BERKELEY HEIGHTS BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MAY 24, 2012

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1 BERKELEY HEIGHTS BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MAY 24, 2012 CALL TO ORDER The Combined Conference & Regular Meeting of the Berkeley Heights Board of Education was called to order on Thursday, at 7:00 PM in the Columbia Middle School Multi-Purpose by the Board President, Mr. Sincaglia. ROLL CALL A roll call indicated the presence of the following members: Mr. Beisser, Dr. Crisonino, Mr. Gioia, Mrs. Kirsch, Mr. Reinstein, Mr. Sincaglia, Mr. Smalley and Ms. Walsh. Also present were Mrs. Rattner and Mrs. Felezzola. STATEMENT Mr. Sincaglia read the following statement: On April 12, 2012, this body by resolution adopted the schedule for this meeting. The time, date and location of this meeting were accurately set forth therein. On April 13, 2012, this notice was provided to all schools, all PTO Presidents, the BHEA President and posted at the Administration Building. On the same date a copy was ed to the Public Library, the Independent Press, the Courier News and filed with the Municipal Clerk to file and post at Town Hall. The meeting was also announced on the District Sign at Columbia School. ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION It was moved by Dr. Crisonino and seconded by Mr. Beisser that the Board of Education adjourn to executive session, WHEREAS, the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A.10:4-1 et seq.) expressly provide that a public body may move into Executive Session and exclude the public from that portion of a meeting at which the public body discusses any of the nine areas set forth in N.J.S.A.10:4-12b; and WHEREAS, the Berkeley Heights Board of Education has determined it necessary to move into Executive Session to discuss the following subjects, all of which are included in the aforesaid exceptions: Personnel Appointments, Resignation, Leave Requests, Revised Dates for Leave Requests, Increment Withholding; Student Matters; Negotiations; Legal HALT Settlement, OFAC Appeal; Superintendent s Evaluation. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Berkeley Heights Board of Education that it does hereby move into Executive Session pursuant to N.J.S.A.10:4-12b to discuss the aforesaid matters; and Page 1 of 13

2 IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the aforesaid discussions shall be made public either at the Public Meeting following said Executive Session or at such time as any litigated or personnel matters are concluded; or upon conclusion of any negotiations or related discussions; or as otherwise specified; and IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take effect pursuant to law. RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Mrs. Kirsch that the Board of Education return to Public Session. Motion carried. The meeting was reconvened at 8:00 PM in the Columbia Middle School Gymnasium. FLAG SALUTE Mr. Sincaglia led the Board and the public in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Ms. Walsh and seconded by Mrs. Kirsch that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the Combined Conference & Regular Meeting held May 10, C ORRESPONDENCE There was no correspondence to be presented. REPORT OF T HE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES Kevin Spellman reported on the following: Volleyball Tournament Class Elections Prom Bids Final year end crunch M egan Kingsley reported on the following: Art Club trip to the Bronx Zoo Coffee House Food Drive sponsored by National Honor Society National Art Honor Society Trip Sports Results Page 2 of 13

3 ADOPTION OF POLICIES, CURRICULUM GUIDES AND TEXTBOOKS The Board discussed curriculum offerings and concept level classes. Mr. Reinstein requested that the administration prepare an executive summary of curriculum changes. Mrs. Rattner explained how curriculum changes are made and approved. Mr. Beisser expressed concern about the concept level classes at Governor Livingston. Mrs. Rattner stated that she is looking at data and research to develop a recommendation to address concept classes. Mrs. Rattner stated that course recommendations are made in October. Megan Kingsley suggested getting feedback from students in the concept classes. Mr. Beisser suggetsed parent and staff feedback also. A. It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Mrs. Kirsch that the Board of Education adopt the existing policies, bylaws and regulations as noted in the official policy book as maintained in the Superintendent s Office for the school year. B. It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Mrs. Kirsch that the Board of Education adopt the existing curriculum guides and all existing programs for the Berkeley Heights Public Schools for the school year as shown on Attachment A and as maintained in the Superintendent s Office. C. It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Mrs. Kirsch that the Board of Education adopt the textbooks as noted on the official textbook listing for the Berkeley Heights Public Schools, as maintained in the Superintendent s Office, for the school year. Page 3 of 13

