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The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on October 7, 2009 at Watchung School, 33 Mountain Avenue, North Plainfield, NJ. Mrs. Bond-Nelson called the meeting to order and made the following announcement: In accordance with NJSA 10:4-10, required advance notice of this meeting was filed with the Borough Clerk; submitted to the COURIER NEWS, STAR LEDGER, AND Comcast; posted at Watchung School, Borough Hall and the North Plainfield Public Library. Following the Pledge of Allegiance.Mrs. Bond-Nelson requested the call of the roll:
Thomas Allen Drew Elliott Smith – absent, notified
David Branan Nancy Szaroleta
Sandra Dodd Linda Bond-Nelson
Kathleen Mullen
A quorum was established
Also present were Dr. Marilyn Birnbaum, Superintendent of Schools; Donald Sternberg, Board Secretary/School Business Administrator; and Dr. Robert Rich, Assistant Superintendent, as well as, Nora Rivera, Student Representative and approximately members of the staff and public
Introduction of New Staff
There was none.
Minutes Approval
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to accept the public session minutes of September 16, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to accept the executive session minutes of September 16, 2009.
Comments from the Public
Upon request of the chair for topics from the public, there were none.
Student Representative Report
Cassius Ross reported on various student activities some of which included the following:
French Honor Society met on 9/30/09 to establish a meeting schedule and discuss a future trip to a French restaurant. Dance Club has begun meeting every Friday after school. ESL Tutoring Club is organizing for a tutoring schedule to begin the first full week of October. Chess Club met and discussed a meeting schedule and tournament dates. National Honor Society has scheduled a vote for officers. Canuckling staff has met to discuss this year’s issue theme. HOPE Club is meeting and is maintaining the HS gardens and will continue with plans for a fall planting.
Presentation
There was none.
Superintendent’s Report
RECOGNITION/PUBLIC RELATIONS
Students
Karla Menendez, NPHS Class of 2010, has been selected as a National Hispanic Recognition Program 2009-10 Scholar from the College Board. Karla is one of 5,000 students selected from a pool of over 200,000 nationwide to be recognized for this honor. The selection criteria include a minimum PSAT/NMSQT score for this region and at least a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Rossana Bertini-Rengifo, NPHS Class of 2009, has been chosen as an AP Scholar with Honor. This award is granted to a student who receives an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams
Latrice Antoine, NPHS Class of 2009, has been chosen as an AP Scholar. This award is granted to a student who receives grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams
Schools
NPHS
Canuckling: The 2009 edition of the Canuckling, the high school literary magazine, has won First Place with Special Merit from the American Scholastic Press scoring 970 points out of 1000. This issue also won the Silver Medal award from Columbia Scholastic Press Association.
NPMS
Lucille Davy, Commissioner, NJ Department of Education was the guest of honor at the NP Middle School "Back to School Night," September 30, 2009, 6:30 pm, NPHS auditorium. (Note: This is the first time in my 39 years of back to school nights in North Plainfield that the Commissioner of Education was a guest speaker at this event. In fact, I believe this is the first time that the Commissioner of Education has made a personal visit to North Plainfield Schools.) Executive County Superintendent Trudy Doyle accompanied the commissioner.
The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) was established to recognize outstanding middle school students. NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service. Once selected, a student is awarded the privilege of membership in our local chapter at a special induction ceremony. Our ceremony includes a candle-lighting component, during which the flame from the central candle (the lamp of knowledge) is used to light four candles, one for each of the four core values of the society. At the induction ceremony, new members are given symbols of their new membership. These symbols are a pin, card, and certificate. With induction, each member assumes certain obligations as outlined by the chapter and the national constitution. The chapter must conduct a service project for the school or community and see to the development of an individual service project for each member. In addition, regular meetings of the chapter are held monthly to conduct chapter business. The North Plainfield Chapter currently has eighteen ninth graders and thirteen eighth graders enrolled. The advisers are Danielle Palmieri and Dr. Debra Sheard.
West End, East End, and Stony Brook Schools
District Dictionary Distribution by the Rotary Club: On September 30, 2009 representatives from the Plainfield/North Plainfield Rotary Club distributed dictionaries to every third grader in each of the three elementary schools. Representatives included North Plainfield Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marilyn Birnbaum, past North Plainfield Mayor Janice Allen, North Plainfield Business Administrator David Hollod, and North Plainfield Police Chief William Parenti. The representatives spoke to the children about service learning and the role Rotary plays internationally and locally. As the classes were visited, the Rotarians talked about the importance of using a dictionary when reading and writing. They also pointed out the longest word in the English language, which filled two thirds of a page! “The dictionaries were well-received by the students. It was a wonderful lesson for the students to experience that an organization of people cared about them enough to come and give them something very valuable that will help them now and in the future,” commented Beth Sobel, West End School Principal.
