Minutes:  2/6/08

The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on February 6, 2008 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, 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 Kathleen Mullen David Branan Drew Elliott Smith – arrived 8:50 pm 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, and approximately 12 members of the staff and public Introduction of New Staff New staff was introduced as per the attached list. Minutes Approval Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a vote of 5 to 0 with Mr. Estevez abstaining to accept the public session minutes of January 23, 2008. Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a vote of 5 to 0 with Mr. Estevez abstaining to accept the executive session minutes of January 23, 2008. Student Representative Report Student representative Nora Rivera was not present. 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. Ron Fisher, Supervisor of Technology, and Ms. Patricia Marseglia, Math/Science Supervisor, gave the Board an update on current trends in technology and provided an update of the District’s technology plan. Committee Delegate Reports Mr. Estevez, Legislative Representative, updated the Board on current legislation. Mrs. Bond-Nelson, Negotiations Chairperson, mentioned that a meeting of the Negotiations Committee is scheduled for February 7th at 7:30 pm. Superintendent’s Report RECOGNITION The Music Faculty Scholarship Concert, will be held February 21(snow date is February 28) at 7p.m. in the NPHS auditorium. There is no ticket fee; however donations will be accepted at the door toward the scholarship of an NPHS senior continuing his/her studies in music. Student Council President Jasmine Campbell, a senior, has been named a finalist for the National Achievement Scholarship Program. She is one of only 1,600 students nationwide to be included as a finalist. All finalists will be considered for one of the 800 scholarships which will be offered to outstanding Black American students in 2008. Jasmine Campbell, Tracy Mamuric, Marcel Ringold, and Chinyere Amadiegwu, NPHS students, performed in the Region II Chorus at Hopewell Valley Regional High School on Sunday, January 27, 2008. As noted by Tom Mazur, supervisor of fine, practical and performing arts, “I was personally very proud to see North Plainfield High School well represented. I have been a part of Region concerts for many years, and I was particularly impressed by the program offered and the performance of so many first rate young people.” The girls’ varsity basketball team has advanced to the quarter-final round of the Somerset County Tournament. The game is scheduled for Sat., February 9, 2:00 pm, at Rutgers Prep (#1 seed). College Acceptances Annielly Acosta Kean University Cedric Amegnisse William Paterson University Rutgers University Seton Hall University Mount St. Mary University Randall Arthur St. John’s University Angela Aviles University of Hartford Rutgers University - Newark Christina Bulkilvish Fashion Institute of Technology Cynthia Calderon Seton Hall University College of St. Elizabeth University of the Sciences – Philadelphia St. John’s University Jasmine Campbell North Eastern University Hofstra University Elsy Castillo St. John’s University Eric Castillo Rutgers University Drexel University Matt Clements Kutztown University Rider University Fairleigh-Dickinson University Tifani Dyson Spelman College – Honors Program Cynthia Ellis New Jersey City University Hector Espinel Berkeley College Jeremy Frusco Pace University Michael Jackson Johnson & Wales University Kunwar Kaur Rutgers University Silver Laur Rutgers University Michael Lefanto Montclair State University The College of New Jersey Tracy Mamuric Pace University Lindsay Miller Bridgewater College Daniel Parrott Penn State University Britannie Peabody Penn State University Rabail Rana Felician College Helenia Rivera Fairleigh-Dickinson University Kutztown University Ricardo Rojas Universal Technical Institute Carolyn Romond Kutztown University York College Allison Sarfati University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Penn State University Rutgers University Danielle Smagalla Monmouth University – $48,000/4 yrs. Artimus Sparrow University of Pittsburgh – $40,000 North Carolina State University Lavonde Spencer Temple University – $2500 scholarship Nadine Sylvester Rutgers University Natalie Szaroleta Johnson & Wales University - $3000 Albright College – $80,000 Jacob Albright School. $4,000 Albright National Honor Society Scholarship Drexel University - $12,500/yr. University of Bridgeport Berkeley College Cristina Talucci Rutgers University – $24,000/4 yrs. Indiana University Yuri Urrutia Caldwell College Liliana Ventura Lehigh University Allison Zeller University of Massachusetts NPHS The Junior Prom, scheduled for May 30, 2008, will take place on the Cornucopia Cruise Line, which leaves out of Perth Amboy, NJ. Members of the junior class and six chaperones will cruise around NY Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. The cost is estimated to be $80 and will