BERKELEY HEIGHTS BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET HEARING & REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MARCH 27, 2013

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1 BERKELEY HEIGHTS BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET HEARING & REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MARCH 27, 2013 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 Room by the Board President, Mrs. Kirsch. ROLL CALL A roll call indicated the presence of the following members: Dr. Crisonino, Mrs. Kirsch, Mr. Reinstein, Mr. Sincaglia and Mr. Smalley. Also present were Mrs. Rattner, Mrs. Qualshie and Mrs. Felezzola. Mr. Beisser, Ms. Walsh and Mrs. Parker were absent. STATEMENT Mrs. Kirsch read the following statement: On January 3, 2013, this body by resolution adopted the schedule for this meeting. The time, date and location of this meeting were accurately set forth therein. On January 9, 2013, 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 Mr. Sincaglia and seconded by Mr. Reinstein 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 (Substitute/Supplemental Personnel, Leave Replacements, Volunteers for Extra-Curricular Activities, Additional Hours, Paraprofessional/Special Education Teacher Aide Approvals/Transfers), Revised Leaves of Absence; Negotiations; Student Matters; Legal HALT. Page 1 of 13

2 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 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. 7:45 p.m. RECEPTION HONORING GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Mr. Smalley that the Board of Education return to Public Session. Motion carried. The meeting was reconvened at 8:00 PM in the Columbia Middle School Multi Purpose Room. FLAG SALUTE Mrs. Kirsch led the Board and the public in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting held February 28, 2013, and the Combined Conference & Regular Meeting & Public Meeting to Adopt Tentative Budget held March 7, C ORRESPONDENCE The correspondence as listed on the agenda had been provided to the Board for their review and information. A. Letter from D. Monroe, Re: ipad Initiative R EPORT OF THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES Kevin Spellman reported on the following: Seniors receiving college acceptance letters Spring break Sports schedule & results Page 2 of 13

3 Victoria Piatnochka reported on the following: Blood drive Teen arts Spanish club Extracurricular trips National Honor Society applications submitted Mrs. Rattner introduced the coach for GLHS Girls Basketball Team, Andrew Silvagni. Mr. Smalley read a resolution recognizing the Governor Livingston High School Girls Basketball Team as 2013 Union County Tournament Champions. PRESE NTATION OF PROPOSED BUDGET Mr. Sincaglia reviewed the budget including a summary of the budget increase and the impact on the tax levy and what s included in the budget. Mr. Sincaglia stated that budget development is a team effort and he feels the budget presented is reasonable. Mrs. Rattner stated that the administration worked hard to continue to grow the education initiative and meet all requirements. She thanked everyone for their efforts especially Mrs. Felezzola. Mr. Smalley stated that regarding the ipad initiative, he would like to see implementation plans. Mrs. Rattner stated that plans will be presented at the April meeting. CITIZENS HEARING FOR BUDGET QUESTIONS Mrs. Linde of Killarney Drive asked about the teacher and principal evaluation plans. Mrs. Rattner responded that the state has required these programs and reviewed the requirements of each evaluation system. Mrs. Rattner presented a timeline for both systems. Page 3 of 13

4 Item A: All Board members. A. ADOPT PROPOSED BUDGET It was moved by Mr. Sincaglia and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education adopt the tentative proposed school district budget as follows: GENERAL SPECIAL DEBT FUND REVENUES SERVICE TOTAL Total Expenditures $ 44,100,907 $ 410,897 $ 2,323,083 $ 46,834,887 L ess: Anticipated Revenues $ 7,912,265 $ 410,897 $ 633,158 $8,956,320 T axes to be Raised $ 36,188,642 $ 0 $ 1,689,925 $ 37,878,567 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Berkeley Heights Board of Education requests the approval of a capital reserve withdrawal in the amount of $375, The district intends to utilize these funds to offset the district wide expenditures for technology in the General Fund Budget. PRELIM INARY CITIZENS HEARING There was no one who wished to be heard at this time. A DMINISTRATION Item A-B: All Board members. Items C-D: Berkeley Heights only. A. APPROVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS/TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT It is 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 A. B. APPROVE RESOLUTION HONORING GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM It is moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the resolution honoring the Governor Livingston High School Girls Basketball Team, 2013 Union County Tournament Champions (Attachment B). Page 4 of 13

5 C. APPROVE REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT It is 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 February 28, 2013, to March 7, D. POLICIES/REGULATIONS It is moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the following revised policy after this second reading: EDUCATION Purchase of Food Supplies 6480 Items A: All Board members. Items B-E: Berkeley Heights only. A. APPROVE STUDENT FIELD TRIPS It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Mr. Smalley that the Board of Education approve participation of district students and staff members in educational field trips as listed on Attachment C. B. APPROVE CONSULTANT FOR TRAINING It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Mr. Smalley that the Board of Education approve Carol Castellano, a private consultant, to conduct in-district professional development for staff members at William Woodruff School on April 17, 2013, for a fee of $1, Ms. Castellano s presentations will provide the teaching, administrative, Child Study Team and paraprofessional staff with vital information to prepare for the return to district of a student who is blind. The cost of this professional development will be funded by the FY 2013 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grant. C. APPROVE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Mr. Smalley that the Board of Education approve the Center for Assistive Technology and Inclusive Education Studies at The College of New Jersey to conduct an Assistive Technology Evaluation for a Grade 5 student at William Woodruff School (ID # ) for a fee of $1, The cost of this evaluation will be funded by the FY 2013 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grant. Page 5 of 13

