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The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on September 3, 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 Drew Elliott Smith
David Branan Nancy Szaroleta
Sandra Dodd Linda Bond-Nelson
Kathleen Mullen – absent notified
A quorum was established
Also present were Marilyn Birnbaum, Superintendent of Schools; Donald Sternberg, Board Secretary/School Business Administrator; Robert Rich, Assistant Superintendent and approximately 9 members of the staff and public
At this time newly appointed Board Member, Nancy, M. Szaroleta, took the oath of office to fill the vacancy left by Edwin Estevez, Jr.
Introduction of New Staff
There was none.
Minutes Approval
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a vote of 4 to 2 with Mr. Smith and Mrs. Szaroleta abstaining to accept the public and executive session minutes of July 23, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a vote of 4 to 2 with Mr. Smith and Mrs. Szaroleta abstaining to accept the public and executive session minutes of August 25, 2008
Comments from the Public
Upon request of the chair for topics from the public, Mary Elizabeth O’Connor commented on the quantity and quality of maintenance work accomplished over the summer. In addition, Ms. O’Connor expressed positive comments regarding the Community.
Additional Board Matters
Upon request of the chair for additional emergency matters to be discussed by the Board, Mr. Smith questioned the necessity for an Agust 25th meeting and asked for the policy on appointing a board member.
Presentation
Karl Gordon, Athletic Director and Physical Education Supervisor, presented an overview of athletic fields and buildings usage including a review of procedures. Mr. Gordon also discussed the, “Play It Smart,” program.
Edward Ostroff, Director of Operations, updated the Board on the status of capital and maintenance projects.
Committee Delegate Reports
Negotiations are continuing.
A Finance and Facilities Meeting is scheduled for September 24th.
The Policy Committee will begin the review of the Regulations Manual.
Mrs. Bond-Nelson suggested that the Communications Committee review Board Member profiles on the website.
Nancy Szaroleta has been appointed as Legislative Chair.
Superintendent’s Report
Recognition
Staff
Edward Ostroff, director of operations and auxiliary services, spoke at a joint meeting of Designated Persons and PEOSH at Rutgers University on August 15, 2008. The purpose of the meeting was to help educate school and municipal administrators regarding Indoor Air Quality and the current regulations. This was the second time Mr. Ostroff was invited as a guest speaker to such meetings.
Students
The NPHS cheerleaders have been named national team of the year by AmeriCheer. This is the second year in a row that the girls have received this honor for volunteer work.
District
Learnia: On August 25, 2008, district administrators and a cadre of teachers were trained in the use of Learnia, an online formative assessment tool for math and language arts for grades three through eight. The Learnia product was developed by the Pearson company and purchased by the New Jersey Department of Education for use in its schools. There is no charge to the district for at least four years. In return, the district agrees to follow the guidelines and participate in the designated training.
Learnia allows a teacher to pinpoint students' proficiency levels in the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. After an initial test, various reports are generated that allow teachers and administrators to know how prepared an individual student, a class, a grade, or a school is for the NJASK tests. Using the information in these reports, teachers can plan instruction to address students' needs. An additional Learnia component provides teachers with additional test items with which to assess students' progress toward proficiency. Future upgrades of the program will include science assessments and writing prompts.
In attendance at the training were district Math Facilitators, Kourtney Karl, Sue Dahlinger, Megan Hendrickson and Mary Castro; Language Arts Facilitators, Lynnelle Thomas and Dina Liona; ESL Facilitators, Francesca Cardona and Donna Tackach; and Computer Facilitators/Webmasters, Kerry Thompson and Alexis Holbrook. Other district teachers included Marilyn Pinto and Dina Diaz. Administrators attending were Patty Marseglia, Ron Fisher, Beth Sobel, Cathy Kobylarz, Kathy Herrmann, Maria Araneo, Jane Delaney, Diana Sefchik, Hope Blecher-Sass, Debra Sheard, Reggie Saint-Rose, Jerard Stephenson, Robert Rich, and Marilyn Birnbaum.
