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The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on November 14, 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 wa filed with the Borough Clerk; submitted to the COURIER NEWS, STAR LEDGER, AND Comcast; posted at Watchung School, Borough Hall and the North Plainfield Public Library. Mrs. Bond-Nelson requested the call of the roll:
Thomas Allen Kathleen Mullen
David Branan Drew Elliott Smith
Sandra Dodd Linda Bond-Nelson
Edwin Estevez
A quorum was established
Also present were Marilyn Birnbaum, Superintendent of Schools; Donald Sternberg, Board Secretary/School Business Administrator; and Robert Rich, Assistant Superintendent.
The Pledge of Allegiance was given.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to adjourn to executive session for confidential matters relating to students, personnel, negotiations and litigation at 6:30 pm.
The meeting re-convened to public session at 7:45 pm with the same members present, as well as, Nora Rivera, Student Representative and approximately 17 members of the staff and public
The public portion of the meeting began.
Introduction of New Staff
There was none.
Minutes Approval
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to accept the public session minutes of October 17, 2007.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to accept the executive session minutes of October 17, 2007
Student Representative Report
Nora Rivera reported on various student activities some of which included the following: The Homecoming Dance will take placed on November 16th. Student Council is organizing a food drive. The Interact Club is visiting the elementary schools to assist ESL students with their studies. The Freshman Football team is undefeated. The Spanish Club visited Ellis Island. A ceremony in recognition of Veterans will be held at the High School on November 15th. Peer Leaders will be attending a three-day trip to Camp Ocknickan. H.O.P.E. Club has planted new flowers. NPHS Cheerleaders took a second place in a competition in Wildwood, NJ.
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
Mr. Robert Goellner of the NP Education Foundation presented mini-grant awards for the “Lunch Bunch” program at Somerset School; “Metacognitive Thinking” G&T program; the “New Mascot Plaque” at Somerset School and “All Things American” at Somerset School.
Dr. Birnbaum provided an overview of the NJQSAC report including a review of scores determined for each of the sections.
Mr. Sternberg presented the Long Range Facilities Plan including a review of completed projects for the 2006-07 and 2007-08 school years.
Committee Delegate Reports
Mr. Estevez provided a legislative update to the Board.
Mrs. Bond-Nelson presented a review of information received at the annual NJSBA Workshop on Improving Public Relations with Multimedia” and Current Issues in School Law.” She also commented on how well-prepared our board members were when they attended the mandatory training session on the NJQSAC. In addition, Mr. Branan commented on information received at the workshop on special education funding. Mr. Estevez discussed “Keys to Equitable Outcomes,” workshop he attended.
Upcoming Committee Meetings are scheduled as follows:
Finance and Facilities – 11/29/07 – 7:00 pm
Communications Committee – 12/5/07 – 6:30 pm
Curriculum Committee – 12/12/07 – 7:00 pm
Superintendent’s Report
Recognition
The North Plainfield Education Foundation is awarding mini-grants to the following staff members: Jackie Slattery & Karen Moore (Somerset), "Lunch Bunch," $250.00; Janet Darvin, Cynthia Crawford, Kathy Porter(G&T), "Metacognitive Thinking,” $250.00 ; Kathy Fry (Somerset), "New Mascot Plaque," $150.00; Nancy Rodino (Somerset), "All Things American," $250.00. Founded in 1997, the Foundation, under the leadership of Robert Goellner, president, is a non profit, fund-raising organization dedicated to encouraging excellence in education in the North Plainfield community and carries out its mission by awarding mini grants to fund special projects suggested by the district's teachers. Trustees of the Foundation include a cross section of the community representing residents, the Board of Education, school administration, teaching staff and businesses.
Mary Thomsen, LDTC, presented at an NJEA workshop in Atlantic City sponsored by the Association of Learning Consultants. The workshop – I&RS and Creating a Multisensory Classroom – provided insight into designing a multisensory classroom that addresses the needs of all learners and is readily adaptable to documentation of pre-referral interventions for I&RS meetings. Ms. Thomsen presented on the same topic to members of the Child Study Team and school counselors during our own November in-service days.
