The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on April 1, 2009 at East End School, 170 Oneida Avenue, North Plainfield, NJ. Mrs. Bond-Nelson called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm and made the following announcement: In accordance with NJSA 10:4-10, required advance notice of this meeting was filed with the Borough Clerk; submitted to the COURIER NEWS, STAR LEDGER, AND Comcast; posted at Watchung School, Borough Hall and the North Plainfield Public Library. Following the Pledge of Allegiance.Mrs. Bond-Nelson requested the call of the roll:
Thomas Allen Drew Elliott Smith
David Branan Nancy Szaroleta
Sandra Dodd Linda Bond-Nelson
Kathleen Mullen
A quorum was established
Also present were Dr. Marilyn Birnbaum, Superintendent of Schools; Donald Sternberg, Board Secretary/School Business Administrator; and Dr. Robert Rich, Assistant Superintendent, as well as, Nora Rivera, Student Representative and approximately 37 members of the staff and public
Introduction of New Staff
There was none.
Minutes Approval
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Bond-Nelson abstaining to accept the public session minutes of March 16, 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 March 16, 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 public session minutes of March 18, 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 March 18, 2009.
Comments from the Public
Upon request of the chair for topics from the public, John Langenbach expressed appreciation for the student who is volunteering as a member of the North Plainfield Rescue Squad. In addition, Mr. Langenbach asked a question about a student attending district schools who is not a resident. Dr. Rich responded that if the student is identified the District can respond appropriately.
Student Representative Report
Nora Rivera reported on various student activities some of which included the following:
The High School Drama Club Production of, “Little Shop of Horrors,” was a great success. The National Honor Society is organizing the Annual Book Drive. Senior/ Teacher Day took place on March 27th. The Annual District Arts Festival will be held on April 2nd at the High School at 6:30 pm. Music, art, drama and the practical arts will be celebrated with performances representing each school in the District. The American Drug and Alcohol Survey will be conducted from April 15th to 17th in the High School Cafeteria at 7:45 pm. The top ten students of the Senior Class will be honored at a Scholar/Teacher Dinner to be held on April 21st at 7:00 pm in the High School Library. The Senior Prom will be held on May 29th at L’Affaire.
Presentation
A public hearing on the 2009-2010 Proposed School District Budget was presented by Dr. Marilyn Birnbaum and Mr. Donald Sternberg.
Superintendent’s Report
Recognition/Public Relations
Staff
Ed Ostroff, director of operations, completed the course of study and passed the final examination to be certified as an Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Management Planner. This certification will translate into a realized savings for the district since we will not have to contract out for a consultant to prepare the mandatory three-year inspections. (The average cost today for this work is approximately $1000 per building.)
Dr. Marilyn Birnbaum, superintendent of schools, provided a presentation entitled “The Value of an Adult High School to a School District and Community” at the New Jersey Association for Lifelong Learning (NJALL) Conference on March 27, 2009.
Students
The following top ten students of the NPHS Class of 2009 along with the teachers who most influenced their lives will be honored at a Student-Teacher Recognition Dinner on April 21, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the NPHS media center:
Rossana Bertini Rengifo, Mary Elayne Leriche
Ashley Dunhamn, Nora Rivera
Noelle Hynes, Ramona Ross
Jayana Kenana, Daniela Velastegui
Julia Lake, Haojie Zheng
Schools
Somerset School
New York Jets “Eat Right, Move More” Program: The New York Jets Football Team, in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, is once again recognizing schools in New Jersey that have made significant changes to improve their school nutrition environment. Schools that show strong support and participation in the breakfast program, provide healthy choices in their meal menus, and demonstrate efforts to improve nutrition and physical activity amongst their students, are eligible to participate in the Jets sponsored “Eat Right, Move More” program. Out of 61 schools that applied, Somerset School has been selected as one of the five schools to participate in the New York Jets “Eat Right, Move More” program for the 2008-2009 school year. Somerset School will have an on-site visit from a New York Jets football player on April 15, 2009. The Jets player will meet with the students and discuss with them the importance of healthy eating and physical activity.
