BERKELEY HEIGHTS BOARD OF EDUCATION COMBINED CONFERENCE & REGULAR MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 19, 2009

Transcription

1 BERKELEY HEIGHTS BOARD OF EDUCATION COMBINED CONFERENCE & REGULAR MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 19, 2009 CALL TO ORDER The Regular Meeting of the Berkeley Heights Board of Education was called to order on Thursday, at 8:00 PM in the Columbia Middle School Multi Purpose room by the Board President, Mr. Beisser. ROLL CALL A roll call indicated the presence of the following members: Mr. Beisser, Dr. Crisonino, Mrs. Kirsch, Mr. Reinstein, Mr. Sincaglia, Mr. Smalley and Ms. Walsh. Also present were Mrs. Rattner, Mrs. Qualshie and Mrs. Felezzola. Mrs. Williams was absent. STATEMENT Mr. Beisser read the following statement: On November 12, 2009, this body announced the schedule for this meeting. The time, date and location of this meeting were accurately set forth therein. On November 13, 2009, a copy of said schedule was posted at the Town Hall, the Public Library, the Railroad Station and the Administration Building. On the same date a copy was mailed to the Independent Press, Courier News, all PTO Presidents and delivered to the BHEA President, all schools, all Supervisors and filed with the Municipal Clerk. The meeting was also announced on the District Sign at Columbia School. FLAG SALUTE Mr. Beisser led the Board and the public in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Board observed a moment of silence in memory of Casey Murphy. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Mrs. Kirsch and seconded by Mr. Reinstein that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting held October 22, Motion carried. Page 1 of 15

2 CORRESPONDENCE Mrs. Felezzola indicated the correspondence as listed had been provided to the Board for their review and information. A. Letter from Thomas P. Hughes P.T.O., Re: Donation B. Letter from T. Hanratty and M. Uhouse, Re: Temporary Lighting C. Letter from R. Sullivan, Berkeley Heights Zoning Officer, Re: Temp. Lighting REPORT OF THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES John McNamara reported on the following: The students are using the PowerSchool software to check grades. Physical Education test is being administered Fall Fling is Friday Volleyball Tournament is next Tuesday Pep Rally will be held on Wednesday Blood Drive was a success Senior Fashion Show Interact Service Projects Stony Acres Trip Sports Results. REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT The Board of Education recognized the Governor Livingston High School Girls Varsity Tennis Team for achieving 2009 Central Jersey Group 2 Championship. Mrs. Rattner commended the students on their achievement. Mr. Meakem thanked the Board for their recognition and introduced the students. Mrs. Rattner presented the students with medals. Mrs. Rattner thanked everyone for their help during the past week following the death of a student. Mrs. Rattner stated that the entire school community worked together to make sure students were safe. Mr. Beisser thanked Mrs. Rattner for her leadership during the past week. It was moved by Mrs. Kirsch and seconded by Mr. Reinstein to accept the Superintendent s Report. Motion carried. Page 2 of 15

3 AUDIT PRESENTATION Mr. Charles F. Heard, Jr. of Noke & Heard presented the School District Audit Report. Mr. Heard gave an overview of the audit, explaining the accounting methods used and gave a financial picture of the district. Mr. Heard explained the findings and commended the staff. LIAISON REPORTS Ms. Walsh reported on the NJSBA Convention and the workshops she attended. Mrs. Rattner reported that the Berkeley Heights Education Foundation has awarded approximately $35, in teacher grants. Mrs. Kirsch reported that enrollment for Union County Educational Services continues to grow. FACILITIES REPORT Mrs. Felezzola reported on the ongoing construction projects. PRELIMINARY CITIZENS HEARING It was moved by Mrs. Kirsch and seconded by Mr. Sincaglia that the Preliminary Citizen s Hearing be open to the public. Mrs. Johnson of Chestnut Hill Road inquired about the 2010/2011 calendar. Mrs. Rattner responded. Mrs. Mirabella of Timber Drive thanked Mrs. Rattner and the district for the response to the tragedy of the previous week. She felt the information was age appropriate, the staff was efficient and the lines of communication were open. It was moved by Mr. Sincaglia and seconded by Mrs. Kirsch that the Preliminary Citizens Hearing be closed. Page 3 of 15

