Supplies 19. Boiler and Burner Services
4. Adult School Brochure 4. Adult School Brochure 20. General Maintenance
5. Trash Removal 21. District Painting
6. Electrical, Plumbing Supplies 22. District Printing
7. Athletic Supplies & Equipment 23. Musical Instruments
8. Athletic Cleaning & Reconditioning 24. General Teaching, Art Supplies
9. Athletic Transportation 25. Fire & Intrusion Alarm Services
10. Phys. Ed Supplies & Equipment 26. A/V Supplies & Equipment
11. Vo-Tech Transportation 27. Science Supplies & Equipment
12. Fine Arts and Ind. Arts Supplies 28. Landscaping Services
13. Library Books, Periodicals 29. Technology
14. Library Supplies 30. Health Supplies
15. Office Supplies
16. Classroom Furniture
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen – Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the following field trips:
Field trip on May 8 and 9, 2009 for the High School Concert Band and Concert Choir to perform at the Music in the Parks Festival at Hershey Park, Pennsylvania. The trip cost of approximately $250 per person has been funded through fundraising events. Transportation services will be contracted.
Field trip on March 17, 2009 for High School students to attend the National Hispanic College Fair held at the The College of New Jersey from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. All costs of the program including transportation will be paid for by The College of New Jersey.
Field trip on March 31, 2009 for district performing arts students to present a program to the North Plainfield Senior Citizen Club at the Senior Citizen Center. Students will be accompanied by West End music teacher, Jonathan Scott, and NPHS music teacher, Dorian Parreott. Transportation services will be provided by district buses.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen – Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
The Board is authorizing HACBM to apply for grant funding as follows:
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve a resolution authorizing the Business Administrator and HACBM to accomplish all necessary steps to proceed with approval and grant submission as follows:
WHEREAS, the North Plainfield Board of Education (“Board”) has determined that the structural integrity of the Gym facility at the West End School building is in need of repair (“Project”); and
WHEREAS, this project has been identified in the Long Range Facilities Plan as several projects for the purpose of upgrading for code, accessibility, and relating to Health and Safety requirements; and
WHEREAS, the district intends to fund this project as “Other Capital Project” through the district Capital Project Fund and is seeking additional State Funding through the “R.O.D Grant” program; and
WHEREAS, the Board must now take all actions as directed by the Department of Education and any other authority in order to receive a determination and approval to proceed; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Business Administrator/ Board Secretary Donald Sternberg, along with HACBM is hereby authorized to submit and take all necessary action to obtain approvals for proceeding with the project, including the submittal of an application and related schematic drawing; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall be effective immediately.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen – Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education gratefully accept a donation of $166.34 from Target Corporation, to be used by NPHS to support classroom instruction, school trips, etc.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen – Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education extend the contract of the following pre-school providers to provide pre-kindergarten programs for eligible residents of North Plainfield:
Growing Tree Pre School
Holy Cross Nursery School
Taylor Learning
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen – Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Mullen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the following tuition rate to approved pre-school providers to offer pre-kindergarten programs for eligible students of North Plainfield as follows:
$4,920 per enrolled eligible child
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen – Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that upon the second reading of Nepotism Policy – 4112.8 the Board adopt the revised policy to include the exemption of the employment of substitute teachers from this policy.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen – Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Dr. Birnbaum discussed the proposed 2009-10 School District Calendar. The Board discussed the four-hour sessions in November for conferences.
Items moved from future Agenda
There were none.
New items requested to be placed on the Agenda
There were none.
Current Events in Education
Mr. Smith mentioned that a former North Plainfield student attended the inauguration of President Obama as a colorguard escort.
Comments from the Public
There were none.
Future Agenda Items
Board Presentations
Budget Presentation – April 1, 2009 – East End School
Central Jersey Championship Recognition
Fast ForWord – April 15, 2009
Adjournment
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Smith and unanimously approved to hold an executive session on April 1, 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. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Smith and unanimously approved to adjourn at 8:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
APPROVED: Donald Sternberg
|