West End School
WE Celebrate Celebration: West End’s first WE Celebrate Assembly for school year 09-10 was held on September 30. WE Celebrate is a monthly gathering to celebrate and recognize students and staff for their accomplishments and demonstrations of good character. The following students were recognized:
Fourth grader: Myles Heyward, for outstanding behavior and school spirit.
Second graders: Hannah Allphin and Olafade Omole for excellent work habits and outstanding behavior.
Summer Reading Celebration: The West End Wildcats Summer Reading Celebration was a huge success! Over seventy children reached the goal and were invited to the Build-A-Book Party. These children read twelve or more books this past summer! Some read as many as eighty books! At the Build-a-Book Party the summer readers created their own books and illustrated their stories with rubber stamps, foam shapes, stickers, markers and crayons. All of the children received a certificate and small prizes. Representatives from PNC Bank came and served refreshments and gave the children bags with goodies inside. A special note of thanks goes to West End’s Media Specialist Marilyn LaMarca and Student Liaison Marilyn Pinto who coordinated the Summer Reading Club and planned the celebration for the students.
Courier News Summer Reading: Thirty-four students and sixteen staff members from West End School participated in the Courier News Summer Reading Program and were recently recognized in a special section of the paper. The following staff members read twelve books: Marilyn LaMarca and Marilyn Pinto. Ten books were read by Eileen Faede, Keren Fonseca, Marianne Harris, and Tara Mattielli. Seven books were read by Dina Diaz, six books by Patricia Russell, and five books were read by Alan Adams, Lisa Cirillo, Cindi Crawford, Rosemarie Hansen, Pam Hughes, Kourtney Karl, Angela Roman, and Lindsay Sena.
Back to School Night—A Family Event! Traditionally Back to School Night is for parents only. At West End School it is a family event. To reflect the importance of family in improving one's education, the children invited their parents to Back to School Night. They participated together in hearing about the expectations and wonderful happenings that will be taking place in their (both parents’ and children’s) classrooms. It is West End’s belief that it takes a partnership between school and home to provide the best support system for children and that is the message West End is sending out to families by making Back to School Night a family event. The evening began with an Open House experience in the community room. The specialists set up a display about their area of expertise such as art, music, counseling services, academic support, health services, physical education and health instruction. Parents were able to meet and speak to the specialists and hear about their role in their child’s educational experience. The local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops also were there distributing information on membership as well as the PTA, North Plainfield Public Library and Tri-County Red Cross. Specific times were arranged for classroom visits during the evening in which the classroom teachers gave their own presentations.
Clean Hands Week: To recognize International Clean Hands Week, Barbara Walker, school nurse, presented three assemblies to the student body of West End School educating them in the proper way to wash their hands. She also spoke to the children about good hygiene and how to cover their mouths when coughing and sneezing. Ms. Walker also provided a packet for each classroom with activities to follow-up the information given at the assemblies.
Stony Brook School
Stony Brook School's Summer Reading Program: Stony Brook's Summer Reading Program's totals have been tallied and a huge congratulations to the following students who range from first to fourth grades. This group of eager readers read a combined total of over 400 books this summer: Amaya Shallo, Alexander Dayton, Joseph Cobo, Mariely Vargas, Elizabeth Ellis, Melanie Salazar, Joseph Zehetner, Zoey Salgado, Justin Boston, Luis Frese, Christopher Nice, Jennifer Mendoza-Yanex, Ryan Boland, NyAsia Gardner, Per Ankh Saica Bey, Melissa Vera, Radha Patel, Sebastian Palacios, Samantha Castro, Oluchi Nwanko, Jacquelin Nguyen, Ashlyn Murillo, Jason Pleitez, Mayerli Ordonez, Jasmine Negron, Regekah Narine, Destiny Nwanko, Audrey Aria-Justo, Brian Yumiguano and Melody Lui. Each child received a reading certificate from Stony Brook's Library and a free dessert from Applebee's Restaurant.