6 D. APPROVE ENROLLMENT OF OUT-OF-DISTRICT SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Mr. Smalley that the Board of Education approve the enrollment of the out-ofdistrict Special Education students listed below in Berkeley Heights School Distinct programs, on a tuition basis, for the school year as recommended by Michele Gardner, Director of Special Services: Student ID Program District of Residence William Woodruff School New Providence LLD Class Grade 4 (Effective March 18, 2013) Governor Livingston H.S. # Millburn DHH Program Grade 11 (Effective March 11, 2013) # Student had initially enrolled at Governor Livingston as a regular education, parent-paid tuition student at the start of the second semester; this was approved by the Board of Education at its meeting on February 7, E. APPROVE CHANGE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION PLACEMENT It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Mr. Smalley that the Board of Education approve the change in Special Education placement for the Berkeley Heights student listed below for the school year, effective April 8, 2013, as recommended by Michele Gardner, Director of Special Services: Student ID Current Placement New Placement McAuley School Mountain Park School (Out-of-District) ABA Program Grade 2 Page 6 of 13

7 PERSONNEL Items A-C: All Board members. Items D-K: 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 Bruner, Michael Berkeley Heights, NJ Librarian/Media Specialist Waithe, Lisette Scotch Plains, NJ (Substitute/Replacement, Bucci, Nancina effective 3/28/2013-6/20/2013, Berkeley Heights, $ per day) Gonzalez, Ashley Berkeley Heights, NJ McHale, Kelly Berkeley Heights, NJ Pitarresi, Joseph New Providence, NJ Teacher Aide Kane, Elizabeth Berkeley Heights, NJ B. APPROVE REVISED EXTRA TEACHING PERIOD ASSIGNMENT It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the following revised extra teaching period assignment and compensation for the school year, as listed below: Governor Livingston High School Payment in Addition to Name Subject Assignment Regular Salary Joseph Miceli Mathematics 70% $7, Explanatory Note: This recommended assignment supersedes the Board of Education approval on September 6, 2012, for Mr. Miceli to teach an extra class for the entire school year. Page 7 of 13

8 C. APPROVE EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve extracurricular activities, staff members, assignments and stipends for the school year, as listed below: Governor Livingston High School Activity/Position Instructor/Supervisor Stipend Assistant Lacrosse Coach (Boys) Craig Tuma Volunteer Assistant Track Coach Gary Chan Volunteer D. APPROVE REVISED DATES FOR 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, 2013, through March 24, 2013, for the unpaid leave of absence in accordance with the New Jersey Family Leave Act requested by Cathleen Ciarelli. Mrs. Ciarelli returned to her position as Teacher of Special Education at Mountain Park School on March 25, The Board had approved her initial request for an unpaid leave of absence at its meeting on March 7, E. APPROVE EXTENSION OF LEAVE OF ABSENCE It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the request of Dana Mazza to extend her unpaid leave of absence through June 30, It is anticipated that she will return to her position in the Berkeley Heights Public Schools on September 1, Mrs. Mazza is a Teacher of Mathematics at Columbia Middle School. F. APPROVE REVISED EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT DATES It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the following revised employment contract dates for the staff member listed below: Revised Employment Name Position Contract Dates Andrea Sperling Teacher of Mathematics 10/12/2012- Columbia Middle School 6/30/2013 (Substitute/Replacement) Explanatory Note: Ms. Sperling is being recommended to complete the remainder of the school year in this position due to the request of the permanent staff member whom she is replacing for an extension of her unpaid leave of absence (please see Personnel Item E). Page 8 of 13

9 G. APPROVE TEACHING ASSIGNMENT AND COMPENSATION RATE It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve Maureen Aronow to provide instruction to a student with special needs at William Woodruff School for one (1) hour per week, not to exceed a total of 12 hours for the remainder of the school year, at the compensation rate of $42.16 per hour, starting on March 28, Mrs. Aronow is employed as a full-time Paraprofessional/Special Education Teacher Aide at William Woodruff School; she holds an Elementary School Teacher in Grades K-5 certificate from the New Jersey Department of Education. H. APPROVE TEACHING ASSIGNMENT AND COMPENSATION RATE It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve Lindsay Rica to provide instruction to a student with special needs at Mountain Park School for 45 minutes per day for the remainder of the school year at the compensation rate of $37.64 per hour, starting on March 28, Ms. Rica is employed as a HELP Teacher at Mountain Park School; she holds an Elementary School Teacher in Grades K-5 certificate from the New Jersey Department of Education. I. APPROVE EMPLOYMENT OF PARAPROFESSIONAL/SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER AIDE It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the employment of the following Paraprofessional/ Special Education Teacher Aide for the school year, effective April 8, 2013, through June 30, 2013, as listed below: Mountain Park School Marie Rokosky: $14.60 per hour, 7.0 hours per day, $18, yearly (prorated). Explanatory Note: Ms. Rokosky is being recommended to fill this additional position, which has been created due to the return of a student who had been in an out-of-district Special Education placement (please see Education Item E). Page 9 of 13