American Dance from Africa to Broadway Performed by The Okra Dance Company: On March 31, 2009, the fifth and sixth graders of Somerset School were treated to a spectacular musical lesson about the history of American dance, by the wonderfully talented Shani Borden and Kevin Gaudin, of the Okra Dance Company. Beginning with the movements, rhythms and words of the tribes of the African Congo, the highly talented “Shani and Kevin” presented, through a series of dances, the gradual transformation of American dance, from the days of slavery to the present time. The presentation was a cultural experience of the performance arts, as well as an important social studies lesson, as one performer narrated historical tidbits about dancers and the interweaving of steps from various cultures, while the other changed costumes.
NPHS
The NPHS Drama Club's production of Little Shop of Horrors, under the guidance of Leeanne Chiaramonte, advisor, was a hit. NPHS junior, Patrick Brockway and senior, Kathy Ramos were impressive and poignant in their lead roles as Seymour and Audrey, supported by Dondre Stuetley as Mr. Mushnik, Antoine Porter as the Voice of the Plant, Brandon Coy, who worked the inside of the plant and Kingsley Joshua as the dentist. "Little Shop" is one of the most challenging shows to produce, and special mention must be made of stage manager Emma Gambini and the entire crew who handled scene changes and props like professionals. Completing the aesthetic experience were the members of the nearly sold out audiences who offered the cast their full attention as well as their kind applause, exclaimed Tom Mazur, supervisor of fine, practical and performing arts.
Stony Brook School
Family Formal: On Friday night, March 20, Stony Brook School hosted the first Family Formal Event, which was sponsored by the PTA. For the unbelievable price of $10.00 per family, 189 students and parents were on hand for a night to remember. Dressed in their very best, families walked the red carpet, posed for a family photo and were then seated in the dining room (gym). Catering was provided by Leon's, and entertainment was provided by DJ, Nazir Baker, a sophomore at NPHS. He played many of Stony Brook's favorite songs such as "Cotton-Eyed Joe,", "The Electric Slide" and "The Macaroni" as the students and parents enjoyed an evening together of family fun.
Third and Fourth Graders Learn the Art of Speculative Writing: Dr. Hope Blecher-Sass, supervisor of language arts, social studies, and media services, returned to Stony Brook School on March 17 to continue her workshop series on writing. Students in grades 3 & 4 and all teachers & staff members were invited to attend the workshop on Speculative Writing. Dr. Blecher-Sass demonstrated many of the requirements of good writing skills that the children will encounter not only on their NJASK tests, but also in their journey as early writers. The students remembered that Dr. Blecher-Sass is a writer and author herself, and she was described as being "very intelligent and good at her job."
Safety First: "Safety First" is a priority at Stony Brook School, so many lessons are designed to promote this philosophy. Robert Meringolo, teacher and advisor to the Safety Patrol at Stony Brook, invited "Otto the Auto!" to Stony Brook for an assembly for grades K-2 on March 31, 2009. This assembly is sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Triple A, at no-cost to educational facilities in the area. "Otto" is a remote-controlled talking car that explains to the students traffic safety rules. Interacting verbally and through animated reactions, "Otto" teaches the importance of buckling seat belts, sitting in child safety seats, wearing bicycle helmets and looking all ways before crossing the street. Safety Service Manager, Ken Chursz and "Otto" travel to different schools and community events throughout the Mid-Atlantic territory promoting this very important message.
East End School
Kathy Herrmann, principal, and the first grade classes visited Diana VanHise’s music class and watched the fourth grade students perform a Russian dance on March 12. Ms. VanHise continues to support the geography theme through her music instruction. Not only are students learning songs from different parts of the world, but they are also learning traditional dances. Throughout the performance, the first graders were mesmerized at the outstanding performance of the fourth grade students.
