BERKELEY HEIGHTS BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 28, 2013

Transcription

1 BERKELEY HEIGHTS BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 28, 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: Mr. Beisser, Mrs. Kirsch, Mrs. Parker, Mr. Reinstein, Mr. Sincaglia, Mr. Smalley and Ms. Walsh. Also present were Mrs. Rattner, Mrs. Qualshie and Mrs. Felezzola. Dr. Crisonino was absent. STATEMENT Mrs. Kirsch read the following statement: On January 24, 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 28, 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 Ms. Walsh 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 of Absence, Revised Salary, Transfers, Payment for Services; Negotiations; Student Matters; Legal HALT. Page 1 of 12

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. Motion carried. 7:45 p.m. RECEPTION HONORING THE COLUMBIA MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Mr. Sincaglia 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 Ms. Walsh that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the Combined Conference & Regular Meeting held February 7, C ORRESPONDENCE The correspondence as listed on the agenda had been provided to the Board for their review and information. A. Letter from Allstate Insurance Co., Re: Donation. R EPORT OF THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES Kevin Spellman reported on the following: Transition from winter to spring sports Sports results Page 2 of 12

3 Victoria Piatnochka reported on the following: Interact Club Yearbook FBLA King of Hearts Prom Fashion Show Student Council Class clash Consumer Bowl R EPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT -Recognition of Columbia Middle School Girls Basketball Team. Mrs. Rattner introduced the Girls Basketball Team and Mr. Reinstein read a resolution recognizing their achievements. -Semi-Annual Report of District Incidents of Violence, Vandalism, Substance Abuse, Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB). Mrs. Rattner gave a detailed report of incidents which occurred over the past six months including the following: 1 fight at Governor Livingston 1 incident of a knife at Hughes Vandalism at Woodruff L IAISON REPORTS There were no reports to given at this time. F INANCE MEETING Overview of Draft Budget Mr. Sincaglia reported that state aid figures were released late this afternoon and reviewed what is included in the budget for Mr. Sincaglia explained the variances in state aid over the years and discussed the tax cap. The tentative budget indicates an increase of.7%, a tax impact of $7 for the average home and a tax levy increase of 2%. Mrs. Rattner stated that the budget allows the district to maintain all current programs plus implement new initiatives. The district is following enrollment figures closely being mindful of the class size. Mrs. Rattner explained the impact of not knowing the state aid figures until the last minute. Next week the administration will have a PowerPoint presentation regarding the proposed budget. Page 3 of 12

4 Mr. Sincaglia stated that the original budget has been reduced by 1.1 million dollars. For the last five years the tax increase average was 1.5%. Mr. Sincaglia explained the reason for the withdrawal from capital reserve. Mr. Smalley asked if professional development included technology professional development. Mrs. Rattner stated that all types of professional development are included in the budget and explained what training will be provided for ipads. Mr. Smalley stated that he is not convinced that everyone is using the current technology properly. Mr. Smalley asked how the district could present a budget with no increase to taxes. Mr. Sincaglia responded that he understands Mr. Smalley s point, but we don t want to short change the district. Ms. Walsh stated that the committee already cut the budget by one million dollars. Mr. Smalley asked if the budget includes adding 10.5 month people back. Mrs. Rattner responded that one vice principal at the high school will be changed to 12 month. Mr. Smalley asked about extra staff, especially technology. Mrs. Rattner explained the rationale for staff recommendations. Mrs. Kirsch stated that she supports the additional staff. Mr. Smalley expressed concerns about employee benefits. PRELIMINARY CITIZENS HEARING Mr. Germansky of Lawrence Drive stated that for teachers to use technology appropriately, a technology consultant is important and that adding items back to the budget is wise. Mr. Sincaglia stated that the information shared is a summary of where the budget is right now and there will be a presentation next week of the final numbers. Mr. Sincaglia thanked the administration and the committee members for their work. FACILITIES REPORT Mrs. Felezzola reported on an Energy Audit Program that the district is considering participating in. Page 4 of 12

5 ADMINISTRATION Item A-D: All Board members. Item E-F: Berkeley Heights only. A. APPROVE RESOLUTION HONORING COLUMBIA MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Ms. Walsh that the Board of Education approve the Resolution honoring the Columbia Middle School Girls Basketball Team (Attachment A). B. APPROVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS/TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Ms. Walsh that the Board of Education approve professional development days and travel reimbursement for district staff members, as indicated on Attachment B. C. ACCEPT SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT OF VIOLENCE, VANDALISM, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING (HIB) It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Ms. Walsh that the Board of Education accept and approve the semi-annual District Report of Violence, Vandalism, Substance Abuse, Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) for the period of July 1, 2012, through December 31, 2012; and that the aforementioned data be submitted to the New Jersey Department of Education via the Electronic Violence and Vandalism Reporting System (EVVRS) (Attachment C) D. APPROVE SPRING 2013 ATHLETICS SCHEDULE It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Ms. Walsh that the Board of Education approve the Spring 2013 schedule for all interscholastic athletics teams representing Governor Livingston High School and Columbia Middle School, a copy of which is on file with the Superintendent. E. APPROVE REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Ms. Walsh 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 January 24, 2013, to February 7, F. POLICIES/REGULATIONS It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Ms. Walsh that the Board of Education introduce for study and the first reading of the following revised policies: Purchase of Food Supplies 6480 School Nutrition 8505 Page 5 of 12