Back-To-School Night: On September 24, 2009, Stony Brook School welcomed all Stony Brook families to the annual Back to School Night program. The guest of honor that evening was Dr. Marilyn Birnbaum, superintendent of the North Plainfield Schools. From 6:30 to 7:00, families in grades K, 1 & 2 visited classrooms, met classroom teachers and learned about grade level expectations. A general assembly was held from 7:10 - 7:45 for all families. During this time, Principal Cathy Kobylarz introduced all staff members and then presented a technology based program explaining school rules, curriculum, and goals for the upcoming school year. The powerpoint included over fifty photos of students and staff! Leslie Castillo, Stony Brook’s new counselor, translated the presentation into Spanish. From 8:00 - 8:30 grades 3 & 4 held their classroom visitations. All special area teachers were available on the first floor with informational displays and handouts. Stony Brook's PTA, organized by Kim Wilson-McKay, offered families healthy snacks of water and granola bars.
East End School
East End School’s first PTA Meeting was held on September 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room. The meeting was advertised on the school’s website, as well as a phone message reaching out to the school community. The meeting was very well attended and individuals signed up to work on various committees throughout the year. A strong message was conveyed to the parents that their parent involvement is essential to student success and that working together, we will make a difference.
If you Give a Mouse a Cookie by Numeroff: Melissa Mejia, second grade teacher, read If you Give a Mouse a Cookie by Numeroff. Students learned about sequencing, cause and effect, and predicting. She then collaborated with Angie Workman, a parent of one of the students in Ms. Mejia’s class, who came into the classroom to demonstrate how to make chocolate chip cookies. Kathleen Herrmann, principal, attended the baking demonstration. Each child was called up to add ingredients or mix the batter. Students also learned about measurement which integrated math into the lesson. Ms. Workman took the batter home, baked the cookies, and returned that afternoon so the class could enjoy the treat.
Back to School Night: East End’s Back to School Night was held on September 22. Back to School Night provided parents/guardians with the opportunity to come together as a school community and meet with teachers as they learned about grade level expectations for their children. The community room was packed to capacity during the transition period, at which time Ms. Herrmann used a powerpoint presentation and addressed the audience. Around the perimeter of the community room, special teachers manned tables where they displayed their schedules, curriculum, handouts, etc. This provided parents with the opportunity to see and meet all special teachers in one convenient area. Moreover, through a collaborative effort between Ms. Herrmann and Diana Sefchik, supervisor of world languages, academic support, and ESL, NPHS students from the Spanish Honor Society volunteered to translate throughout the evening. “The staff was very pleased with the turnout and they look forward to continuing a strong partnership to ensure the success of the students” noted Ms. Herrmann.
Office Buckle and Gloria by Ratham: During one of Ms. Herrmann’s daily walkthroughs of the classrooms, she sat and listened to John Malazdra, physical education teacher, talk about safety to Barbara Curtis’ first grade class. While listening, Ms. Herrmann remembered a book entitled, Office Buckle and Gloria by Ratham, which was all about safety. She retrieved the book from the media center and read the story aloud to the students. Students also learned that the book won the Caldecott Medal. When the story was over, Ms. Herrmann suggested to Ms. Curtis that the students create their own safety tips, which they did the following day. Their work is displayed in the hallway outside the classroom for all to enjoy. The students learned a great deal about safety that day and reading the story aloud provided a literature/writing connection to Mr. Malazdra’s health lesson.
Melick’s Town Farm: On September 29, second grade teachers Lisa Gabriel and Melissa Mejia accompanied their classes to Melick’s Town Farm. Students learned how apple cider is made, picked their own apples, and went on a hayride. Teachers are planning other activities with their students to support the visit to the apple farm. They plan on dipping apples in chocolate, making apple sauce and tasting apple butter and apple jelly. Students also learned about an apple orchard, and what it takes to grow and harvest apples. Ruth Siegel and Deborah Lockley-Thompson, also second grade teachers, will visit Melick’s Town Farm with their students on October 1.
Somerset School
Somerset Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month: In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Somerset School is recognizing the contributions of Hispanic Americans. The departments have teamed up to plan various lessons and activities for our students. And many are already underway! In literacy, students are studying the works of authors such as Julia Alvarez, while the math and science departments are exploring Hispanic scientists and mathematicians. Teachers in physical education classes are also infusing literacy into their lessons by challenging students to research and write about famous Hispanic athletes. The art department has delved into the indigenous art of Mexico and Panama. Students are also studying the work of artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. However, drawing and painting should never be confined to the art room. Thus, the technology department has asked students to research famous Hispanics and create posters that will be displayed in the atrium for all to see. The Somerset library has always been invaluable in terms of providing resources for students as well as teachers. For Hispanic Heritage Month, Nancy Rodino, media specialist, has displayed many books that cover everything from cooking to folktales. In social studies students will read and respond to some Aztec, Peruvian, and Mayan myths for mythology unit.