For the third year in a row Maria Araneo, supervisor of special education, was the co-chair of the Association of Learning Consultants Fall Symposium held at the Bridgewater Marriott. Over 350 learning consultants throughout the state gathered to hear from well known speakers on timely topics which included: 3-Tier Service Models and RTI, Use and Interpretation of the WJIII Discrepancy Procedures for the Identification of Specific Learning Disabilities, and Creating Positive Behavioral Support Plans for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
East End School
The second graders at East End School are all buzzing with plans for the 2007 Harvest Festival, which will be held on November 20, 2007. The festival is a culmination of the Native American Unit where the students have studied about the various tribes across North America. The children have learned facts about how the homes they built, foods they ate, animals they hunted, and clothing they wore were unique to each region of Native Americans. The classes have been comparing and contrasting the similarities and differences between the tribes. During the Harvest Festival the students will be engaged in a variety of Native American activities like making wampum and picture writing. There will also be a presentation of "The Strongest One," which is a Native American Folktale from the Zuni tribe of the southwest region. Each child will have a part in the show. Some have speaking roles and others will dance or participate in the Indian chant.
West End School
PTA's Family Fun Night was a howling success: On October 19 the ghosts and goblins were out in full force at the PTA Halloween Family Fun Night. There were pumpkins galore, food, crafts, sparkly spiders, the opening of the School Pride Store, and Halloween Story Telling! The P in PTA provided crafts and pumpkin painting and the T in PTA provided scary Halloween read aloud stories for the kids. Many thanks to Sandy Deller for planning the teachers part of the night. Special thanks to Jason Lilly for the loan of the tent/canopy and to Sandy and Kim Faszczewski for decorating and setting up the reading area. With the colored stage lights on, it made the perfect place for Halloween stories. Many thanks to Alan Adams and Paulette Adams, Lisa Cirillo, Marianne Harris, and Marilyn Pinto for being there to help with the read aloud. Many, many thanks also to John De Sotelle, one of West End’s dads, who was the storyteller/reader. And finally, special thanks to the PTA and all the volunteers who made the night such a fun experience for all of the families! It was a “Witchy Good Time!!”
Once again the North Plainfield Fire Department provided a very special assembly on October 22, 2007, for students teaching them about fire safety. They emphasized the use of smoke detectors, escape plans, and what to do if ever caught in a fire.
The Hispanic Heritage Family Celebration held on October 24 was maravilloso! It was an evening of singing, dancing, eating, and storytelling with close to 200 people in attendance. This event was coordinated by West End's Hispanic Heritage Committee, the Literacy Events Committee, and the Family Engagement Committee.
Stony Brook School
Sharon Switek and Gretchen Jacot presented a reading workshop to their first grade parents. The focus of the evening was building comprehension skills. The teachers led the parent group in a "picture walk" of a story; they took the five finger test; and learned how their children should be selecting books. Ms. Switek and Ms. Jacot also offered numerous strategies in support of comprehension skills.
Stony Brook celebrated Fire Safety Week with a visit from the North Plainfield Fire Department. Captain Sadlon and Firefighter Jeff presented a fire prevention video and answered questions from students. Everyone received fire safety bookmarks and a chance to look at the department's newest camera. The students also practiced the "Stop, Drop and Roll" fire safety techniques.
Leah Glicksman and her third and fourth grade students along with the assistance of Nancy Lasluisa presented Stony Brook's fourth annual "Hispanic Heritage Program.” The students were dressed in the native costumes from their countries and shared national relics, flags and historical pieces with visiting classes. They sang different songs in Spanish and taught the groups different dances. “Volunteers prepared food and a feast was had by all,” noted Principal Kobylarz.