4 REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT Mrs. Rattner announced that at the June 7 th board meeting retirees and students will be honored and an update on the Professional Development workshops will be presented. Mrs. Rattner stated that the Strategic Plan will be discussed at the June 28 meeting and a recommendation for future class offerings will be given at the July 19 th meeting. Mr. Geiger will make a presentation regarding a change to the middle school schedule at the July meeting. Mrs. Rattner stated that she has attended concert and celebrations as the year is wrapping up. It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Mrs. Kirsch to accept the superintendent s report. L IAISON REPORTS Ms. Walsh reported that the Curriculum Liaison Committee reviewed changes to the testing schedule and heard a presentation on health curriculum changes. Mrs. Kirsch attended a HIB meeting where reports showed progress in dealing with bullying this year. Mrs. Kirsch stated that Somerset County School Board Association has a program planned where they will discuss the teacher evaluation systems. Mrs. Kirsch stated that UCESC will re-organize in June. Mrs. Kirsch stated that BHEF Talent Show was excellent and very enjoyable. Dr. Crisonino attended the NJASA Conference and stated that he attended great workshops on communications, teacher evaluations and strategic planning. Mr. Smalley stated that he attended the NJSBA Delegate Assembly where they announced a new slate of officers. Mr. Sincaglia stated that the BHEF Talent Show featured very talented students and staff. Mr. Sincaglia stated that he recently attended the Union County Softball Tournament and the Teacher of the Year breakfast. Mr. Sincaglia reported that Relay for Life, being held on June 2 nd, has already raised over $300,000. th st June 1 marks the 50 th anniversary of William Woodruff Elementary School. Page 4 of 13

5 FACILITIES REPORT Mrs. Felezzola gave an update on the solar project, reporting that no bids were received for the remaining solar installations. P RELIMINARY CITIZENS HEARING Dr. Monroe of Winchip Road stated that he regards Mr. Rutzler as an inspirational teacher and asked how withholding a salary increment is allowed. Mrs. Rattner responded that an increment can be withheld for a number of reasons. A DMINISTRATION Item A: All Board members. Item B: Berkeley Heights only. A. APPROVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS/TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve professional development days and travel reimbursement for district staff members, as indicated on Attachment B. A roll call indicated the following: AYE Mr. Beisser, Dr. Crisonino, Mrs. Kirsch, Mr. Reinstein, Mr. Smalley, Ms. Walsh, Mr. Gioia ABSTAIN Mr. Sincaglia B. APPROVE REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the report of the Superintendent regarding all acts of harassment, intimidation and bullying in the Berkeley Heights Public Schools that were reported during the period of April 26, 2012, through May 10, E DUCATION Item A: All Board members. Items B-C: Berkeley Heights only. A. APPROVE STUDENT FIELD TRIPS It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Ms. Walsh that the Board of Education approve the participation of district students and staff members in educational field trips, as listed on Attachment C. B. APPROVE DISTRICT SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Ms. Walsh that the Board of Education approve a District Summer School program at Columbia Middle School from July 2, 2012, through July 26, 2012 (15 school days), from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day, for remedial classes, and that the Superintendent of Schools be authorized to file the necessary forms with the New Jersey Department of Education to operate this program. Page 5 of 13

6 C. APPROVE SPECIAL EDUCATION EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR PLACEMENTS AND SERVICES It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Ms. Walsh that the Board of Education approve the Special Education out-of-district Extended School Year placements and services for Summer 2012 listed on Attachment D, plus transportation where applicable, as recommended by Dr. Theodore Kozlik, Interim District Director of Special Services, and the district s Child Study Team. P ERSONNEL Items A-F: All Board members. Items G-O: Berkeley Heights only. A. APPROVE SUBSTITUTE/SUPPLEMENTAL PERSONNEL It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the employment of the substitute/supplemental personnel listed below for the school year: Teachers/Teacher Aides Boyer, Peter Berkeley Heights, NJ Cucuzza, Patrice Woodland Park, NJ Toney, Shalice North Plainfield, NJ H ome Instructors DiMaggio, Lisa Warren, NJ Rossiter, Laurie Edison, NJ B. APPROVE RE-EMPLOYMENT AND SALARIES OF TENURED PERSONNEL It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the re-employment and salaries of the tenured professional and support staff members listed on Attachment E for the school/fiscal year, whichever is applicable. Page 6 of 13