The M.A.L.E.S (Mentoring and Learning Equals Success) Program is set to begin its second year at North Plainfield. The program is a subsidiary of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Theta Psi Lambda Chapter, National “Go to High School Go to College” initiative. The first meeting will be held on Friday, October 2, 2009 and will commence at 6:00p.m. The meeting will take place at Somerset School’s Community Room. The first meeting is specifically geared to all of the parents and guardians. This is an opportunity for everyone to meet the volunteer mentors of the program whose background and ages vary. Mentors range from undergraduates to retirees. Mentors have diverse academic backgrounds and careers and include attorneys, medical doctors, educators, and financial analysts, to name a few. The “kick off” meeting offers an opportunity for parents to eat and converse with others who grapple with some of the same issues.
The MALES program has been a huge success. The mentees participated in a variety of different academic and leadership programs, such as Leadership Development Institute at Saint John’s University, Student for a day at Ramapo College, W.E. B. Dubois Institute at Princeton University, and Regional Development Leadership Institute at Rutgers University.
Departments
Mathematics and Science
Learnia: Teachers in grades 3-8 will again be using Learnia to assess students against the NJCCCS in math and language arts. This is North Plainfield’s second year using this formative online assessment tool. Reports generated from last year’s testing will be analyzed by teachers in department meetings and Professional Learning Communities. The need to strengthen instruction in specific areas of these two important subjects will be evident, as will the areas in which we are already experiencing significant student growth during the school year.
With teacher input, homework guidelines for mathematics in grades 7-12 have been developed. Practice with new concepts is vital to success at all levels of mathematics. The guidelines are posted on the mathematics supervisor’s website and should be on teachers’ websites as well. Students will be expected to complete homework assignments at least four nights per week. Maximum values for determining marking period grades were also set.
Educere to the Rescue! Cheryl Lechtanski, NPHS science teacher, was instrumental in identifying a student who exhibited an interest in a science course not offered at NPHS. Recognizing that he was a candidate for Educere, the online course clearing house for the district, she has offered to oversee his progress on a course, as he is not the typical student who might want an advanced course, but an ESL 4 student and perhaps, more representative of the average student who might use this option for credit retrieval or home instruction.
The East End PTA requested a revival of the Math Fair, originally developed by Cathy Kobylarz, Stony Brook Principal and Mary Thomsen, LDTC, when they were teachers at East End. Meetings are underway to replicate one of the fairs run in 1995, with a Wizard of Oz theme. Parent volunteers will be active in helping East End teachers Sharon Egan, Jill Fogarty, Lisa Gabriel, Karen Lewis, Melissa Mejia, Mollie Mallett and Barbara Sobel develop and facilitate stations at which students in grades PK-5 will explore mathematical concepts that support and extend the elementary mathematics program. The fair is scheduled for October 20 during the school day for all students and in the evening for parents who wish to attend with their children. Follow the yellow brick road to East End’s Math Fair!
New textbooks are currently in use in several grades and courses including grades 6, 7, and 8 science. Professional development for these teachers in the best use of the new materials was offered by the publisher, Glencoe, on September 29 during the science department meeting. Teachers of physics, physics honors and environmental science are also using new textbooks and related technology for instruction in those courses.
Through a Bio-1WIRED grant, Raritan Valley Community College is facilitating and underwriting the costs of trips for fifty students to Liberty Science Center, along with participation in the LSC labs or participation in the Center’s “Live from…..Surgery Program.” Seventh grade students from selected classes in NPMS will attend on November 20; plans are underway to include fifty sixth grade students and fifty biology honors students in the future as well. North Plainfield is the only district taking advantage of this opportunity among Somerset County school districts at this writing.
DISTRICT OPERATIONS & AUXILIARY SERVICES
SAFETY TRAINING
The safety topic for September was “Equipment Operation.” Related safety training was conducted with all staff members on Wednesday, September 23, 2009. The safety topic for October is Electrical Safety.
HEALTH & SAFETY
H1-N1 (Pandemic Swine Flu)
The C.D.C. (Center for Disease Control) and W.H.O., (World Health Organization) are preparing to implement a full scale vaccination program. Clinical trials of vaccine are currently in progress with a projected release of early October. The target population, aside from school age children, continues to change. Updates will be issued whenever relevant information is released to the public.