10 BUSINESS J. APPROVE REVISED EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT/SALARY FOR PARAPROFESSIONAL/SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER AIDE It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the revised employment contract and annualized salary for the school year for the following Paraprofessional/Special Education Teacher Aide, as indicated: Amy Dantus: $15.19 per hour, 6.85 hours per day, $18, yearly, prorated, effective March 20, 2013, through June 30, Explanatory Note: Due to additional supervision requirements for special needs students, there is a need to employ Mrs. Dantus for an additional 30 minutes per week. K. APPROVE TRANSFER OF PARAPROFESSIONAL/SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER AIDE It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the transfer of the Paraprofessional/Special Education Teacher Aide listed below for the school year: Name From To Effective Marian Stirpe McMillin ECC Woodruff 3/25/2013 Explanatory Note: This transfer has been recommended in order to address changing student needs. Item: A-B: All Board members. Items C: Berkeley Heights only. A. ADOPT RESOLUTION FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT TRAVEL It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Mr. Sincaglia that the Board of Education adopt the following resolution: WHEREAS, the Berkeley Heights School District Travel policies, provide that the Board of Education shall establish in the annual school budget a maximum expenditure amount that may be allocated for such travel and expenses reimbursement for the school year; WHEREAS, the established school district travel maximum for the school year was $20, and the expenses incurred through March 15, 2013, of the school year are $6,575.00, and Page 10 of 13

11 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Berkeley Heights Board of Education hereby establishes the school district travel maximum for the school year at the sum of $20,000.00, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the School Business Administrator will track and record these costs to insure that the maximum amount is not exceeded. Explanatory Note: All travel expenses, including teacher travel within district and all professional development travel, must be included in estimated costs. This amount also includes travel funded by grants. B. ADOPT RESOLUTION FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT TRAVEL It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Mr. Sincaglia that the Board of Education adopt the following resolution: WHEREAS, the Berkeley Heights Board of Education is required pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:11-12 to adopt policy and approve travel expenditures by district employees to ensure that travel is educationally necessary and fiscally prudent; and WHEREAS, employees shall be reimbursed for business related travel at the rate per mile permitted by the State of New Jersey, Office of Management and Budget Guidelines, or, if the employee has an unexpired negotiated agreement, as permitted by the Internal Revenue Service, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes travel for regular business at an amount not to exceed $1, per employee. C. APPROVE LEASE BIDDING/FINANCIAL ADVISORY SERVICES It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Mr. Sincaglia that the Board of Education approve the agreement with Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission to provide Lease Purchase Bidding/Financial Advisory Services as indicated on Attachment D. 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 Dr. Crisonino and seconded by Mr. Reinstein that the Board of Education approve for payment the bills as listed on the bill lists as follows: Payroll 2/28/2013 $1,587, /15/2013 2,000, Accounts Payable 2/26/2013 1,449, /6/ /21/ , /27/ $6,169, B. APPROVAL OF BOARD SECRETARY S REPORT It was moved by Dr. Crisonino and seconded by Mr. Reinstein that the Board of Education, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-2.3, certifies that as of February, 2013, 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 Dr. Crisonino and seconded by Mr. Reinstein that the Board of Education authorize transfers for February, D. APPROVAL OF TREASURERS REPORT It was moved by Dr. Crisonino and seconded by Mr. Reinstein that the Board of Education accept the financial reports of the Board Secretary, the Treasurer of School Funds Report for the months ending February, REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT Mrs. Rattner reported that the DOE Performance Reports have not been released due to issues with the data and they will be reviewed at the next meeting. Mrs. Ratter stated that she attended the plays in the district and it is always a treat to see how talented the students are. Mrs. Rattner reported that this years BHEF basketball game was a great event and was announced by Mr. Smalley. Page 12 of 13

13 Mrs. Rattner stated that Read Across America events are wrapping up. It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Mr. Smalley to accept the Superintendent s Report. Motion carried. LIAISON REPORTS Mrs. Rattner reported that the UCSBA is holding an event on April 10 th to recognize 8th Grade students in the county and that Amanda Johnson is being recognized from Columbia. Mrs. Kirsch stated that the NJSBA Board of Directors approved a budget that included a break in dues to the districts impacted by Hurricane Sandy. They also announced dues based policy services. FACILITIES REPORT Mrs. Felezzola gave an update on the generators project. FINAL CITIZENS HEARING There was no one who wished to be heard at this time. OTHER BUSINESS Mrs. Rattner reported that she met with the superintendent of Newtown. Mrs. Rattner then met with the principals to review safety items and they are reassessing safety plans for students. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Mr. Smalley that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM. Respectfully submitted, Donna A. Felezzola School Business Administrator/Board Secretary Page 13 of 13