4 ADMINISTRATION Items A-G: All Board members. Item H-I: Berkeley Heights only. A. POLICIES/REGULATIONS It was moved by Mr. Sincaglia and seconded by Mrs. Kirsch that the Board of Education approve the following revised policy after this second reading: Employment of Superintendent 1220 It is also recommended by the Superintendent of Schools that the Board introduce for study and the first reading of the following new and revised policies: School District Travel 6471 Payroll Authorization 6510 Audit and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report 6830 Conditions of Receiving State Aid 6832 B. APPROVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS/TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT It was moved by Mr. Sincaglia and seconded by Mrs. Kirsch that the Board of Education approve professional development days and travel reimbursement for district staff members, as indicated on revised Attachment A. C. APPROVE IN-DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS It was moved by Mr. Sincaglia and seconded by Mrs. Kirsch that the Board of Education approve payment to the presenters listed on Attachment B for on-site professional development workshops conducted during the school year. Explanatory Note: All of these costs are covered by funding received through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act-Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (ARRA-IDEA) grant. D. APPROVE RESOLUTION HONORING GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS VARSITY TENNIS TEAM It was moved by Mr. Sincaglia and seconded by Mrs. Kirsch that the Board of Education approve the Resolution honoring the Governor Livingston High School Girls Varsity Tennis Team, the 2009 Central Jersey Group 2 Champions (Attachment C). Page 4 of 15

5 E. APPROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT CALENDAR It was moved by Mr. Sincaglia and seconded by Mrs. Kirsch that the Board of Education approve the School District Calendar for the Berkeley Heights Public Schools (Attachment D) F. ENROLLMENT OF NON-RESIDENT TUITION STUDENT It was moved by Mr. Sincaglia and seconded by Mrs. Kirsch that the Board of Education approve the enrollment of the following individual in the Berkeley Heights Public Schools as a non-resident tuition student for the school year, effective November 17, 2009, through June 22, 2010: One (1) Grade 12 student who resides in New Providence at Governor Livingston High School It is also recommended by the Superintendent of Schools that the Board approve the enrollment of the following individual in the Berkeley Heights Public Schools as a non-resident tuition student for the school year, effective September 1, 2009, through January 31, One (1) Grade 12 student who resides in Chatham at Governor Livingston High School G. APPROVE WINTER ATHLETICS SCHEDULE It was moved by Mr. Sincaglia and seconded by Mrs. Kirsch that the Board of Education approve the Winter schedule for all interscholastic teams representing Governor Livingston High School and Columbia Middle School, a copy of which is on file with the Superintendent. H. ACCEPT EXXON/MOBIL EDUCATIONAL ALLIANCE GRANT It was moved by Mr. Sincaglia and seconded by Mrs. Kirsch that the Board of Education approve the acceptance of a grant in the amount of $ from Exxon/Mobil Educational Alliance for the 2009/2010 school year. Funds from this program will be used to buy telescopes for the Star Party and a subscription to a Sciencebased online access point at Columbia Middle School. I. APPROVE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION/REPORT It was moved by Mr. Sincaglia and seconded by Mrs. Kirsch that the Board of Education approve the contract for services with Vincent J. Varrassi to perform an assistive technology evaluation and report for a Grade 5 student in the Berkeley Heights Public Schools at the total cost of $ Page 5 of 15