In order to reduce our exposure to the H1-N1 Flu Virus, the district will continue to follow the directives listed below.
1. Routine cleaning that is normally completed using a multi-purpose cleaner will now be performed using an antibacterial disinfectant cleaner.
2. All staff members have been given a Swine Flu Fact Sheet that contains a number of safety precautions to prevent the spread of this virus.
3. We will continue to issue Safety Bulletins when procedural changes to our program are necessary.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION
In an effort to reduce the frequency of lost time accidents, a Safety Bulletin was issued to all district staff members regarding Building Safety & Code Compliance. The bulletin covers a number of topics including proper storage of items and furnishings that are not permitted in schools.
Additionally, we are currently preparing to reactivate our Safety Committee and a reorganization meeting will be scheduled in October.
CURRENT MAINTENANCE PROJECTS
Listed below are a number of Maintenance Projects that we are in the process of completing or scheduling.
• Painting of classrooms and offices at Harrison School.
• Completion of a storage room at Harrison School
• A new circulation area for the middle school main office
• Start up of all boilers and heating systems
• Siding replacement on the two Harrison modulars.
• Roofing repairs and gutter replacement at Harrison School.
• Installation of a surveillance system at East End School.
• New stall partitions in four faculty restrooms.
A complete listing of all of our summer maintenance and capital improvement projects can be viewed on our website. Please follow the link to District Operations.
CAPITAL PROJECTS
STATUS REPORT
HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL
Auditorium Stage Lighting Upgrades. The installation of the new dimmer panel and lighting console has now been completed. Several staff members are currently being trained on the operation of the new system.
WEST END SCHOOL
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Substantial completion was reached by August 28th as projected. The remaining work is being completed after normal hours and on weekends now that the new school year has begun. We anticipate a system start up prior to the issuance of this report.
Gymnasium Structural Repairs. The installation of a structural support skeleton has been completed. In order to open the gymnasium for the start of school, temporary flooring was installed. The district is currently reviewing proposals to complete the installation of new wood flooring for this project. The original contractor could not furnish a satisfactory sample. Therefore, a deduct amount to the contract has been agreed upon between the district and the contractor. We currently anticipate completion of this project by the end of October.
Baseball Field Installation. A baseball field has been installed in place of an existing softball field. The contractor is currently preparing to apply a herbicide to the infield to eradicate the current weed growth.
HARRISON SCHOOL
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Substantial completion was reached by August 28th as projected. The remaining work is being completed after normal hours and on weekends now that the new school year has begun. We anticipate a system start up prior to the issuance of this report.
EAST END SCHOOL
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Specifications for this project are nearing completion and we anticipate going out to bid in January. The project will be scheduled for completion over the course of next summer.
DISTRICT WIDE
Door Replacements. New exterior doors have now been installed at several locations by our contractor.
Energy Conservation. Specifications are currently being prepared for the replacement of gymnasium lighting and the installation of room lighting sensors for all schools. We anticipate the completion of the project during the upcoming school year.
Somerset County Energy Audit Grant. The North Plainfield School District received a grant offered by Somerset County to audit our energy usage. The audit is currently underway and we anticipate receiving the results within sixty days of completion.
Open Space Grant. The installation of our new turf field is continuing. The project is currently scheduled for substantial completion by October 9, 2009. Any remaining site work is expected to be completed by October 15th.
Correspondence
Letters were received as follows from:
Invitation from Green Brook Board of Education Regarding Regionalization Meeting – November 19: Ms. Bond-Nelson, Mr. Branan, Mr. Allen, Mrs. Dodd, and Mrs. Szaroleta will attend.
Thank you from Barbara Ahles
Letter from Elisa Salvamini
Committee and Delegate Report
Board/Staff – Dr. Birnbaum reviewed major topics discussed including H1N1, classroom safety, prohibited electronics in the classroom, AESOP, and lesson plans.
Curriculum – No meeting
Communications – No meeting however, Mrs. Szaroleta suggested a discussion of a realtors orientation.
Finance and Facilities – Mr. Brannan reviewed major discussion topics.
Policy – No meeting
Negotiations – No meeting
NJSBA-Advocate for federal education issues.
SCSBA – Nothing to report
SCESC- No meeting
Old Business
In regard to the use of Walnut Street, Mr. Branan mentioned the Planning Board’s consideration of closing Walnut Street. Board consensus is not in favor of closing Walnut Street.