7 C. APPROVE WITHHOLDING OF SALARY INCREMENT FOR EMPLOYEE It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education withholding the salary increment of James Rutzler, Teacher at Governor Livingston High School, for the school year for reasons of inappropriate conduct. Mr. Rutzler s salary for the school year shall be $57,264. D. APPROVE EXTRA TEACHING PERIOD ASSIGNMENT It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the following district staff member to teach an additional class, beyond her normal teaching schedule, during the school year, as listed below: Governor Livingston High School Payment in Effective Addition to Name Subject Dates Regular Salary Kimberly Fleming Social Studies 5/16/2012- $9, /19/2012 (prorated from 5/16/2012 to 6/19/2012) Explanatory Note: Mrs. Fleming has been recommended to fill the assignment of a fellow Governor Livingston teacher who is now out of school on an extended medical leave of absence. E. APPROVE MATERNITY LEAVE FOR APRIL BURKE It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education grant a leave of absence for maternity/disability to April Burke as of October 20, 2012, using her accumulated sick days from October 20, 2012, through January 1, It is anticipated that she will return to her position in the Berkeley Heights Public Schools on January 2, Mrs. Burke is a Teacher of Social Studies at Governor Livingston High School. F. HIRING GARY LUBISCO, JR. It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the employment of Gary Lubisco, Jr. of North Plainfield as a Teacher in the Berkeley Heights Public Schools for the school year. Mr. Lubisco earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Susquehanna University and he received his Master of Arts Degree in Educational Administration from Kean University. He has 11 years of teaching experience. His salary will be $70,228, step 12c on the teachers salary schedule (to be adjusted to step 12c on the teachers salary schedule when a new negotiated Agreement between the Board of Education and Berkeley Heights Education Association is approved and new salary guides are established). Page 7 of 13

8 Assignment: Governor Livingston High School Teacher of Social Studies. Certification: Standard Certificates Teacher of Social Studies, Supervisor. Certificate of Eligibility Principal. Explanatory Note: Mr. Lubisco is being recommended to fill a position created due to an increase in Social Studies class sections at the high school. G. APPROVE RE-EMPLOYMENT AND SALARIES OF NON-TENURED SUPPORT PERSONNEL It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the re-employment and salaries of the non-tenured support staff members listed on Attachment F for the fiscal year. H. RESIGNATION OF KIMBERLY HOWARD It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education accept, with regret, the resignation of Kimberly Howard from her position as Teacher of Special Education at Mary Kay McMillin Early Childhood Center, effective July 1, I. APPROVE UNPAID LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR DAVID SCHELHORN It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the request of David Schelhorn for an unpaid leave of absence in accordance with the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act from April 13, 2012, through June 30, It is anticipated that Mr. Schelhorn will return to his position in the Berkeley Heights Public Schools on July 1, Mr. Schelhorn is a Custodian at Thomas P. Hughes School. J. APPROVE REVISED DATES FOR MATERNITY LEAVE It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the following revised dates for the leave of absence requested by Sarah Burga: Maternity/disability leave of absence (using sick days): May 19, 2012, through June 7, Unpaid leave of absence in accordance with the New Jersey Family Leave Act: June 8, 2012, through August 31, It is anticipated that Mrs. Burga will return to her position in the Berkeley Heights Public Schools on September 1, Mrs. Burga is currently employed as a Grade 5 Teacher at William Woodruff School. The Board had approved Mrs. Burga s initial request for a leave of absence on March 1, Page 8 of 13

9 K. APPROVE REVISED DATES FOR UNPAID LEAVE OF ABSENCE It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the revised dates of March 1, 2012, through May 13, 2012, for the unpaid leave of absence requested by Claire Yannotta. Mrs. Yannotta is a member of the Cafeteria staff at Columbia Middle School; the Board had approved her initial request for a leave of absence on March 22, L. HIRING BRITNEY HESS It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the employment of Britney Hess of Moorestown as a Teacher in the Berkeley Heights Public Schools for the school year. Ms. Hess earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Middle Childhood Education/Math and Social Studies from Miami University and she has one year of teaching experience. Her salary will be $51,000, step 2a on the teachers salary schedule (to be adjusted to step 2a on the teachers salary schedule when a new negotiated Agreement between the Board of Education and Berkeley Heights Education Association is approved and new salary guides are established). Assignment: Columbia Middle School Teacher of Mathematics. Certification: Provisional Certificates Elementary School Teacher with Mathematics Specialization in Grades 5-8, Elementary School Teacher in Grades K-5. Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing Elementary School with Subject Matter Specialization: Social Studies in Grades 5-8. Explanatory Note: Ms. Hess is being recommended to replace a current staff member who is retiring at the end of this school year. M. HIRING ASHLEE SMITH It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the employment of Ashlee Smith of Hoboken as a Teacher in the Berkeley Heights Public Schools for the school year. Ms. Smith earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in French and Francophone Studies/Applied French from the Pennsylvania State University and she has two years of teaching experience. Her salary will be $51,500, step 3a on the teachers salary schedule (to be adjusted to step 3a on the teachers salary schedule when a new negotiated Agreement between the Board of Education and Berkeley Heights Education Association is approved and new salary guides are established). Assignment: Columbia Middle School Teacher of French. Certification: Standard Certificate Teacher of French. Explanatory Note: Ms. Smith is being recommended to replace a former staff member who has retired. Page 9 of 13