6 EDUCATION Items A-D: All Board members. A. APPROVE STUDENT FIELD TRIPS It was moved by Mrs. Kirsch and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the participation of district students and staff members in educational field trips, as listed on Attachment E. B. APPROVE HOME INSTRUCTION SERVICES AGREEMENT It was moved by Mrs. Kirsch and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the Home Instruction Services Agreement for the school year with Professional Education Services, Inc. (Attachment F). C. APPROVE REVISED SPECIAL EDUCATION PLACEMENTS FOR It was moved by Mrs. Kirsch and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the revised out-of-district Special Education placements, plus transportation, as listed on Attachment G for the school year D. APPROVE HOME AND HOSPITAL TUTORING SERVICES AGREEMENT It was moved by Mrs. Kirsch and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the Home and Hospital Tutoring Services Agreement for the school year with Education, Inc. (Attachment H). PERSONNEL Items A-E: All Board members. Items F-I: Berkeley Heights only. A. 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 Interpreter for the Deaf Deva, Yuthika Ruiz, Nelson Berkeley Heights, NJ Milford, PA (Long-term substitute Munn, $28.00 per hour, Summit, NJ effective 11/2/2009) (Long-term substitute $ per day, effective School Nurses 11/2/2009 through 12/23/2009) Kaylor, Lynn Page 6 of 15

7 Colligan, Regina Cranford, NJ D Aloisio, Dori Scotch Plains, NJ Berkeley Heights, NJ Lozowski, Lauren Stirling, NJ Fogarty, Rosetta Berkeley Heights, NJ Goldstein, Heather Berkeley Heights, NJ B. APPROVE HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSIGNMENTS It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the following staff members as Administrative Detention Supervisors at Governor Livingston High School and Columbia Middle School for the school year at the pay rate of $30.00** per hour: Nicholas O Sullivan, David Boff, Michael Brader, Jason Karl, Joe Lanni, Susan Provence, Holly Urenovich. (** hourly pay rate. To be adjusted to actual figures when a new negotiated Agreement between the Board of Education and Berkeley Heights Education Association is finalized.) C. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve extra-curricular activities, staff members, assignments and stipends for the school year (the stipend amounts listed are from the school year; revised stipend amounts will be approved when a new negotiated Agreement between the Board of Education and Berkeley Heights Education Association is approved and new stipend figures are established): Mountain Park School Activity/Position Instructor/Supervisor Stipend Drama Club Advisor Elierzer Quinonez $1, Columbia Middle School Activity/Position Instructor/Supervisor Stipend Interscholastic Wrestling Coach Tyler Brown $2, Interscholastic Wrestling Coach Bruno M. Somma $1, Interscholastic Wrestling Coach Michael Somma $1, Page 7 of 15

8 Governor Livingston High School Activity/Position Instructor/Supervisor Stipend Assistant Basketball Coach (Girls) Terrence Hanratty $5, Assistant Basketball Coach (Boys) William Diamond Volunteer Assistant Wrestling Coach Joseph Palumbo Volunteer Intramural Weight Training Gregory Dunkerton $1, (Winter) D. RESIGNATION OF DISTRICT SUBSTITUTE CALLER It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education accept, with regret, the resignation of Janet Fullowan from her part-time position as District Substitute Caller, effective November 26, E. 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 March 6, 2010, using her accumulated sick days from March 6, 2010 through May 11, It is also recommended that the Board grant Mrs. Burke an unpaid leave of absence in accordance with the New Jersey Family Leave Act from May 12, 2010, through May 16, It is anticipated that she will return to her position in the Berkeley Heights Public Schools on May 17, Mrs. Burke is a Teacher of Social Studies at Governor Livingston High School. F. MATERNITY LEAVE FOR MICHELE LISS 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 Michele Liss as of February 6, 2010, using her accumulated sick days from February 6, 2010, through April 21, It is also recommended that the Board grant Mrs. Liss an unpaid leave of absence in accordance with the New Jersey Family Leave Act from April 22, 2010, through August 31, It is anticipated that she will return to her position in the Berkeley Heights Public Schools on September 1, Mrs. Liss is a Kindergarten Teacher and Reading Specialist at Mary Kay McMillin Early Childhood Center. Page 8 of 15