A Joint Meeting of the Board and Borough Council is scheduled for October 26th with agenda items to include the Crystal Ridge Development, Walnut Street and recreation communication.
New Business
Recommendations from Superintendent of Schools
Personnel
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the Board member and/or staff conference and travel expenses as per the attached list.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education appoint the teacher(s) indicated on the attached list to teach after-school professional development courses at the rate of $30 per hour, with NCLB FY’10 and/or local funds, to be paid at the conclusion of each course.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the certificated staff indicated on the attached list be paid for graduate courses taken between May and August 2009:
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of Edgar Estrada as a volunteer assistant to the soccer coach.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the transfer of Madelaine Colas, Secretary III from East End School to West End School, effective December 2, 2009. (Ms. Colas will replace Dolores Parlato.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of the staff members indicated to teach in extended day programs at the rate of $35 per hour to be funded as per the attached list.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of James Fitzsimmons as a substitute paraprofessional at the rate of $19.80 per hour, effective October 8, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the following student teacher placement(s) from Kean University from March 15 through May 20, 2010.
Student Teacher Class/School Cooperating Teacher
Martin Dulak Art/NPHS Tammy Mackiewicz
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Malcolm Lash II as a temporary teacher of special education at Somerset School at the special substitute rate of $140 per diem for a teacher undergoing certification review, effective October 8, 2009 through December 1, 2009. (Mr. Lash will temporarily replace Allan Reading.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Lorena Santos as an instructional paraprofessional at Stony Brook School for 3.75 hours per day at the hourly rate of $19.80, effective October 12, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Andrea Torres as a substitute paraprofessional in the adult high school at the rate of $18.50 per hour.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of Theresa Zimmerman as an HSPA proctor for the adult high school at the rate of $29 per hour.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education grant Rheanna Andersen, elementary teacher at West End School, an unpaid leave of absence for child care purposes, effective November 28, 2009 through June 30, 2010.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education adjust the employment of Christine Birnbaum as a temporary elementary teacher at West End School, from September 1, 2009 through November 25, 2009 to September 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010, at the MA/Step 7 (8-10/10) annual salary rate of $54,010. (Ms. Birnbaum is temporarily replacing Rheanna Andersen.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve Elaine Viola, paraprofessional, at West End School, be paid for an additional nine hours (total) October – December to assist a classified student for after-school activities.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Amanda Vogler as an instructional paraprofessional at West End School at the rate of $19.80 per hour for 3.0 hours per day, effective October 26, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education rescind the recommendation to appoint Amy Six as co-advisor for the junior class.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve Nicole James-Pieters, speech specialist, be paid $450 for an additional required speech evaluation during the summer of 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of the following individuals as district K-12 substitute teachers:
Maha Elsheikh Erena Russo
Mayra Martinez Daniel Wilkins
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the transfer of Rebecca Rauch, instructional paraprofessional from East End School to West End School, effective October 12, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Joan Zeukas as a special education teacher at East End School at the BA/Step 7 (8-10/10) annual salary rate of $51,110, effective October 12, 2009, and that a contract to employ be issued.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of the individuals noted on the attached list to the coaching and advisory positions as indicated.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education grant Barbara Sobel, academic support teacher at East End School, an unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act, effective September 29, 2009 through October 9, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education grant Jason Lilly, elementary teacher at West End School, a five-day unpaid leave of absence, effective December 17 through December 23, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Larry Mays by Maschio’s Food Service, Inc., as a food service worker.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education adjust the guide and salary of Raul Sandoval, Jr., student liaison coordinator at Somerset School, from the BA Guide to the MA Guide/Step 7 (8-10/9) to reflect his attainment of a Master’s degree, effective September 1, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen to amend the previous motion to include the annual salary rate of $54,010. The amended motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education grant Fiorino DiMonte, custodian, an unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act, effective October 13, 2009 through October 20, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the following staff members be appointed to proctor PSAT testing on Saturday, October 27, 2009, at the rate of $29 per hour:
Patricia Bailey Nancy Reyes
Marcella Eldekki Andrew Risoli
Erin Jones
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Curriculum, Instruction, and Pupil Services