include a bus to the port. The bus will leave from NPHS, where students will first participate in a pre-prom event, including pictures, refreshments, music and snacks. On February 1, 2008, Amy Six, NPHS music teacher, took 40 of her students to the Metropolitan Opera to experience Bizet's Carmen. On February 5, 2008, Leeanne Chiaramonte, NPHS drama teacher, took 36 drama students to see Romeo & Juliet at Mason Gross, Rutgers University. Forty students and six teachers attended the taping of MTV TRL 3, the new Spanish/English series. The students had a great time and got to see a few famous people and experience a television production. Stony Brook School Stony Brook’s Music Department created a winter wonderland of music at the winter concert, January 17. As snowflakes fell outside, Sandra Reedy's chorus and Kyle Skravanek's band filled the Stony Brook gymnasium with songs and music to the delight of the one-hundred and twenty family members in attendance. “It was a night to remember,” commented Cathy Kobylarz, principal. Stony Brook's fourth grade students visited the Summit Visual Arts Center and participated in a "Conceptual Art" exhibit. Conceptual Art is defined as the idea behind the artwork matters more than its physical representations. The students took a walking tour of exhibits that represented concepts of time, space, memory, distance, migration, relationships and geography. Next they created a city out of string and related many of the concepts to mathematics. The students’ Conceptual Art Cities will be on display at Stony Brook School. East End School In fourth grade science, students are pretending to attend a Star Scout Camp on another planet. Students were secretly assigned a planet by receiving an envelope with an invitation and spacecraft ticket. They were asked to keep their camp designation a secret from all classmates. They practiced reading and locating information about several planets on a solar system information data chart. They were to use the data chart to decide upon at least five interesting facts, about their planet, to record onto a web graphic organizer. Next, they encrypted those five facts into a pretend friendly letter home to a friend (mixing the facts with fictional things they are experiencing on the planet at "camp"). Finally, they enclosed their letter home to earth in an envelope, and their letters were mixed up and randomly handed out to classmates. They had to read the letter from a friend at camp, use their data chart to analyze the facts to decide which planet their friend is at for camp. Finally, students wrote the person's name next to the planet they believe they were camping at and wrote two facts from the letter on two sentence strips, to provide evidence as to why they believe that is the planet. Students then revealed to each other whether the person drew an appropriate conclusion. Those who were off were open to the class to hear the letter and decide which planet it really was that they were camping at. West End School The third grade chose the organization, Doctors Without Borders, to sponsor for their service learning project. Their project raised $75.25 from students added with a private donation of $50 by a teacher at West End for a total of $125.25. The third grade teachers placed childhood pictures of the staff on the front bulletin board for students to make guesses as to whom they were as children. Each guess was one quarter. The students had great fun making guesses while learning a bit about the great work Doctors Without Borders is doing in Africa for children. Many thanks to West End’s third grade teachers: Rheanna Andersen, Roseann Caruso, Debbie Gray, Marianne Harris, Marilyn Pinto, and Nicole Rivlin. The Parent Engagement Committee's First Spaghetti Dinner was a big success! There were about 100 people in attendance. The evening started off with a welcome and update from the members of the committee and was followed by a reading of Shel Silverstein's poem "Spaghetti," by three third grade girls. The rest of the evening held a lot of eating, mingling and relaxing! Committee members and other teachers sat down with the families to chat and obtain feedback regarding their wants and needs for their experience at West End School. Beth Sobel, principal, noted, “Feedback on the event was great, and we look forward to holding more events and workshops to encourage families to get involved in their children's education. Thank you to the committee members: Alan Adams, Taryn Buffolino, Marianne Harris, Marilyn Pinto, Nicole Rivlin or Mariluz Torres. Many thanks to those that helped out the night of the event: Sue Fordham, Kim Faszczewski, Dina Diaz, Mindy Durkin, Theresa Knauer, and Paulette Adams. From Roseann Caruso's Third Grade Class: It actually began as a discussion after reading the Scott Foresman story about the Pufflings. Johan, a third grader, was so happy after reading the story that he asked if there was any way to help animals and adopt one. The students of room 34 were generous enough to bring their own money in to adopt an African Serval. After days of