9 G. MATERNITY LEAVE FOR LORI SHULMAN 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 Lori Shulman as of March 6, 2010, using her accumulated sick days from March 6, 2010, through April 12, It is also recommended that the Board grant Mrs. Shulman an unpaid leave of absence in accordance with the New Jersey Family Leave Act from April 13, 2010, through June 30, It is anticipated that she will return to her position in the Berkeley Heights Public Schools on September 1, Mrs. Shulman is a Grade 2 Teacher at William Woodruff School. H. HIRING DANA MIRABELLA It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the employment of Dana Mirabella of Berkeley Heights as a substitute/replacement Teacher in the Berkeley Heights Public Schools for the school year, effective December 18, 2009, through June 1, Ms. Mirabella earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Special Education/Elementary Education from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and she is currently employed as a Special Education Teacher Aide at Thomas P. Hughes School. She also served as a substitute/replacement Teacher at Mountain Park School for the final two months of the school year. Her salary will be $45,272 (prorated from December 18, 2009, to June 2, 2010), step 1a on the teachers salary schedule (to be adjusted to step 1a 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: Thomas P. Hughes School Teacher of Special Education (substitute/replacement). Certification: Standard Certificate Teacher of the Handicapped. Explanatory Note: Ms. Mirabella is being recommended to replace a staff member who is going out on a maternity/disability leave of absence. Page 9 of 15

10 BUSINESS I. HELP/INSTRUCTIONAL REVIEW PROGRAMS It was moved by Mr. Smalley and seconded by Dr. Crisonino that the Board of Education approve the revision in employment hours of the following individuals in the Instructional Review program and Help Every Learner Program (HELP) for the school year (pay rate is based upon figure; revised figures will be approved when new pay rates are established for ). Instructional Review $29.80 per hour Karen Porzio (Hughes) 30.0 hours per week HELP $21.80 per hour Diane Dreisbach (McMillin ECC/Mountain Park) 23.5 hours per week Marie Pellegrini (Mountain Park) 21.0 hours per week Explanatory Note: Additional employment time is being recommended for all three staff members due to increased student instructional needs. Items A-F: All Board members. Items G-I: Berkeley Heights only. A. ACCEPT ANNUAL AUDIT It was moved by Mrs. Kirsch and seconded by Mr. Sincaglia that the Board of Education accept the Annual Audit Report for the school year as submitted by Noke & Heard, L.L.P., Certified Public Accountants. B. SYNOPSIS OF AUDIT It was moved by Mrs. Kirsch and seconded by Mr. Sincaglia that the Board of Education acknowledge that the Synopsis of Audit is available to the public and authorize the administration to submit to the County Superintendent of Schools the Corrective Action Plan to the Audit findings and recommendation as follows: The September 2008 payroll did not have the President, Superintendent and Board Secretary s required authorization. Response The Business Administrator will verify monthly that all payrolls have been approved and that the Board President, Superintendent of School and the Business Administrator have signed the report authorizing the payrolls. Page 10 of 15

11 B. SYNOPSIS OF AUDIT (continued) Two employees were paid more than the amounts indicated in the Board. The were corrected in September In addition two additional hourly employees were paid slightly more than the authorized wage rates. Response Develop an audit process whereby all changes to payroll are verified against the minutes. The Assistant Board Secretary will be responsible for the verification. The new procedure will take effect immediately Some of the purchase orders for recurring monthly activities did not have receiving approvals attached. Response The employees utilizing these purchase orders have been identified and we have reviewed the proper procedures with them. These employees will be submitting partial payments vouchers with their monthly payments Teaching American History Grant: The Grant records indicate that requests for reimbursement of costs exceeded the actual expenditures by $16, Response The reimbursement was the result of checks being cut and then voided in the next year. A new system has been established which clarifies the process for requesting reimbursements for grants. The Business Administrator will be responsible for monitoring this system. Page 11 of 15