WWRT? You might think they are just initials, but to Stony Brookers WWRT has a very important meaning. On Tuesday, October 23, 2007 Joan Buzick, author and musician visited Stony Brook School and shared her story titled, “WWRT: What Went Right Today?” She not only read her story to the children but also sang and played her guitar for them, and then taught the children how to say “What Went Right Today?” using American Sign Language. Her message is one of thinking positively about every day. The Stony Brook PTA invited Ms. Buzick and donated two copies of her book and the CD to the Stony Brook library.
NPHS
The NPHS Counseling Department hosted a special evening with Jerry Ervin from Educational Funding Associates on November 13 in the high school auditorium. He presented to parents a program on "How to Pay for College.” In January, the department will be hosting a similar program for our Spanish-speaking community.
Gifted and Talented (G&T)
The North Plainfield Gifted and Talented Department, whose members include Cynthia Crawford, Janet Darvin, Kathy Porter and Supervisor Cathy Kobylarz are pleased and delighted to accept a $250.00 grant from the North Plainfield Education Foundation. The grant is titled "Metacognition Thinking Tool Kit" and presents the premise that "understanding how we think and recognizing the tools required for problem solving are essential skills for expanding our knowledge base.” The money from this grant will help the G&T department to teach students how to recognize their metacognitive skills. The staff sees this as a key component to their achievement in school and absolutely necessary for competing in the global workplace our students will one day enter.
The Metacognitive Thinking Tools Lesson helps students to become aware of the process of thinking by connecting common objects to thinking. For example:~ a restaurant menu reminds students to choose a strategy for problem solving; a clock reminds students to stay on task and monitor their time; a compass reminds students to consider the direction in which their strategies are moving them; a mirror reminds students to reflect; an eraser reminds student to correct errors or a make changes (adapt). All items are placed onto a poster for the classroom, serving as a reference tool with powerful reminders of the importance of thinking!
DISTRICT OPERATIONS & AUXILIARY SERVICES
SAFETY TRAINING
The Safety Topic for the month of November is Confined Space Awareness. Related safety training, including personal protective equipment, will be conducted with all staff members.
Additionally, a training session related to the MRSA virus and proper cleaning techniques, was held on Wednesday, October 31, 2007. All head custodians were given instructions on how to prevent the spread of the virus.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Due to the recent rise in reported cases of the MRSA virus, Operations has implemented additional housekeeping procedures to reduce the risk of exposure to this antibiotic resistant virus. Additionally, hand sanitizing dispensers have been installed at all locations where contact with bare skin is prevalent. Disinfectant wipes are also available to wipe down items such as weight equipment and sports gear. We are also utilizing a Healthcare Disinfectant that effectively targets and eliminates the MRSA virus.
PERSONNEL
Our Operations Staff is awaiting the arrival of a plaque dedicated to the memory of Alfred Knoblauch, who passed away in September. Mr. Knoblauch proudly served our district for over thirty four years and is dearly missed. Once this plaque arrives, it will be mounted in the cafeteria at NPHS.
Our new photo identification cards have been processed. Staff members have received their new I.D. badges.
MAINTENANCE
In addition to completing daily work requests and routine maintenance, the following tasks were completed by the Maintenance Department during this past month.
• Electrical circuits and an air conditioner were installed in the West End computer room
• Signs were posted, district wide, regarding field usage and trespassing
• Several sections of fence were repaired at West End School
• The new sheet rock at Somerset School was primed and painted
• A plumbing leak in the ceiling at Somerset was repaired
COMPLETED PROJECTS
• All of our boilers, district-wide, were inspected by the Office of Pressure Vessel Compliance. All subsequent repairs have now been completed and all primary boilers have been test fired and adjusted.
• The new key swipe system, recently installed on one NPHS entrance door, is now fully operational. Authorized staff members have been issued key fobs to enter and exit the building using this door.
• The first phase of the NPHS landscaping project has now been completed. All of the front bed areas and walkways have been bordered and mulched. Bedding plants and shrubs have been planted as funding permits.
• The exterior work to Harrison House has now been completed.
OPEN/PENDING PROJECTS
(BY SCHOOL)
HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL
• Installation of the surveillance system and associated wiring. This project is nearing completion but has been delayed due to a hardware issue. Once the system is complete and the associated signage has been installed, the service provider will begin to train our authorized staff members.