On March 17, the first and third grade students were engaged throughout the day with another PTA sponsored workshop entitled Science Wizardry. The presenter, Rachel Bijaczyk from Somerset County 4H Club, conducted many experiments for the students. The students realized that often the audience believes what they are seeing is magic, but Ms. Bijaczyk explained and demonstrated that what they actually are seeing is science. The students learned a great deal at the workshop about cause and effect.
On March 19, Allison Longley, East End School’s Library Media Specialist invited Principal Herrmann, teachers and parents to the Media Center. The students presented a Readers’ Theater of the folktale, The Seven Chinese Sisters. Readers’ Theater provided students with the opportunity to practice public speaking as it integrated literature and drama. “The students did an outstanding job and were quite entertaining,” commented Ms. Herrmann.
On the evening of March 24, East End School hosted a Partners with Parents Workshop for the parents of the district’s ELL students and their families. ESL and World Language teachers from West End, East End, Stony Brook and Somerset Schools, under the direction of Diana Sefchik, director, designed a bilingual hands-on workshop for parents to learn strategies and skills to help their children succeed in school. Throughout the event, parents visited four different stations which were set up around the Community Room. Read aloud, math, homework and spelling stations were facilitated by teachers and were filled with ideas and materials that can be used at home. Francesca Cardona, Stefanie Myers, Mariluz Torres, and Monica Villafuerte developed and planned this important evening event to continue to collaborate and strengthen the importance of community involvement and participation in order to ensure student success. Also there to lend a helping hand were district staff members Miriam Andrews, Marilyn Pinto, and Marilyn LaMarca. During the presentation, children who attended with their parents were engaged in hands-on activities so that the parents could give their full attention to the program. At the end of the evening, each child went home with a backpack filled with books and school supplies. In addition, free raffles were held and parents received dictionaries, books, a Wal-Mart gift certificate and many other goodies. The PTA provided refreshments.
On March 24, teachers at East End School continued to strengthen as a learning community. Teachers representing all grade levels as well as specialized teachers voluntarily joined a lunchtime study group to learn and discuss more about Writers’ Workshop. The group will meet once a week to share and learn from the Units of Study by Lucy Calkin and continue to implement strategies to support student writing.
West End School
The West End School Smile Train Show went Country Western this year! Under the direction of Buzzy Durkin, kindergarten teacher, the West End Service Club sponsored the sixth annual Smile Train Show on March 25, 2009. Over 250 West End students, parents, and teachers participated in this event and performed to a sold out audience in the high school auditorium. Focusing the show on the theme “The Smile Train at the Grand Ole Opry,” children performed song and dance routines to music that celebrated our great country western heritage. Simultaneously, the project emphasized the great work children can do for those in need when given the opportunity.
Beth Sobel, West End School principal noted,” Each year our staff members join together with the parents, children, PTA, West End alumni, and members of the community to put the show together. Rehearsals started in January four mornings a week at 7:45 a.m. until show time and all the time and effort paid off because the show was outstanding.”
While this project began six years ago with the goal of one single SMILE, West End School is responsible for changing the lives of over 125 children around the world. West End continues to be the school most devoted to Smile Train kids around the world! “Our goal last year was to reach our 100th smile and we did that and more! This year, with the help of our School Nurse’s Lollipop Sale, the First Grade Healthy Snack Sale, March Madness proceeds, and many individual donations, we reached our 125th Smile! We are very proud to be a Smile Train School,” expressed Ms. Sobel.
District
The North Plainfield Senior Citizen Club was thoroughly enchanted by the impressive fourth grade singers from West End School, under the direction of Jonathan Scott and Wendy Alvarez on March 31, 2009. The seniors were a captivated audience, and many could be observed tapping their toes and drumming their fingers as members of the NPHS Band also performed their usual rhythmic selections. Afterward, Tom Mazur, supervisor of the district’s fine practical and performing arts program, was approached by many senior citizens who did not merely thank him for the entertainment but were sincerely moved by the positive display of decorum and joyful music. Mr. Mazur invited the seniors to the District Arts Festival on April 2, 2009, and also to participate in the May 15 "Step Up for the Cure," informing them of the volunteerism and charitable activities of North Plainfield’s students.