finding the perfect animal and perfect place, the students finally picked an organization called WildCat Haven. After they made their $50 donation they received their official certificate and some beautiful pictures of Kenya. (Kenya an African Serval, came to live at WildCat Haven when he was eight months old. He had been purchased as a kitten by a family who thought they wanted to add a more exotic cat to their household. As often happens, the idea of living with a wildcat is much different than the reality and the family decided that they no longer wanted to keep him. Kenya has thrived at WCH and is now happy and healthy, living with three other serval companions. DISTRICT OPERATIONS & AUXILIARY SERVICES SAFETY TRAINING The safety topic for February is Proper Lifting Techniques and Back Safety. Related safety training, including safe work practices, will be conducted with all staff members on Thursday, February 7, 2008. The aforementioned training will also include an additional module on chemical safety and reporting procedures. HEALTH & SAFETY MRSA VIRUS: The Operations Department continues to monitor and implement additional housekeeping procedures as needed to reduce the risk of exposure to this antibiotic resistant virus. Please see the additional information posted on our website. STAIR-CHAIRS: An order has been placed for four stair-chairs to be utilized at NPHS/MS. These chairs are used to evacuate persons with disabilities in the event of an emergency. As soon as they are received, they will be placed into service and training will be conducted with designated staff members. MAINTENANCE In addition to completing daily work requests and routine maintenance, the following tasks were completed by the Maintenance Department during this past month. • Two water fountains were refurbished at NPMS. • Two steam leaks were repaired at East End School. • Two steam traps were replaced at Watchung Administration Building. • One scoreboard was repaired at Somerset School. • Ancillary heat was installed in a portion of the NPHS Nurse’s Office. • Pick up and distribution of furniture donated to the district; During the past two months, the district has picked up and distributed such donated items as bookshelves, file cabinets, storage cabinets and assorted office furniture. These items, obtained at no cost through the Business Education Alliance, significantly reduce our operating costs. CONTRACTED PROJECTS The following projects were completed by an outside contractor during January; • Roof repairs were completed on the remaining section of NPHS. • An emergency start circuit for the fire pump was completed at Somerset School. • Façade repairs were completed on the front of Stony Brook School. • Additional stairwell and landing railings have been installed at Somerset School. • Stage lighting in the NPHS Auditorium was cleaned and serviced. RECYCLING PROGRAM The Board of Education’s comprehensive recycling program is in start-up. The dumpsters and disposal bins required for collection have been ordered and are due to be delivered within two weeks. Once they arrive, we will be able to fully institute this program. The first phase of this program will include the collection of all paper products. The second phase of this program, the collection of co-mingled products, will be in place ahead of schedule. * The start up of this program was delayed while we awaited the delivery of the recycling dumpsters and containers. COMMUNICATION The district has received ten portable radios that were donated to the school district by the police department. These radios, in like-new condition, have now been placed into service. Additionally, we are awaiting the delivery of two additional new radios that will be on loan from the Office of Emergency Management. These radios will be for the exclusive use of Crisis Team Members. OPEN/PENDING PROJECTS HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL • Installation of the surveillance system and associated wiring is now complete and the system is operating. The contractor for this project, P.Q. Energy Systems, is currently replacing the four outside cameras and making adjustments to several others. This project is now scheduled for completion by month’s end. • The repair and/or replacement of several broken windows is scheduled for 2/19/08. • The installation of a drop ceiling and upgraded lighting in the gymnasium foyer will begin shortly. All necessary permit applications have been filed and the project will start up once they are received. • The procurement and installation of four (4) emergency evacuation chairs. EAST END SCHOOL • The replacement of four exterior light fixtures that are now in stock. • Structural repairs to the Gymnasium. An engineering firm has now completed an on-site evaluation and is in the process of submitting a cost proposal for this work. • The repair and or replacement of several broken windows. WATCHUNG BUILDING The district is currently soliciting proposals to complete the following building integrity concerns at the Watchung Administration Building. • The