6 EDUCATION Items A-B: All Board members. 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 D. B. APPROVE CONSULTANT FOR TRAINING It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Ms. Walsh that the Board of Education approve Dr. Ann Spector as a Licensed Mental Health Professional to consult on and provide statemandated Suicide Prevention Training (N.J.S.A. 18A:6-111) to Berkeley Heights Public Schools staff members on March 18 and May 31, 2013, at the hourly compensation rate of $63.00 per hour for six (6) hours per day at a total cost of $ She will provide this training in coordination with our district school psychologists. Dr. Spector served as a School Psychologist in the Berkeley Heights School District for over 11 years prior to her retirement in June PERSONNEL Items A-E: All Board members. Item F-I: Berkeley Heights only. A. APPROVE SUBSTITUTE/SUPPLEMENTAL PERSONNEL It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Mr. Reinstein that the Board of Education approve the employment of the substitute/supplemental personnel listed below for the school year: Teachers Scalora, Ann Marie Berkeley Heights, NJ Zacharia, Rivca Scotch Plains, NJ Home Instructors Hess, Britney Hoboken, NJ Liming, Laurie Berkeley Heights, NJ Bartolick, Helen Guidance Counselor Garwood, NJ Krause, Kacie (Long-Term Substitute Teacher, Bridgewater, NJ effective 2/1/2013-4/8/2013, (Long-Term $ per day) effective $ per day) Teacher Aide Brecher, Shari Bridgewater, NJ Page 6 of 12

7 B. RESIGNATION OF CATHERINE GILBERT It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Mr. Reinstein that the Board of Education accept, with regret, the resignation of Catherine Gilbert from her position as Teacher of English at Governor Livingston High School, effective. C. APPROVE MATERNITY LEAVE FOR KATHRYN CONNOLLY It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Mr. Reinstein that the Board of Education grant a leave of absence for maternity/disability to Kathryn Connolly as of April 27, 2013, using her accumulated unused sick days from April 27, 2013, through June 30, It is also recommended that the Board grant Mrs. Connolly an unpaid leave of absence in accordance with the New Jersey Family Leave Act from July 1, 2013, through September 30, It is anticipated that she will return to her position in the Berkeley Heights Public Schools on October 1, Mrs. Connolly is a Teacher of Music at Governor Livingston High School. D. APPROVE EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Mr. Reinstein that the Board of Education approve extracurricular activities, staff members, assignments and stipends for the school year, as listed below: Columbia Middle School Activity/Position Instructor/Supervisor Stipend French Club Advisor Ashlee Smith $1, Governor Livingston High School Activity/Position Instructor/Supervisor Stipend Head Lacrosse Coach (Girls) Philip Acosta ** $7, Assistant Lacrosse Coach (Girls) Holly $4, Assistant Lacrosse Coach (Girls) Laurie Rossiter # $4, Assistant Track Coach Lisa Dhaibar $4, Assistant Track Coach Gary Lubisco ## $5, Assistant Tennis Coach (Boys) Isadora Seibert $3, **Replacing Kristy Annussek, who was approved by the Board of Education on September 27, Supersedes his appointment as Assistant Lacrosse Coach (Girls), approved by the Board on January 3, Replacing Philip Acosta, approved by the Board on January 3, # Replacing Sara Wheeler, approved by the Board on January 3, ## Replacing Steve Siebelts, approved by the Board on January 3, Page 7 of 12

8 E. APPROVE EMPLOYMENT OF TRANSLATOR It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Mr. Reinstein that the Board of Education approve the employment of Denise Piatnochka to serve as a Spanish/English Translator, assisting with Child Study Team and parent meetings on an as-needed basis, during the school year at the compensation rate of $50.00 per hour. Mrs. Piatnochka is employed as a Paraprofessional/Special Education Teacher Aide at William Woodruff School. F. APPROVE REVISED EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT/SALARY FOR TEACHER AIDE It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Mr. Reinstein 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, effective February 1, 2013, through June 30, 2013: Jeannine Kenny: $14.89 per hour, 6.05 hours per day, $16, yearly. Explanatory Note: Due to a change in student schedules, there is a need to employ Mrs. Kenny for an additional three (3) hours per week. G. APPROVE TRANSFERS OF TEACHER AIDES It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Mr. Reinstein that the Board of Education approve the transfer of the Paraprofessionals/Special Education Teacher Aides listed below for the school year, as indicated: Name From To Effective Patricia Abate McMillin ECC Hughes 3/1/2013 Marian Stirpe Hughes McMillin ECC 3/1/2013 H. APPROVE MIDDLE SCHOOL LUNCHROOM SUPERVISOR It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Mr. Reinstein that the Board of Education approve the employment of Gina DeLauro as a Columbia Middle School Lunchroom Supervisor during the second semester of the school year at a stipend of $1, Explanatory Note: Ms. DeLauro is replacing a former district staff member who recently resigned in this assignment. Page 8 of 12