DISTRICT OPERATIONS & AUXILIARY SERVICES
SAFETY TRAINING
The safety topic for March was vehicle safety. Related safety training was conducted with all staff members on March 18, 2009. Fire Safety will be April’s topic.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Safety Committee
The re-establishment of a District-Wide Safety Committee is nearly complete, with committee planning to hold a meeting shortly. The goal of this committee will be to increase safety awareness, review procedures, and review accidents and injuries.
Quality Initiative
The district’s newly implemented Quality Initiative is now in place. This initiative was created to enhance the custodial program. This initiative includes additional building inspections, targeted training, and the introduction of a new quality control form being completed by the principals or their respective designees.
Asthma Friendly Schools
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) 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.
GRADUATION 2009
This year’s graduation exercises will be held on Lower Krausche Field. The change of location was necessitated by the projected start date of the new Upper Krausche Field. This new field, funded by a grant from the Somerset County Freeholders, will take approximately twelve weeks to complete.
In an effort to make this year’s graduation a success, the following improvements are planned for Lower Krausche Field:
Overseed the entire field area to stimulate turf growth.
Repave lower entrance area including the driveway.
Paint and trim work on both storage buildings.
Rehabilitate the existing spectator bleachers.
Provide general clean-up and other improvements as necessary.
Seal coat the asphalt pad located on the south end of the field.
Repair fencing and install a top cap as needed.
Remove stumps and debris from the lower field bank.
Paint exterior doors and trim on the rear of NPHS.
Paint exterior doors and trim on the maintenance shop.
Rent twelve hundred chairs for increased spectator seating.
DISTRICT OPERATIONS
In addition to completing routine work orders, the maintenance personnel continue to complete a number of in-house projects. The following projects have now been completed:
High School – Electrical service to the hallway display case.
High School – Relocation of a Supervisor’s Office to the Library.
High School – Sheet rock repairs and painting in several areas.
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 the 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 our 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 the passage of the district’s budget and ongoing discussions with Facilities and Finance Committee.
**This project is dependent upon the actual cost of bids received for the West End Boiler and Heating System Replacement Project. If sufficient funds remain, we will move forward with this project.
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
Repairs to several windows in the High School and Middle School.
Installation of new air conditioners in home economics rooms.
Installation of additional exterior cameras around the building.
Upgrades to the Energy Management System.
EAST END SCHOOL
Window Replacement (11). Installation scheduled for spring break.
HARRISON CAMPUS
Creation of a file storage room in the basement of the Harrison School.
STONY BROOK SCHOOL
Boiler section replacement on one boiler.
WATCHUNG BUILDING
The creation of a secure file storage area adjacent to the Board meeting room.
DISTRICT WIDE IMPROVEMENTS
Upgrades to the Energy Management System.
Correction of Safety Deficiencies as noted in our Safety Audit.
DISTRICT WIDE INITIATIVES
District-Wide Energy Savings Project. Planning Stage.
Correspondence
Invitations were received as follows:
NPEA Retirement Dinner, May 5, 2009
Invitation to “Eat Right Move More” Porgram
Committee and Delegate Report
Board/Staff – No meeting
Communications – No meeting
Curriculum – May meeting date to be set
Finance & Facilities- No meeting
Policy-No meeting
Negotiations-No meeting
NJSBA-No report
SCSBA-No report
SCESC-Mrs. Mullen mentioned discussion of the Ed Services’ High School Program
Old Business
In regard to the Board Retreat scheduled for 4/23/09, Mrs. Bond-Nelson distributed self-evaluation forms which are due on 4/15/09 and a proposed agenda.
The Board meeting of April 15, 2009 has been re-scheduled to April 22, 2009. There will be a special meeting of the Board on April 27, 2009.