replacement of several windows and entrance doors. • The encapsulation of the soffit and installation of new gutters and leaders. • New entrance doors, exterior painting and other necessary repairs to the modular. ATHLETIC COMPLEX • Upgrades to the existing heating and ventilation system in the Field House. SAFETY & SECURITY The North Plainfield School District is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for all of our students, staff and visitors. As such, we continue to implement new programs, critique existing procedures and routinely conduct a number of safety related drills. Additionally, several meetings are held monthly to discuss our current strategies and future initiatives. Listed below are several of the current initiatives being implemented by the administrators and staff: • The implementation of the new and amended EPA/PEOSH Standards regarding Indoor Air Quality in schools. • The implementation of the additional EPA/DOE Standards regarding Integrated Pest Management for schools. • A complete review and update of the North Plainfield Board of Education’s Safety Policy Manual. • Continued support of the mandated Playground Safety Code including scheduled inspections and monitoring. • The creation of a Natural Hazard Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan in cooperation with the Office of Emergency Management and FEMA. • The execution of an update to the Uniform State Memorandum of Agreement between the North Plainfield Board of Education and the North Plainfield Police Department. • The distribution of portable radios to members of the Crisis Team. • The purchase of four stair-chairs for use during emergency evacuations and drills. • The reintroduction of a district-wide Safety Committee and Review Board. • The addition of several new safety modules to our Employee Safety Training Program. • A complete review and update of the North Plainfield Board of Education’s district-wide AHERA Plan. • A complete review and update to the North Plainfield Board of Education’s School Security Plan including new initiatives as mandated by the Office of Homeland Security, the New Jersey State Department of Education and or any other agency having jurisdiction over the district. Recommendations from Superintendent of Schools Personnel 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 Sharon Beim as detention monitor (before/after school) at Somerset School at the rate of $25 per hour. 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 non-certificated staff indicated below be paid for graduate courses taken between September and December 2007: Name Course Hrs. Paid Reimb. Melissa DeCos-Palma Internship in Counseling I 3 $1719.30 $1289.40 (Parent Outreach Liaison/Dist) 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 Jasmine Rodriguez as a district substitute paraprofessional, to be called on an as-needed basis, at the rate of $18.12 per hour, pending completion of the pre-employment documents. 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 that Jennifer Brand, teacher of health and physical education, teach a sixth class of health education at NPHS at the BA/Step 2 annual salary rate of $42,730 plus $7122 for the sixth class, to be prorated effective February 4, 2008 through April 4, 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 appointment of Courtney Kopf as an NPMS co-ed track coach at the stipend of $3,525. 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 members 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 Kimberly Hazel, teacher of family and consumer science at NPHS, to teach a sixth class at the BA/Step 4-5(4) annual salary rate of $42,930 plus $7,155 for the sixth class to be prorated effective February 1, 2008 through June 30, 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 the Board of Education approve the certificated staff indicated on the attached list be paid for graduate courses taken between September and December 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 Carlos Comayagua as a custodian at the Custodian/Step 1 annual salary rate of $32,932, effective February 17, 2008 through June 30, 2008, and that a 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 appointment of the following individuals as district substitute teachers in the classes/grades indicated after their names: Alice Buttery K – 4 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 salary of Evelyn Pereira, confidential secretary, to include ten-year longevity entitlement of $450, effective January 12, 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 extend the unpaid leave of absence granted to Marion Risoli, paraprofessional from October 1, 2007 through January 31, 2008 to October 1, 2007 through February 28, 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 adjust the unpaid leave of absence previously granted to Emily Thompson, special education teacher at Somerset School, as follows: Leave of Absence During Disability Period (Using accrued sick days) From: 1/23/08 – 2/21/08 To: 1/2/08 – 1/22/08 Unpaid Leave of Absence During Disability Period 1/23/08 – 2/15/08 Unpaid Leave of Absence Under Federal Family Leave Act From: 2/22/08 – 4/1/08 To: 2/16/08 – 3/16/08 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 for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Barbara Montano as a teacher of mathematics at NPHS at the MA/Step 19 (22) annual salary rate of $77,890, to be prorated effective February 11, 2008 through June 30, 2008. (Ms. Montano will replace Dawn Schugel.) 