Fast ForWord will soon be the newest addition to our alternative reading programs in North Plainfield Schools. This computer-based program addresses the needs of students who are struggling with reading and need to develop the pre-reading and language skills for successful learning. The program is a result of over 30 years of scientific research into how the brain works. Based on the concept of brain plasticity – the observation that the brain changes as we learn new skills- this program actually ‘wires’ the brain for academic gain. Fast ForWord develops brain-processing efficiency through intensive, adaptive software exercises. The computer-based software develops and strengthens memory, attention, processing rate, and sequencing – the cognitive skills essential for learning and reading success. Strengthening these Learning MAPS results in improved reading skills that include phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, decoding, syntax, and memory. Fast ForWord uses fun activities to develop visual attention, auditory discrimination skills, and sustained auditory attention. Using acoustically modified speech, students put on headsets and play computer games that reward them when they correctly recognize sounds or accurately follow on-screen.
Many thanks to the administrators and following teachers for attending the all day August 21, 2008 training session:
Rheanna Anderson Sue Pellegrino
Paula Boyar Diane Perry
Jane Delaney Laurie Pfundheller
Sharon Egan Marilyn Pinto
Kim Faszczewski Anne Rusher
Sue Fordham Ann Ryan
Kim Gargiule William Saccardi
Joan Gay Tammy Scott
Pat Harris Beth Sobel
Kathy Herrmann Wendy Szymanski
Marilyn Joseph John Tarnofsky
Cathy Kobylarz Lynelle Thomas
Rachel Nadler Emily Thompson
Anabela Oliveira
Schools
West End School
West End is College Bound again this year! Every classroom will no longer be known as a number but as a college or university. Each teacher and class will be adopting a college and students will know what year they will be graduating high school and going to college or other form of continued education. Teachers are excited as well as the students. They are already collecting items to decorate their classrooms. The “Adopt a College” program is being implemented in each classroom to motivate students in acquiring an interest in pursuing a college education after high school and that learning is a life-long process. This began last year as an introduction year. This upcoming school year we will be doing additional activities such as visiting colleges, college color days, doing a “cheer-off,” and integrating this project into writing assignments and career awareness lessons.
Reading, Family, and Fun! We will be having reading events throughout the year which include West End students and their families. The first event will be a pizza luncheon to celebrate the conclusion of the summer reading incentive program. All the children who read the minimum number of books will be issued a special ticket in order to attend as well as receive other rewards. The second event will be a Primary Grade Read Aloud Parent Academy in which parents come with their children to learn how to make the most of their read aloud time at home. Every child will each get a book for his/her home library. Planned reading events so far will include recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month by celebrating Hispanic authors and African American authors, Scary Stories Read Aloud at the October Family Fun Night, Dr. Seuss Day for Read Across America, a whole building reading celebration at the end of March and a Reading Café Night where students and their families come to dine on books served by fourth grade waiters and waitresses.
The staff also formed a Parent Engagement Committee with the purpose of providing events that allow the parent to become more involved with the school. Events include an information gathering night of parent needs and concerns, a NJ ASK information night, computer literacy night, and trip to the public library.
100th Smile! West End School is Smile Train School. It was their goal last year to reach the 100th donated smile to the Smile Train organization. This organization is an international charity that provides cleft palate surgery to those in need and provides training to doctors in the region. It is with great pride that West End announces that they made their goal and reached 108 smiles over the five years that they have been associated with the Smile Train Project. This will be West End’s sixth year with the Smile Train organization being our main service learning project. A representative from the Smile Train organization stated that West End School has done the most for their organization than any other school internationally. Beth Sobel, principal, stated,” We are very proud of the work we do and that our children are changing the lives of other children around the world.”
Other service learning projects planned for 08-09 include the St. Jude’s Math-a-Thon, local food pantries, pet supply collections for the Plainfield Humane Society, Thanksgiving dinners, Mitten Tree (holiday gifts for local children), Leukemia awareness and fundraising, participation in the American Diabetes Association School Diabetes Walk, and fundraising for the Tri-County Red Cross. West End will also be adopting a wildcat since they are the West End Wildcats.
W. E. Celebrates! On the last day of the month the whole student body and faculty will all gather together to celebrate the good deeds and accomplishments of the students and staff. The gathering will include a few songs, recognition of students demonstrating good choices and demonstrations of good character traits, honor roll recognition, student performances and readings of student writings.
Back to School Night is a Family Event! Traditionally Back to School Night is for parents only. At West End School it is a family event. To reflect the importance of family in improving one's education, the children will be invited to bring their parents to Back to School Night where they will participate together in hearing about the expectations and wonderful happenings that will be taking place in their (both parents and children’s) classrooms. “It is our belief that it takes a partnership between school and home to provide the best support system for our children and that is the message we are sending out to our families by making Back to School Night a family event. We have done this for the past two years and our attendance has tripled. This year we will be having a separate Back to School Night for our Kindergarten families. It will be designed to especially greet our new families to West End School,” commented Ms. Sobel.