HARRISON BUILDING
• The replacement of one office air conditioning unit is currently in progress.
HARRISON HOUSE
• There are currently no open projects at this location.
ATHLETIC COMPLEX
• Upgrades to the existing heating and ventilation system in the Field House.
EAST END SCHOOL
• The replacement of four exterior light fixtures that are currently on order.
WEST END SCHOOL
• There are currently no open projects at this location.
SOMERSET SCHOOL
• The installation of additional railings for several stairwells and landings. These are custom manufactured railings and there is a substantial amount of lead time for delivery.
STONY BROOK
• There are currently no open projects at this location.
Recommendations from Superintendent of Schools
Personnel
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that
WHEREAS Sandra Gossett, librarian in the North Plainfield School District, has indicated that she wishes to retire on November 1, 2007, and
WHEREAS she has served the District and children of North Plainfield for approximately fifteen years with dedication to the highest standards of education, now therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Board of Education of North Plainfield extend to Ms. Gossett its thanks for the service she has given and best wishes for her future; and be if further
RESOLVED that this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the public meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education on November 14, 2007, and be it further
RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution, signed by the President of the Board of Education and Board Secretary/School Business Administrator, be sent to Ms. Gossett.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the Board member/and or staff conference and travel expenses as per the attached list.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the following staff members to proctor PSAT testing on Saturday, October 20. 2007, at the rate of $26 per hour:
Frank Fusco Debra Soriano
Andrew Risoli Marcella Eldekki
Starlette Kirby
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education rescind the previously approved recommendation to employ Linda de’Marsi as a substitute paraprofessional.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the certificated staff indicated below be paid for graduate courses taken between January and September 2007.
Name Course Hrs. Paid Reimb
Alexis Holbrook Curr. Dev/Eval: Thry/Prac 3 $1388.55 $1041.41
(Spec Ed/EE)
Travis Smith Public School Admn. 3 $1388.55 $1041.41
(English/HS) School Supvn. & Org Theory 3 $1433.55 $1075.16
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education accept the resignation of Acenza Montalbano, temporary teacher of drama at NPHS, effective October 17, 2007.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of the following food service workers by Maschio’s Food Service:
Beatriz Murillo Tenzin Pasang
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of the following teachers to work on curriculum projects or school-based planning activities at the school/department as indicated at the negotiated rate of $43.88 per hour, to be paid at the conclusion of the project:
Gifted and Talented
Cynthia Crawford $439
Janet Darvin $439
Kathleen Porter $439
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education employ the staff members indicated on the attached list to teach in extended day mentoring programs at the rate of $30 per hour, to be funded with federal, state and local monies.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Carlos Camayagua as a probationary custodian at the Step 1/Custodian rate of $32,932, effective November 19, 2007 through February 16, 2008. (Mr. Comayague will replace Alfred Knoblauch.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve Thomas Bannon, health and physical education teacher at NPHS, to teach a sixth class of driver education, effective November 19, 2007 through February 1, 2008, as follows:
BA/Step 7 - $49,715 plus $8,286 for sixth class to be prorated
effective 11/19/07-2/1/08
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education accept with regret the resignation of Phyllis Kovacsofsky, family and consumer science teacher at NPHS, for reasons of retirement, effective January 31, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the following individuals as volunteer assistants to the coaches in the athletic program:
Wrestling Program Boys’ Basketball
Dennis Passe James Illmenesse
John Vogel Greg Kilmer
James Garafalo
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education increase the hours worked by Frederick Bradford, paraprofessional working with a student at West End School, from 3.25 hours per day to 4.0 hours per day, at the rate of $18.12 per hour, effective October 15, 2007 through November 21, 2007, to cover the breakfast program.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education employ the following teacher(s) to serve as a character facilitator(s) at a stipend of $500 each:
Susan Pellegrino NPMS
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education adjust the previously approved recommendation to employ William Slinger as a district substitute teacher from grades K-4 to grades K-12.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2006-2007 school year, the Board of Education adjust the salary of Hugh Chavez, head custodian at NPHS, to include the high school head custodian stipend of $800, effective September 11, 2006 through June 30, 2007.