New Business
Recommendations from Superintendent of Schools
Personnel
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 for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Alice Firgau as the graduation rehearsal and graduation ceremony pianist for the adult high school at the stipend of $350.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education grant Rheanna Andersen, elementary teacher at West End School, an unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act from September 5, 2009 through November 27, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the non-certificated staff indicated below be paid for graduate courses taken between September and December 2008:
Name Course Hrs Paid Reimb.
Zoraide P. Cruz Spanish Civilization I 3 $926.77 $695.08
(Secretary/HS) Psychology of Adolescence 3 $926.77 $695.08
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Elizabeth Brush, elementary teacher at West End School, effective July 1, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of F. David Faherty, academic support teacher at NPHS, effective July 1, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Kathryn Rizzi, social studies teacher at NPHS, effective July 1, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Lisa Morra, school counselor at East End School, effective July 1, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education accept with regret, the resignation of Theresa A. Moroney, academic support 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 appointment of the following staff members to work during spring central registration in April and June 2009, for the hours/hourly rates indicated:
Registration Clerks – $19.00/hr
Madelaine Colas Up to 15 hours
Zoraida Parra Up to 15 hours
Evelyn Pereira Up to 15 hours
Nurses - $43.88/hr (to be adjusted in accordance with negotiated Agreement)
Beth Fetchko Up to 15 hours
Patricia Glen Up to 15 hours
Shirley Kraus Up to 15 hours
Miriam West Up to 100 hours
Counselors - $43.88/hr (to be adjusted in accordance with negotiated Agreement)
Joan Graham Up to 15 hours
Melissa DeCos-Palma* Up to 15 hours
*Stipend partially covered by NCLB FY’09 Title III funds
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of Danielle Palmieri as advisor for the Junior National Honor Society at the 2007-2008 stipend of $700, to be prorated effective April 1, 2009, and to be adjusted in accordance with the negotiated Agreement.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education employ the following staff members to teach after school professional development courses at a rate of $30 per hour for a total of six hours to be funded with NCLB FY’09 and/or local funds, to be paid at the conclusion of each course as follows.
Name Course Amt. Funding Account No.
Anthony Della Rosa Technology Training $180 Title I 20-232-200-100-14-00
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education adjust the hours of Deborah DeSotelle, temporary paraprofessional working with the Fast ForWord program at West End School, from 3.0 hours per day to 3.25 hours per day, effective April 2, 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 Mildred Colon, substitute paraprofessional, as a temporary paraprofessional working with the Fast ForWord program at West End School for 3.25 hours per day, at the hourly rate of $19, effective April 2, 2009 through June 19, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education adjust the hours of Jennifer Dimen, temporary paraprofessional working with the Fast ForWord program at Somerset School, from 4.0 hours per day to 3.0 hours per day, effective April 2, 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 Virginia Gifford, substitute paraprofessional, as a temporary paraprofessional working with the Fast ForWord program at Somerset School for 4.0 hours per day, at the hourly rate of $19, effective April 2, 2009 through June 19, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education adjust the previously approved unpaid leave of absence granted to Tara Mattielli, elementary teacher at West End School, as follows:
From:
Unpaid leave of absence under Disability period using sick days:
3/9/09 – 3/16/09
Unpaid leave of absence under Disability period: 3/19/09-4/17/09
To:
Unpaid leave of absence under Disability period using sick days:
3/9/09 – 3/16/09
Unpaid leave of absence under Disability period: 3/17/09 – 4/26/09
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the certificated staff members indicated below be paid for graduate courses taken between November 2008 and March 2009:
Name Course Hrs Reimb. Paid
Roseann Caruso Early Childhood Assessment 3 $1545.00 $1158.75
(Comp.Tech/WE) Strategies
Mary Krause Practicum in Secondary 3 $1215.00 $ 911.25
(Math/NPHS) School Administration
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the employment of Scott Six as the accompanist for the NPHS spring choral rehearsal and concert on May 19, 2009, at the stipend of $150.