East End School
East End School Goes Global in the 2008 – 2009 school year: East End School will be focusing on integrating the disciplines across the curriculum by broadening students’ understanding of basic world geography as well as raising awareness of different cultures throughout the world. Children are naturally curious and the East End School community will work together to tap into that innate curiosity so students can learn about our world and the people who inhabit the continents. As students learn about the continents and how to locate them on a map, they will enjoy listening to folktales from different parts of the world as well as read informational texts which will explain traditions, climate, languages, foods and so much more. Technology will provide students with opportunities to visit countries right from their classrooms as well as use this platform for research. Students will listen to music indigenous to other countries as well as learn some songs. They will also find out about famous artists and some of their most accomplished works of art. Students will use writing to express themselves creatively as well as write informational pieces which will be displayed at East End’s Writers’ Fair. The school is also planning on bringing in a Geodome which will provide the school community the opportunity to learn more about geography during the school day and at an evening event. Finally, East End School will create a world event in the Community Room so East End families can take a Gallery Walk and enjoy many of the projects the students engaged in throughout the year. “As you can see, the East End School Community will learn about geography across the disciplines as they celebrate diversity," stated Kathleen Herrmann, principal of East End School.
Community Fall Festival: On Saturday, October 18, 2008, East End School will host a Fall Festival for family and friends. The festival will provide the school community with the opportunity to have a day filled games, food, crafts and loads of fun. It will also give everyone a chance to say hello to old friends and make some new ones. East End is expecting a huge turnout and is looking forward to celebrating the arrival of fall and the beginning of a brand new school year.
Stony Brook School
The Year of Olympic Learning: “Stony Brook School is ready to open its doors for the new school year. During the summer of 2008 we all watched athletes from all over the world participate in the Beijing Summer Olympics. ‘Swifter, Higher and Stronger’ was the model followed at the Olympics. The message from our athletes was one of encouragement to everyone, ‘Always work hard and always do your best.’ It is a model for learning that we will choose to follow this year at Stony Brook School,” noted Cathy Kobylarz, principal of Stony Brook School. “At Stony Brook, we encourage our students to follow in the footsteps of the Olympic greats by becoming Olympic Learners. This school year 2008-2009 will be a great year of working hard, trying our best and celebrating successes,” Ms. Kobylarz added.
Going for the Gold: Stony Brook students will be "going for the gold" with the learning challenges they will encounter this year. Olympic Writing Skills will be developed daily, weekly and monthly as stories and journal entries in every subject area will be the focus. Monthly showcases and writing portfolios will be used to display the best writing. Literacy will continue to drive the curriculum with a 150 minute block of Balanced Literacy instruction complete with guided reading groups, literature circles, learning centers, and read aloud stories. Stony Brook will also continue a hands-on, spiral approach to learning mathematics through the Everyday Mathematics program. Third and fourth graders have a new social studies program, but all grades will continue to work in both social studies and science. They will also continue to "Go Green" with their study of the environment, the recycling programs and cultivating their peace gardens.
Library Media Center: While Beijing boasts of the "Birds Nest" and the "Water Cube,” Stony Brook has a new "Library Media Center" filled with five hexagonal shaped work stations, twenty-five computers, a printing center, a read aloud area, a smartboard for interactive instruction and books, books and more books. It is truly the "hub" of the school and will be used as a model for future media centers in the district.
Somerset School
Dress Your Best Day and Dining Out Somerset Style, October 17, 2008:
In order to teach good manners and appropriate behavior, Somerset School will sponsor Dress Your Best Day and Dining Out Somerset Style. Students will be asked to wear their best clothes to school that day and this will count towards Student Council points. They will receive an invitation to attend the “dinner party.” The students must RSVP in order to attend the dinner after school. At the dinner, students will learn proper dinner etiquette. A three course meal will be served.
Celebrate America Day, Grade 5 Assembly, November 14, 2008: Somerset School will be presenting an assembly featuring the North Plainfield High School ROTC, local veterans, and essay contest and songs. In order to prepare for this event, students will write a one page essay entitled: “I Am an American.” Each teacher will choose the best written essay in his/her class. The best three essays will be read at the Celebrate America Assembly.
NPHS
North Plainfield High School was "disqualification free" during the 2007-2008 school year. Congratulations to all coaches and players for their efforts in the area of sportsmanship.