Further, that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education adjust Mr. Chavez’ salary to head custodian/Step 3 at $40,718 plus $675 boiler license stipend plus $800 high school head custodian stipend for a total of $42,913, and that an adjusted contract to employ be issued.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Nicholas Checchio as a probationary maintenance person, at the Maintenance Guide/Step 3 salary rate of $40,718, effective November 19, 2007 through February 26, 2008, pending completion of the employment process. (Mr. Checchio will replace Christopher Brunner.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Matthew Rennie as a substitute custodian at the hourly salary rate of $15.77, pending completion of the employment process.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Marilyn Joseph as a special education teacher at East End School at the MA/Step 9 (15-16/15) annual salary rate of $61,325, effective November 19, 2007.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education adjust the Guide and salary of Frank Fusco, teacher of English at NPHS, from BA/Step 5 to MA/Step 5 at the annual salary rate of $47,200, to reflect his attainment of a Master’s degree, effective November 1, 2007, and that an adjusted contract to employ be issued.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education adjust the recommendation to accept the resignation, for reasons of retirement, of Pearl Albrecht, speech correctionist in the Department of Pupil Services, from effective January 1, 2008 to effective January 1, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education adjust the Guide and salary of Nicole DiTrani, teacher of English at NPMS, from BA/Step 3 to MA/Step 3 at the annual salary rate of $45,630, to reflect her attainment of a Master’s degree, effective September 1, 2007, and that an adjusted contract to employ be issued.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Nicole Sette as a school library media specialist at NPHS, at the MA/Step 5 (6-8/8) annual salary rate of $47,200, effective January 14, 2008 or sooner should Ms. Sette be released from her present position, and that a contract to employ be issued. (Ms. Sette will replace Sandra Gossett).
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Curriculum, Instruction, and Pupil Services
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve home instruction for classified student HI-11-07-08 for up to ten hours per week to be provided by district and/or Educational Services Commission staff, effective October 25, 2007.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve home instruction for classified student HI-12-07-08 for up to ten hours per week to be provided by district and/or Educational Services Commission staff, effective October 22, 2007.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve home instruction for classified student HI-13-07-08 for up to ten hours per week to be provided by district and/or Educational Services Commission staff, effective October 15, 2007.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen that the Board of Education approve the funds necessary to allow a speech motor evaluation to be completed for classified student ST-01-07-08 at the cost of $225.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen to separate the preceding motion from the page. A roll call vote of the previously separated motion had the motion pass by a vote of 6 to 0 with Mrs. Dodd abstaining.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the North Plainfield Board of Education approve the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC) District Performance Reviews (DPR) including Instruction & Programs, Personnel, Fiscal Management, Operations, Governance, and the Statements of Assurance for each DPR, as attached.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education pay the tuition for the out-of-district placement of the following classified student(s) in the school(s) and at the tuition rate(s) (to be prorated) as noted. Transportation will be required.
ID# School/Location Tuition Effective
AAA-07-08 Somerset Secondary Academy $35,895 11/13/07
AAAAAA-07-08 Child Dev.Cntr/Bloomfield $44,441 11/05/07
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the use of Applied Behavior Consultants, LLC to provide school and home behavioral services for identified students at the cost of $110 per hour (travel included).
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez – Aye
Finance, Purchasing, Facilities and Agreements
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit the Early Childhood Program Aid (ECPA) District One-Year Operational Plan and projected pre-school and kindergarten budgets as attached.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve payments from the Cafeteria Account and the Adult School Account in accordance with the attached list dated November 14, 2007.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve line item transfers in accordance with the attached listed dated September 30, 2007.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the following special education transportation jointures with the Union County Educational Services Commission for the 2007-2008 school year.