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for non-classified student HI-04-09-10 for up to five hours per week to be provided by district staff and/or Educere, effective September 28, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve classified student ATE-01-09-10 receive assistive technology training to be provided by Advancing Opportunities (formerly Cerebral Palsy of New Jersey) for up to 14 hours at the cost of $110 per hour for training and $55 an hour for travel.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve classified student OT/PT-53-09-10 receive an evaluation to be provided by Summit Speech School at the cost of $350 per evaluation for a total of $700.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve classified student ABC-01-09-10 receive behavior therapy analysis to be provided by Applied Behavior Consultant, LLC at the cost of $120 an hour for direct service and $60 an hour for writing programs, reports and interventions, effective October 8, 2009 for approximately two months as follows:
4 hrs/week – home programming
4 hrs/month – program coordinator monitoring
1 hr/month – clinic (family and coordinator meeting)
2 hrs/week – parent training
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for classified student HI-05-09-10 for up to ten hours per week, to be provided by district staff, effective October 1, 2009, pending completion of a re-evaluation and placement determination.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for classified student HI-06-09-10 for up to ten hours per week, to be provided by district staff, effective October 19-23, 2009 and November 23-25, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education enter into an agreement with the Watchung Borough Board of Education to provide educational services for special education student RS-01-09-10 (Received Student) to attend East End School at the rate of $23,000 for the school year.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve classified student ATE-02-09-10 receive assistive technology training to be provided by Bergen County Special Services for up to 6 hours at the cost of $125 per hour for training and $50 an hour for travel, effective October 8, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve classified student WWWWW-09-10 attend Montgomery Academy at the cost of $46,110.60 per year. Transportation will be required.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the summer of 2009, the Board of Education approve payment of tuition for classified student VVVVV-09-10 who attended Harbor Haven at the cost of $6,020 for a five-week extended school year program, from July 6, 2009 through August 7, 2009. Transportation was provided.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for non-classified student HI-07-09-10 for five hours per day to be provided by district staff or Educere, Inc., effective October 13, 2009 through October 19, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the services of Dynamic Therapeutic Services to provide speech therapy services at the cost of $107 per hour for up to seven hours per day for five days per week.
Finance, Purchasing, Facilities and Agreements
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education authorize the Business Administrator/Board Secretary to sell or dispose of the following obsolete/irreparable equipment:
IBM Correcting Selective III typewriter – NPHS/Room 206
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education authorize the disposal of the following textbooks:
Title Cpyrt Manner of Disposal
Science Plus: Technology and Society (Gr. 7) 2002 Offer for sale to used books companies*
Science Plus: Technology and Society (Gr. 7) 1993 Discard
Science Plus: Technology and Society (Gr. 8) 2002 Offer for sale to used books companies*
Science Plus: Technology and Society (Gr. 8) 1993 Discard
Environmental Science 1996 Discard
Physics 1998 Discard
Conceptual Physics 1993 Disposal
*If books are not accepted by used book companies, they will be listed on the NJDOE used textbook website, in accordance with State law.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the following special education transportation jointure with the Union County Educational Services Commission for summer transportation services for the 2009-2010 school year:
Route No. Contractor Destination Pupils Cost
008SR Amaker & Porterfield Deron I 5 $5,296.90*
036SR Pegasus Transp. Crossroads 1 1,144.00*
048SR B&T Transp. Deron II 2 4,368.00
080SR Sijz Transp. Childrens Ctr Mnmth 1 7,896.10*
104SR School Tyme Transp. Childrens Ctr Mnmth 2 6,911.00*
174SR Pegasus Transp. Westlake 1 1,560.00*
217SR K&S Transp. CPC Highpoint 1 3,640.00
223SR School Tyme Transp. Banyan School 1 845.02*
Total Cost $31,661.02
*Includes cost of aide
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the attached, italicized additions to the North Plainfield Middle/High School, East End School and West End School field trip schedules.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve change order number TR-001 reducing the total amount paid to the general contractor, in the amount of ($34,000.00) for the refinishing of the floor associated with the West End School Gym Repair Project. The cost of the project will now be as follows:
Original Installation Cost…… ……… …….$392,070.00
Change Order…………………………………..$ -34,000.00
Adjusted Total Installation Cost…… ……. $358,070.00
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve change order number TR-002 awarding the contract for resurfacing the West End gym floor to Jericho Development Company, 306 Rudetown Road, Hamburg NJ 07419, increasing the total amount of the project by $22,980.00. The cost of the project will now be as follows:
Original Installation Cost…… ……… ……. $358,070.00
Change Order…………………………………..$ 22,980.00
Adjusted Total Installation Cost…… ……. $381,050.00
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve 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 improved air temperature in the community room of the Stony Brook School is necessary for the health and safety of this multipurpose area (“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 this resolution shall be effective immediately.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve 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, Phase II of the HVAC replacement project is necessary for the total replacement of all systems relating to heating and cooling of the West End School building (“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
