The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on February 21, 2007 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 and 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
David Branan Kathleen Mullen
Sandra Dodd Nancy Szaroleta
Edwin Estevez Linda Bond-Nelson
A quorum was established.
Also present was Marilyn Birnbaum, Superintendent of Schools, Donald Sternberg, Board Secretary /School Business Administrator and Robert Rich, Assistant Superintendent.
The meeting convened to public session at 7:30 pm with the same members present, Michelle Velasquez, Student Representative and approximately 12 members of the staff and public.
Introduction of New Staff
There was none.
Minutes Approval
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Szaroleta abstaining to accept the Public Meeting Minutes of February 7, 2007.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Szaroleta abstaining to accept the Executive Session Minutes of February 7, 2007.
Student Representative Report
Michelle Velasquez reported on student activities some of which included the following:
The Drama Club will be doing a Black History Month Presentation February 26th to 28th. Rehearsals are in progress for the production, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, scheduled for March 22nd to 24th. The National Honor Society hosted a teacher appreciation breakfast on February 15th. The Ski Club’s last trip of the season was held on February 15th at Shawnee.
Comments from the Public
Upon request of the chair for topics from the public, there were none.
Additional Board Matters
Upon request of the chair for additional emergency matters to be discussed by the Board, there were none.
Presentation
Tamika Bauknight, Middle School Assistant Principal, conducted a presentation of the Middle School initiatives which included an overview of the character education program’s monthly themes encouraging students to use self-discipline and to demonstrate positive character traits.
Committee Delegate Reports
Mr. Estevez provided a legislative update. It was further stated that no change is expected in State aid.
The Board/Staff Committee did not meet.
A Finance and Facilities Committee meeting is scheduled for March 1st at 7:15 pm.
Superintendent's Report
Recognition
NJ Family Magazine has gone monthly and starting in April, Terry Tunkel, West End kindergarten teacher, will write a small monthly column entitled “School Solutions."
NPHS
National Girls and Women in Sports Day: New Jersey again joined the nation in celebrating the many achievements of girls and women in sports, particularly throughout the state. The state-wide celebration for the National Girls and Women in Sports Day was on February 11, 2007 at Seton Hall University. The program included a state-wide awards luncheon, where outstanding high school and college/university female athletes were presented with special awards from the National Association for Girls and Women in Sports. Kiah Clarke, a senior at NPHS who participates on the girls’ basketball and track teams, was selected by the coaching staff to represent NPHS. After being recognized at the luncheon, the other award winners were invited to attend the women’s basketball game between Seton Hall and Villanova University. At half time, the award winners were asked to stand and be recognized.
The NPHS Pep Rally with Congressman Mike Ferguson was a success! The varsity cheerleaders presented Congressman Ferguson with a flag that was flown over all of the 9-11 sites. Congressman Ferguson then presented the school with a flag that was flown over the capital. As Jerard Stephenson, NPHS principal noted, “The Congressman did an impressive job talking to the students. He got them fired up and led them in a Canuck cheer. He read about the school in NJ Monthly and also knew that the girls’ basketball team was in the state playoffs.”
West End School
To raise awareness about women and heart disease, West End School celebrated Go Red for Women on February 2, 2007. Barbara Walker, West End School nurse, sold red dress pins to raise money for the American Heart Association. The proceeds will be used to fund education and research for women's heart health. The students celebrated by wearing red and having gym competitions in jumping rope, shooting hoops and making lay-ups. The winners were fourth graders Michael Newman-hoops, Jack Beckham-lay ups, Chuck Kaiser-jump rope. Michele Tafuri's second grade class won for the highest participation rate for wearing red to school.
Marilyn LaMarca, West End School librarian, arranged for Bob Biastre from the NP Public Library to come to West End School during library book exchange times. He spoke to students about signing up for a library card at the public library. Over 100 students handed in applications and are now library card holders.
West End School, Somerset School, and NPMS
Broadway composer John Forster and playwright Dr. Janice Cohn visited West End School on February 9, 2007. Mr. Forster and Dr. Cohn are currently working on a new musical. They came to West End for the purpose of working with selected choral students from West End School, Somerset School, and NPMS. Mr. Forster used the time to try out some of his new material with the students as they first read through the lyrics and then sang three of his new songs. The students were treated to an exciting opportunity as they experienced first hand what it is like to work with professionals. Mr. Forster is planning a return to West End in order to continue working with the students. The following students participated: West End, fourth grade -- Chad Covin, Angel Jaurez, Nicole Peragrina, Breanna Worthey and Andrea Wright; Somerset School, fifth grade: Luisa Ruiz and sixth grade: Chloe Williams and Charlotte Brockway. Many thanks to Sue Fordham, special education teacher, who coordinated this event with Dr. Cohen; Jon Scott, music teacher, who worked with Dr. Forster and Robert Pispecky, supervisor of fine, practical, and performing arts, to organize the musical plans; and Laurie Pfundheller, special education teacher, for assisting with the project.