9 BUSINESS I. APPROVE REDUCED UNPAID LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR CAROLYN VELLA It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Mr. Reinstein that the Board of Education grant a reduced unpaid leave of absence in accordance with the New Jersey Family Leave Act to Carolyn Vella from February 25, 2013, through April 7, Ms. Vella will work only in the morning during this reduced unpaid leave; it is anticipated that she will return to her position in the Berkeley Heights Public Schools on a full-time basis on April 8, Ms. Vella is employed as a Paraprofessional/Special Education Teacher Aide at Mountain Park School. Items A-C: All Board members. A. ACCEPT DONATION It was moved by Mr. Sincaglia and seconded by Mr. Reinstein that the Board of Education accept a donation of a five-drawer filing cabinet from Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company to be used at Governor Livingston High School. B. AWARD CONTRACT FOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS It was moved by Mr. Sincaglia and seconded by Mr. Reinstein that the Board of Education authorize the award of a contract to Staff Development Workshops, Inc., to provide a workshop on March 7, 2013, for district teachers at the cost of $1, C. AWARD CONTRACT FOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS It was moved by Mr. Sincaglia and seconded by Mr. Reinstein that the Board of Education authorize the award of a contract to Innovative Designs for Education Corp., to provide a workshop on May 29, 2013, for district teachers at a cost of $1, Page 9 of 12

10 FINANCE Item A: All Board members. Items B-D: Berkeley Heights only. A. PAYMENT OF BILLS It was moved by Mr. Beisser and seconded by Mr. Sincaglia that the Board of Education approve for payment the bills as listed on the bill lists as follows: Payroll 1/31/2013 $1,467, /15/2013 2,322, Accounts Payable 1/2// , /28/ , $4,584, B. APPROVAL OF BOARD SECRETARY S REPORT It was moved by Mr. Beisser and seconded by Mr. Sincaglia that the Board of Education, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-2.3, certifies that as of January, 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 Mr. Beisser and seconded by Mr. Sincaglia that the Board of Education authorize transfers for January, D. APPROVAL OF TREASURERS REPORT It was moved by Mr. Beisser and seconded by Mr. Sincaglia that the Board of Education accept the financial reports of the Board Secretary, the Treasurer of School Funds Report for the months ending January, FINAL CITIZENS HEARING Mrs. Mouchtaris of Wentworth Drive stated that her daughter s teacher uses the Promethian Boards and it is a great addition to the classroom. Dr. Monroe of Winchip Rd. asked for a complete accounting of the cost of the ipad initiative. Dr. Monroe stated that he is not convinced that the initiative is instructionally beneficial. Page 10 of 12

11 OTHER BUSINESS Use of Facilities Fee Schedule Mr. Smalley reviewed the Berkeley Heights fee structure for facility use and the fee structure of other schools. Mr. Smalley stated the facilities committee discussed changing the fee structure for the summer basketball camp. Mr. Reinstein called on Mr. Petruzzelli to speak. Mr. Petruzzelli gave the Board the history of the camp and the current status. Mr. Smalley stated that the tuition for camp is $195 with students. Mr. Reinstein stated that the hours are 9-2:30 for 5 days. Mr. Beisser asked if the cost per camper is preferred. Mr. Petruzzelli responded yes because it will allow him to run the camp no matter how many students participate. Mr. Smalley stated that the ratio of coaches to camp participants is 8:1. Mr. Petruzzelli stated that they reserve two gyms but the red gym is not fully used because of the size. Mr. Smalley stated that the total time used is 27.5 hours per week. Mr. Petruzzelli stated that a quick decision will be a win for everyone. Mr. Reinstein proposed to keep it at the for profit fee schedule with a 25% discount which would make the cost of the rental $3,400. Mr. Reinstein suggested keeping the policy intact and acknowledged the limitations of the red gym. Mrs. Kirsch asked if the red gym should be discounted for everyone. Mr. Reinstein stated that it depends on the sport. Mr. Sincaglia stated that based on programs for our students, he would like to see accommodations. He suggested charging one rate for both gyms. The board discussed whether to change the policy. Mr. Beisser suggested keeping the policy in place, but work out a per camper cost for staff members who provide services to our students. Mr. Beisser stated that it should be handled by the board office. Page 11 of 12

12 Mr. Reinstein stated that the policy addresses other issues. The board discussed waiving the fee for the red gym. Mrs. Kirsch asked that the wording of the policy be reviewed to address Sundays and to allow adjustments to be made by the administration for staff members. APPROVE BASKETBALL CAMP It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Mr. Smalley that the Board of Education approve the use of the two gymnasiums at Governor Livingston High School by Berkeley Basketball School from July 9-July 12, 2013, for the amount of $3, ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Mr. Sincaglia that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM. Respectfully submitted, Donna A. Felezzola School Business Administrator/Board Secretary Page 12 of 12