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve 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, Phase II of the HVAC replacement project is necessary for the total replacement of all systems relating to heating and cooling of the Harrison School building (“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 this resolution shall be effective immediately.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve 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, Phase II of the HVAC replacement project is necessary for the total replacement of all systems relating to heating and cooling of the East End School building (“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 this resolution shall be effective immediately.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve 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 HVAC replacement project is necessary for the total replacement of the system relating to heating and cooling of the Watchung School building (“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 this resolution shall be effective immediately.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve 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 Bathroom renovation project is necessary for the replacement of aging toilet facilities at the East End, West End, Stony Brook, and High School buildings (“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 this resolution shall be effective immediately.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve 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, accessibility to the building by individuals with disabilities is mandated by code and critical to the continued use of the building for special programming and public access of the Harrison School Building (“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 Special Project” through the district Special Revenue Fund and has obtained full Federal Funding through the “IDEA – ARRA Stimulus Grant”; and is seeking additional State funds 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 this resolution shall be effective immediately.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education authorize Susan Feibush, NPHS media specialist, to apply for the Great Stories Club Grant being offered by the American Library Association.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education authorize Sarah O’Donnell, biology teacher at NPHS, to apply for the Youth Garden Grant which will provide a monetary award of $500 for the purpose of continued support of the gardens at NPMS/HS.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE BOROUGH OF NORTH PLAINFIELD IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY MAKING APPLICATION TO THE LOCAL FINANCE BOARD PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 18A:24-61 ET SEQ.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that
WHEREAS, The Board of Education of the Borough of North Plainfield in the County of Somerset, New Jersey (the “Board of Education”) desires to make application to the Local Finance Board for its approval of a refunding bond ordinance authorizing the issuance of not exceeding $5,225,000 Refunding School Bonds pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:24-61 et seq. in order to provide debt service savings for the school district; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Education believes that:
(a) it is in the public interest to accomplish such purpose;
(b) the purpose is for the health, the welfare, the convenience or the betterment of the inhabitants of the school district;
(c) the amounts to be expended for the purpose or the improvements are not unreasonable or exorbitant; and
(d) the proposal is an efficient and feasible means of providing services for the needs of the inhabitants of the school district and will not create an undue financial burden to be placed upon the school district;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE BOROUGH OF NORTH PLAINFIELD IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET as follows:
Section 1. The application to the Local Finance Board is hereby approved, and the Board of Education's Bond Counsel, along with other representatives of the Board of Education, are hereby authorized to prepare such application and to represent the Board of Education in matters pertaining thereto.
Section 2. The Business Administrator/Board Secretary of the Board of Education is hereby directed to prepare and to file a certified copy of the financing documents authorizing the Bonds with the Local Finance Board as part of such application.
Section 3. The Local Finance Board is hereby respectfully requested to consider such application and to record its findings and approval as provided by the applicable New Jersey Statute.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the attached refunding bond ordinance on first reading, entitled:
“REFUNDING BOND ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE BOROUGH OF NORTH PLAINFIELD IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY, PROVIDING FOR THE REFUNDING OF ALL OR A PORTION OF THE OUTSTANDING CALLABLE SCHOOL BONDS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, DATED AUGUST 15, 2001, ISSUED IN THE ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $19,797,000, APPROPRIATING NOT TO EXCEED $5,225,000 THEREFORE AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $5,225,000 REFUNDING BONDS TO PROVIDE FOR SUCH REFUNDING”
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Items moved from future Agenda – There were none.
New items requested to be placed on the Agenda - There were none.
Current Events in Education
There were none.
Comments from the Public
Shelly Moore commented positively on re-instating a realtors orientation. In addition she commented on residences near various schools which are in need of sidewalk repair. Mary Forbes commented that sidewalk repair questions should be directed to the Mayor’s office.
Future Agenda Items
ROTC Presentation – waiting for new hire.
8th Grade Graduation Ceremony – waiting for Committee recommendations
Milestone Awards, New Teacher Introductions – 10/21/09 – East End School
Assessments in Language Arts and Mathematics – 11/18/09
Yearbook Photos of Board Members – advance notification requested
Adjournment
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimouslyapproved to hold an executive session on October 21, 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. Allen and unanimously approved to adjourn at 10:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
APPROVED: Donald Sternberg
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