12 Resident Low Income Student Duplicated: One student identified as Resident Low Income was duplicated on the Application for State School Aid as of October 15, Response The names of students will be carefully checked prior to being entered. C. APPROVE INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD PURCHASE It was moved by Mrs. Kirsch and seconded by Mr. Sincaglia the Board of Education approve the purchase of eighteen (18) Promethean interactive whiteboards and accessories from Logical Choice Technologies in the amount of $98, for use at Governor Livingston High School. The purchase will be funded with ARRA Funds. Explanatory Note: Logical Choice Technologies is the carrier of the Promethean Whiteboard label and is the only supplier of the version that is being used in the district. D. APPROVE PURCHASE OF BUS It was moved by Mrs. Kirsch and seconded by Mr. Sincaglia that the Board of Education approve the purchase of a 2010 Dodge Caravan 7 Passenger Minivan from Hertrich Fleet Services, a state contracted vendor, for $19, The purchase will be funded with ARRA Funds. Explanatory Note: Cost analysis of the purchase and additional costs versus outsourcing of these services provides a cost savings to the district. E. ACCEPT DONATION It was moved by Mrs. Kirsch and seconded by Mr. Sincaglia that the Board of Education accept the donation from the Union County Department of Public Works through the Governor Livingston Football Club of temporary lighting, mounted on four light standards, to be used on the practice fields at Governor Livingston High School. This temporary lighting will be used to illuminate the field for football team practices from November 2, 2009, through the end of the season. Page 12 of 15

13 F. APPROVE CHANGE ORDERS FOR TOILET ROOM UPGRADES AT GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON HIGH SCHOOL It was moved by Mrs. Kirsch and seconded by Mr. Sincaglia that the Board of Education approve the following change orders for Toilet Upgrades at Governor Livingston High School with Altec Building Systems Corp: Change Amount Explanatory Note Order # 001 $3, Remove & replace existing plumbing valves 002 7, Relocate existing waste pipe in T2, T3 and T , Provide floor drains and trap primers 004 5, Provide concrete flooring for proper plumbing support 005 3, Replace ceiling in T3 and asst principal s office 006 2, Relocate piping on T3 and finish to conceal piping. Explanatory Note: The architect has reviewed the labor and materials required by these change orders. G. AWARD CONTRACT FOR CABINET REPLACEMENT AT COLUMBIA MIDDLE SCHOOL It was moved by Mrs. Kirsch and seconded by Mr. Sincaglia that the Board of Education authorize the award of a contract to K.B.D. Construction, LLC for cabinet installation at Columbia Middle School for $21, through the District s Bidding Cooperative. H. ACCEPT DONATION It was moved by Mrs. Kirsch and seconded by Mr. Sincaglia that the Board of Education accept the donation from the Thomas P. Hughes School P.T.O. of the following items to be used at the Thomas P. Hughes School: Principal s Welcome Reception and Welcome Back Picnic $ Playground Equipment Environmental/Garden Maintenance Cultural Arts Program In-Class Professional Programs $2, Page 13 of 15

14 FINANCE I. VOID OLD OUTSTANDING CHECKS It was moved by Mrs. Kirsch and seconded by Mr. Sincaglia that the Board of Education authorize the voiding of the following outstanding checks from the Board of Education School Monies account: Check # $ Check # $83.83 Explanatory Note: Voiding of old outstanding checks is being done in the normal course of business. Item A: All Board members. Items B-D: Berkeley Heights only. A. PAYMENT OF BILLS It was moved by Mr. Sincaglia and seconded by Ms. Walsh that the Board of Education approve for payment the bills as listed on the bill lists as follows: 10/30/2009 Payroll $1,389, /28/2009 Accounts Payable /12/ , $2,079, B. APPROVAL OF BOARD SECRETARY S REPORT It was moved by Mr. Sincaglia and seconded by Ms. Walsh that the Board of Education, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-2.3, certifies that as of October 30, 2009, 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. Sincaglia and seconded by Ms. Walsh that the Board of Education authorize transfers for October, D. APPROVAL OF TREASURERS REPORT It was moved by Mr. Sincaglia and seconded by Ms. Walsh that the Board of Education accept the revised financial reports of the Board Secretary and the Revised Treasurer of School Funds Report after the final audit adjustment, for the months ending June 30, 2009, July 31, 2009, August 31, 2009, and September 30, 2009 and the Treasurer of School Funds Report for the month ending October, Page 14 of 15

15 FINAL CITIZENS HEARING There were no members of the public who wished to be heard at this time. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Sincaglia announced that a public meeting to review the middle school, high school and technology budget will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 7:00 PM in the Columbia Middle School Music Room. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Mr. Reinstein and seconded by Mrs. Kirsch that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 PM. Respectfully submitted, Donna A. Felezzola School Business Administrator/ Board Secretary Page 15 of 15