Contractor Route Destination Students Annual Cost*
Vogel Bus CS019 Cranford Acvtm, Cran. 2 $18,604.80
Vogel Bus CS022 Westlake School, Wstfld 1 9,850.90
F.S. Transport CS035 Child Dev. Ctr, Bloomfield 3 38,011.80
Jencarli Transp. Sys. CS066 Deron School, Montclair 1 10,608.00
Breza Bus CS074 Deron I, Union 8 41,205.60
Vogel Bus CS090 Coastal Lng Ctr. Morganville 1 20,217.60*
Jencarli Transp. Sys CS292 St. Josephs F/T Blind, Jer. Cty 1 18,740.80*
SIJZ Trans. CS390 Childrens Ctr Monmouth 1 43,993.90*
Total $201,233.40
*Aide
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education authorize the Business Administrator/Board Secretary to sell or dispose of obsolete/irreparable equipment as follows:
Stony Brook School Physical Education Equipment:
Bogen record player with amplifier & speakers
Wooden cart
Tetherballs
Jump ropes
Checkers
Hula-hoops
Football kicking tees
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board approve the adoption of VALIC Governmental 403b plan as follows:
WHEREAS, the North Plainfield Board of Education (hereinafter, the “Employer”), desires to establish a retirement plan for the exclusive benefit of its employees and their beneficiaries; and
WHEREAS the Employer desires to adopt the VALIC Governmental 403(b) Plan,” in the form and substance as heretofore presented to the governing body of the Employer, the same to be effective as of November 14, 2007; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the appropriate representatives of the Employer be, and the same hereby are, authorized and directed to execute the adoption agreement to the VALIC Governmental 403(b) Plan document, as approved, and execute all other documents and to do all other things as may be necessary to appropriate to make the VALIC Governmental 403(b) Plan effective, including the execution of any amendments required by the Internal Revenue Service in order to continue and maintain the qualified and exempt status of the Plan.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education gratefully accept the donation of the following equipment from the Somerset-Hunterdon Business Education Alliance:
Desks Office Chairs File Cabinets
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez – Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education authorize the Superintendent of Schools to accept the following funding in conjunction with the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Local Education Agency (LEA) Consolidated Application FY’08:
Title I Part A Basic/Concentration $304,508
Title II Part A $122,362
Title II Part D $ 2,084
Title III $ 63,973
Title IV $ 12,175
Title V $ 6,739
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Correspondence
Letters were received as follows from:
Knoblauch Family re: thank you
Financial Report
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Branan and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the list of bills and payrolls dated October 31, 2007 in the amount of $5,903,476.75
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Branan 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 School Funds, for the month of September, 2007 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 over expended and that as of this report sufficient funds are available to meet the district’s financial obligation for the remainder of this fiscal year.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Old Business
Mr. Sternberg reviewed a report prepared by Joanne Santonastaso, Transportation Coordinator, regarding bus usage of in-district routes. Also reviewed and discussed were issues related to transportation of out-of-district placements.
New Business
Mr. Estevez suggested that the Board of Education at its meeting of December 5, 2007 adopt the resolution as recommended by NJSBA in non-support of super majority on second ballot questions.
Current Events in Education
Mr. Smith commented on recent issues related to the Plainfield Board of Education and expressed concerns and hopes for resolutions to these matters.
Comments from the Public
Mr. Dunhamn commented that the dissemination of information at the College Fair was not done well.
Future Agenda Items
Auditor’s Report
Negotiations
Committee Effectiveness
Adjournment
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to hold an executive session on December 5, 2007 at 7:00 pm for confidential matters relating to students, personnel, negotiations and litigation.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to adjourn to executive session for confidential matters relating to personnel and particulars related to employment at 10:00 pm.
The meeting re-convened to public session at 10:45 with the same members present.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that effective December 1, 2007 Dr. Debra Sheard be appointed Assistant Principal North Plainfield High School at the annual salary of $125,722 to be prorated.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Edwin Estevez - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to adjourn at 10:47 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
APPROVED: Donald Sternberg
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