Curriculum, Instruction, and Pupil Services
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for non-classified student HI-23-08-09 for up to five hours per week to be provided by district and/or Somerset County Educational Services Commission staff effective March 24, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for non-classified student HI-24-08-09 for up to five hours per week to be provided by district and/or Somerset County Educational Services Commission staff effective February 20, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for identified student HI-17-08-09 for up to ten hours per week to be provided by staff at Princeton House Behavioral Health Services of North Brunswick, New Jersey, effective March 19, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for identified student HI-25-08-09 to be provided by district and/or Somerset County Educational Services staff for up to ten hours per week effective March 6, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve out-of-district placement of classified student XXXXX-08-09 at Celebrate the Children School in Wharton, New Jersey at the cost of $49,536 per year, to be prorated effective April 2, 2009. Transportation will be required.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve classified student ATE-05-08-09 receive an assistive technology evaluation to be conducted by Bergen County Special Services at the cost of $795.
Finance, Purchasing, Facilities and Agreements
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve payments from the Cafeteria Account and the Adult School Account in accordance with the attached list dated April 1, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the following field trips:
Field trip on April 3, 2009 for 8th grade students to attend the PSE&G Greenfest at the Garden State Exhibit Center. Students will see presentations on organic gardening. There will be no cost for this trip. Students will be transported on a district vehicle.
Field trip on April 15, 2009 for 8th grade students to attend the Trenton State House Express Program where students will see State government in action. There will be no cost for this trip. Students will be transported on district vehicles.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that Board is authorizing HACBM to be the architect for the West End and Harrison Schools HVAC replacement projects.
That the Board of Education hereby appoints HACBM to provide architectural and engineering services for the West End and Harrison Schools HVAC replacement projects. Contracted amount for all services provided shall not exceed $184,215.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education appoint Edward Ostroff, director of operations and auxiliary services, as the district’s Management Planner for AHERA and authorizes him to prepare and submit all necessary documents for compliance with all regulations relating to same.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the contract with Trebron Company, Inc. for the use of internet security product “Sophos” to include content filtering, span filtering, and antivirus control at a cost of $12,188.67 per year, for a total contract price not to exceed $36,566.00.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Kathleen Mullen - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Borough of North Plainfield hereby adopts the following school district budget for the 2009-2010 school year:
General Fund $ 53,890,319.00
Special Revenue Fund $ 2,363,679.00
Debt Service Fund $ 1,388,941.00
Total Base Budget $ 57,642,939.00
And be it further resolved, that the following amounts be raised from taxes:
General Fund $ 25,814,619.00
Debt Service $ 1,367,940.00
Additionally as per NJAC 6A:23B-1.2(b), the proposed budget provides for a maximum expenditure amount that may be allotted for travel and expense reimbursement. The 2009-2010 tentative budget includes maximum travel appropriation of $80,000. The School Business Administrator shall track and record these costs to insure that the maximum amount is not exceeded. Included in the 2009- 2010 proposed budget is a maximum regular business travel as follows: Administrators: $5,000, Facility and Staff: $1,500, Board of Education: $2,000. And additionally, that the Board of Education adopt the following travel amounts:
Amount spent for travel and conferences as of March 31, 2009: $36,749
Amount Established for Travel and Conferences 2008-2009: $80,000
Amount Established for Travel and Conferences 2009-2010: $80,000
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education authorize the full complete payment of the annual PERS district obligation in the amount of $363,558 in the current school year as budgeted.
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
There were none.
Comments from the Public
John Langenbach discussed crossing guard responsibilities and mentioned some positions were cut by the Borough several years ago.
John Fellin asked about Maschio’s letter to parents regarding outstanding balances.
Mr. Sternberg mentioned changes were made.
Future Agenda Items
Board Presentations
Central Jersey Championships
Fast For Word
Adjournment
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to hold an executive session on at April 22, 20009 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 10:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
APPROVED: Donald Sternberg