Buildings and Grounds Update
Harrison House
An intrusion alarm and smoke detector have been installed at Harrison House. We are waiting for the programmer to activate the system.
East End School
An exhaust fan is being installed for the new kiln in the art room at East End School. As soon as the installation is complete the kiln will be operable.
NPHS, Upper Krausche Field
Repairs have been made to the perimeter fence including removal of top arms, straightening of poles, and installation of top tube cover.
Somerset School
The railings and glass have been installed.
Recommendations from Superintendent of Schools
Personnel
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the certified staff indicated on the attached list be paid for graduate courses taken between September and December 2006.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education approve Board member and/or staff conference and travel expenses as per the attached list.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education adjust the guide and salary of Roseann Caruso, elementary teacher at West End School, from BA/Step 3 to the MA Guide/Step 3 at the annual salary rate of $45,095, due to her attainment of a Master’s degree, effective January 1, 2007.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education grant Marcella Eldekki, basic skills teacher at NPMS/HS, an unpaid leave of absence effective February 1, 2007 through February 14, 2007.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education approve Christina Kennedy to serve as a volunteer assistant to the girls’ track coach.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education grant Sandra Barreto, teacher of mathematics at NPHS, an unpaid leave of absence effective February 15, 2007 through February 26, 2007.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education grant Diane Olsen, school nurse at East End School, an unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act, effective March 19, 2007 through April 23, 2007.
Mr. Estevez moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to separate the previous motion from the page. The separated motion passed by a vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Szaroleta abstaining.
Curriculum, Instruction, and Pupil Services
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education pay the tuition for the out-of-district placement of the following classified student in the school and at the tuition rate noted. Transportation will be required.
ID# School/Location Tuition Effective
NNNN-06-07 Youth Consultation Services Muller Hall $41,962 2/6/07
Intensive Residential Treatment Services Unit
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education approve submission of the application for Extraordinary Aid for the students and in the amounts indicated on the attached list.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for classified student HI-15-06-07 to be provided by district and/or Educational Services Commission staff for not more than ten hours per week effective February 15, 2007, pending child study team/Board determination.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for identified student HI-22-06-07 to be provided by district and/or Educational Services Commission staff for not more than ten hours per week effective February 20, 2007, pending CST/Board determination.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education approve the use of Somerset County Educational Services Commission services per the attached list to be used on an as-needed basis only.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year (summer 2007 program), the Board of Education pay the tuition for the out-of-district placement of the following classified student in the school and at the tuition rate noted. Transportation will be required.
ID# School/Location Tuition Effective
A-07-08 Harbor Haven, Union $5,505 Summer 2007
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education approve the cost of a Turkish language translator to be provided by Ambassador Translating at the rate of $105 per hour (two hour minimum), and $40 for transportation (one hour minimum, two hour maximum) for classified student TR-01-06-07.
Finance, Purchasing, Facilities and Agreements
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve payments from the Cafeteria Account and the Adult School Account in accordance with the attached list dated February 21, 2007.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve line item transfers in accordance with the attached list dated December 31, 2006.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve setting the hours for voting at the Annual School Election on April 17, 2007 from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve setting the time and date for the drawing of position on the ballot at 4:00 pm on March 7, 2007 at the Board of Education Administrative Offices.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the disposal of the following irreparable equipment:
Hewlett Packard Digital Copier 310 – AHS Office in the high school cafeteria, Serial No. MY2A4D40TSC8424A.
Correspondence
There were none.
Financial Report
Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the list of bills and payrolls dated January 31, 2007 in the amount of $4,546,618.92.
Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education accept the monthly financial reports of the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary and the Treasurer of Schools Funds for the month of December, 2006, and further recommends in compliance with NJAC 6:23-2.11 (b), that the Board of Education certify that to the best of their knowledge, no major account or fund has been overexpended and that as of this report sufficient funds are available to meet the district's financial obligation for the remainder of this fiscal year.
Old Business
The Board Retreat will be held on Saturday, February 24th with Diane Morris from NJSBA leading the discussion. Mrs. Mullen will be unable to attend.
Mr. Sternberg reviewed expenditures for the 2007-08 proposed school budget.
Mr. Allen informed the Board that a $2500 donation for the field turf project has been received from LDP Consulting, Inc.
Dr. Birnbaum discussed a Middle School softball proposal and asked for Board approval of the program.
New Business
Current Events in Education
Mr. Estevez commented on recent newspaper articles regarding special education.
Comments from the Public
Upon request of the chair for comments from the public, there were none.
Future Agenda Items
Introduction of New Staff - 3/7/07
Legislative Report - Ongoing
Joint meeting with Borough Council – 3/19/07, 7:30 pm Community Center
G&T Presentation – TBD
Adjournment
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen to hold an executive session on March 7, 2007 at 7:00 pm, for confidential matters relating to personnel, students, negotiations, and litigation.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to adjourn at 9:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Donald Sternberg