10 BUSINESS N. HIRING KIMBERLY TOTA It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the employment of Kimberly Tota of Clinton as a Teacher in the Berkeley Heights Public Schools for the school year. Ms. Tota earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics (minor in Business and Biology) from the State University of New York at Albany and she received her Master of Arts Degree in Economics from the University of Connecticut. She has one year of teaching experience in addition to over 11 years of private- and public-sector business experience. Her salary will be $56,500, step 1c on the teachers salary schedule (to be adjusted to step 1c on the teachers salary schedule when a new negotiated Agreement between the Board of Education and Berkeley Heights Education Association is approved and new salary guides are established). Assignment: Columbia Middle School Grade 6 Teacher (Language Arts/Science). Certification: Certificates of Eligibility with Advanced Standing Elementary School with Subject Matter Specialization: Science in Grades 5-8; Elementary School with Subject Matter Specialization: Language Arts/Literacy Specialization in Grades 5-8; Provisional Certificate Elementary School Teacher in Grades K-5. Explanatory Note: Ms. Tota is being recommended to replace a current staff member who is retiring at the end of this school year. O. APPROVE SUMMER CUSTODIAN/MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the following Summer Custodian/Maintenance personnel for 2012, as indicated: Hourly Hours Name Pay Rate Per Day Effective Date Popovitch, Owen $ /1/2012 Siverio, Stephen $ /1/2012 Item A-E: All Board members. Item F: Berkeley Heights only. A. APPROVE E-RATE FUNDING AGREEMENT It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Ms. Walsh that the Board of Education approve an agreement with On-Tech Consulting to prepare E-Rate Funding applications for the school year. Page 10 of 13

11 Explanatory Note: Participation in this federally sponsored E-Rate Funding program reduces the district s communications costs and is recommended as Best Practice to achieve efficiencies in operations. B. AWARD CONTRACT FOR LOCKER REPLACEMENT AT GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Ms. Walsh that the Board of Education authorize the award of a contract for Locker Replacement at Governor Livingston High School to Nickerson Corporation in the amount of $45, through Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission Pricing System. C. APPROVE VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Ms. Walsh that the Board of Education approve the vehicle maintenance agreement with Morris-Union Jointure Commission for the school year at a rate of $68.00 per hour for labor, a flat shop fee of $30.00 per incident, plus parts, which will be billed at cost. D. SOFTWARE CONTRACT RENEWAL It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Ms. Walsh that the Board of Education approve the renewal of the contract for budgetary, accounting and personnel software support with Computer Solutions, Inc. for the fiscal year in the amount of $9, E. APPROVE LEASE AGREEMENT FOR SWIMMING POOL USE It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Ms. Walsh that the Board of Education approve the Lease Agreement with the Morris-Union Jointure Commission for use of the swimming facilities at the Developmental Learning Center by the Governor Livingston High School swim teams, as per Attachment G. F. AWARD CONTRACT FOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Ms. Walsh that the Board of Education authorize the award of a contract to Staff Development Workshops, Inc., to provide nine workshops, funded by the NCLB grant, during the school year for teachers at the cost of $13, Page 11 of 13

12 FINANCE Item A: All Board members. Items B-D: Berkeley Heights only. A. PAYMENT OF BILLS It was moved by Mrs. Kirsch and seconded by Mr. Smalley that the Board of Education approve for payment the bills as listed on the bill lists as follows: 04/30/12 Payroll $1,410, /15/12 1,849, /02/12 Accounts Payable /24/12 607, ,866, B. APPROVAL OF BOARD SECRETARY S REPORT It was moved by Mrs. Kirsch and seconded by Mr. Smalley Board of Education, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-2.3, certifies that as of April, 2012, after review of the Board Secretary s monthly financial report (appropriations section) and upon consultation with appropriate district officials, to the best of our knowledge no major account or fund has been over expended in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-2.3, and sufficient funds are available to meet the district s financial obligations for the remainder of the year. C. APPROVAL OF TRANSFERS It was moved by Mrs. Kirsch and seconded by Mr. Smalley that the Board of Education authorize transfers for April, D. APPROVAL OF TREASURERS REPORT It was moved by Mrs. Kirsch and seconded by Mr. Smalley that the Board of Education accept the financial reports of the Board Secretary, the Treasurer of School Funds Report for the months ending April, FINAL CITIZENS HEARING Dr. Monroe asked about the OFAC appeal. Mr. Sincaglia stated that a meeting has been scheduled with Mr. David Hespe, Chief of Staff for the NJ Department of Education. OTHER BUSINESS Mrs. Kirsch stated that the county is sponsoring its 8 th Annual Bio-Blitz, a two day nature exploration event, on June 8 th and 9 th at Rahway River Park. Page 12 of 13

13 ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the meeting be adjourned to Executive Session to discuss personnel and the Superintendent s Evaluation. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM. Respectfully submitted, Donna A. Felezzola School Business Administrator/ Board Secretary Page 13 of 13