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 last day of employment for Dawn Schugel, teacher of mathematics at NPHS from February 15, 2008 to February 12, 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 employment of Nicholas Checchio as a maintenance worker at the Maintenance/Step 3 annual salary rate of $40,718, effective February 27, 2008 through June 30, 2008, and that a 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 accept the resignation of Irene Asirifi, teacher of mathematics at NPHS, effective February 4, 2008, subject to terms and conditions of employment contract. 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 Patricia A. Harris, academic support teacher at West End School, for reasons of retirement, effective July 1, 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 employment of Marvell Saint-Victor as a teacher of mathematics at NPHS at the BA/Step 1 annual salary rate of $42,630, to be prorated effective February 11, 2008 through June 30, 2008. (Mr. Saint-Victor will replace Irene Asirifi.) 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 that the Board of Education approve home instruction for non-classified student HI-27-07-08 to be provided by district and/or Educational Services Commission staff for not more then five hours per week, effective January 28, 2008 through February 4, 2008. Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the funds necessary to allow classified student CCC-07-08 to temporarily attend Somerset Secondary Academy in Bridgewater, effective January 28, 2008, at the cost of $199.42 per day. Transportation will be required. Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved 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 EEEEEE-07-08 Children’s Spec. Hospital/Fanwood $254.25/diem 2/7/08 FFFFFF-07-08 Child Development Center $246.90/diem 1/15/08 Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that for the 2007-2008 school year, the Board of Education approve the following nursing service agencies to be used by the district on an as-needed basis for medically fragile students: Maxim Healthcare Services Cost: $55/hr – RN $45/hr – LPN Bayada Nurses Cost: $56/hr – RN $46/hr – LPN Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for classified student HI-28-07-08 to be provided by Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission staff at the rate of $59 per hour for not more then ten hours per week, effective January 10, 2008 through January 17, 2008. Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for non-classified student HI-29-07-08 to be provided by The University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ for up to five hours per week at the rate of $46.09 per hour, effective January 19, 2008. Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve home instruction for non-classified student HI-30-07-08 to be provided by district and/or Educational Services Commission staff for not more then five hours per week, effective February 1, 2008. Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve name changes for the following courses: From To Algeo 1 Integrated Math 1 Algeo 2 Integrated Math 2 Algeo 3 Integrated Math 3 Finance, Purchasing, Facilities and Agreements 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 February 6, 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 RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approve the Telecommunications Fiber License Agreement with Business Automation Technologies, Inc., doing business as Data Network Solutions, subject to attorney review and drafting of a final agreement. 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: Phyllis Kovacsofsky – NPHS teacher Old Business Mr. Sternberg updated the Board on the 2008-09 budget process. New Business In regard to the Superintendent’s evaluation, the final evaluation is scheduled for April, 2008. Current Events in Education Mr. Allen stated that the Mr. Lou Gomez, Recreation Director, has retired and been replaced by Christopher Tarver, Executive Director of Dunellen Recreation. Mr. Tarver will work on a shared time basis in North Plainfield. Comments from the Public Mary Forbes complimented Mr. Fisher on his technology report. Future Agenda Items NCLB Resolution Committee Effectiveness – 2/20/08 Board Retreat – 3/6, 13, or 4/10 pending availability of Diane Morris, NJSBA Representative. Adjournment Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to hold and executive session on February 20, 2008 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 students, personnel, negotiations and litigation at 9:30 pm. Respectfully submitted, APPROVED: Donald Sternberg