Play It Smart Program: NPHS has been awarded a grant from the National Football Foundation and the College Hall of Fame to fund the “Play it Smart” program, which is an educational program designed to help student-athletes develop the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and the drive for academic excellence. The National Football Foundation works with amateur football to promote positive youth development. The heart of the program is the Play it Smart “Academic Coach,” who serves as a mentor, counselor, teacher, coach, and friend. The Academic Coach works with student-athletes for the entire school year, providing a link to the academic side of school and community. Emphasis is placed on team goals in areas such as GPAs, SAT/ACT scores, graduation, college enrollment, and community involvement. Deanne D’Armiento and Marvell Saint-Victor, both Middle/High School staff members, will share the responsibilities as the Academic Coach.
“Canuck” Mentoring Program: In its second year, the Canuck Mentoring Program will connect the incoming freshmen with upper classmen, who will assist them with their transition into high school. The upper classmen “mentors” will meet formally with the freshmen once a month to discuss pertinent information. Mentors will then follow up with their freshmen at least three times a month. The mentors are valuable resources who are knowledgeable of school programs, courses of study and traditions.
Freshman Orientation: Freshmen orientation was held August 28, 2008, 9 am -1:00 p.m. The freshmen were introduced to their mentors, rekindled friendships, engaged in “ice-breaking” activities and listened to a motivational speaker. Students in attendance received a class of 2012 t-shirt which will allow for free admittance to the first home football game. The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) served lunch to the students immediately following the orientation.
NPMS
National Junior Honor Society: The National Junior Honor Society will be available for 7th and 8th grade students that excel in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship.
B. OPERATIONS & AUXILIARY SERVICES
SAFETY TRAINING
The Safety Topic for June was Chemical Safety. Related safety training, including proper handling techniques and OSHA Standards, was conducted with all staff members on Wednesday June 11, 2008.
Additionally, the following developmental training modules were completed at our annual departmental meeting held on August 28 at West End School.
• Right To Know Refresher – All support staff.
• Right To Know – Initial, all new employees.
• Blood Bourne Pathogens.
• Asbestos Awareness.
• Harassment in the Workplace.
• Playground Safety.
DISTRICT OPERATIONS
The Operations Department completed numerous maintenance projects over the summer months. Additionally, a number of capital improvement projects have been completed or are in progress at this time. Please review the following status report for additional details.
2008-2009 CAPITAL PROJECTS
STATUS REPORT
HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL
Restroom Renovation Project. In progress. Anticipated completion, October 15.
Auditorium Stage Lighting Upgrades. Specifications are pending.
Exterior Façade Repairs. Completed, August 22.
EAST END SCHOOL
Restroom Renovation Project. In progress. Anticipated completion, October 15.
Structural Repairs to Gymnasium. Anticipated completion, September 15.
Exterior Door Replacement Project. Anticipated completion, September 15.
Exterior Façade Repairs. Anticipated completion, September 15.
WEST END SCHOOL
Restroom Renovation Project. In progress. Anticipated completion, October 15.
Exterior Door Replacement Project. Anticipated completion, September 15.
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Specifications are pending.
Exterior Façade Repairs. Anticipated completion, September 15.
STONY BROOK SCHOOL
Restroom Renovation Project. In progress. Anticipated completion, October 15.
Exterior Façade Repairs. Completed, August 22.
HARRISON SCHOOL
Exterior Façade Repairs. Completed, August 22.
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Specifications are pending.
WATCHUNG BUILDING
Exterior Façade Repairs. Anticipated completion, September 15.
2008-2009 MAINTENANCE PROJECTS
STATUS REPORT
HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL
Auditorium House Light Fixture Replacement. Completed.
H.S. Main Office & Guidance Renovations. Completed.
Lock Down Drill Security Upgrades. Completed.
Intercom Expansion Upgrades. Completed.
Stairwell #2 Door Replacement. Completed.
Parking Lot Improvements & Expansion. Completed.
Middle School Office Carpet Replacement. Completed.
M.S. Room # 212 Floor Replacement. Completed.
Field House HVAC Upgrades. In Progress.
Gymnasium Floor Refinishing. Completed.
Gymnasium Painting. Completed.
Gymnasium Foyer Drop Ceiling. Completed.
Sidewalk Replacements. Completed.
Gymnasium Foyer Painting and Trim Work. Completed.
Concession Stand Improvements. Completed.
Upper Field Sound System Upgrades. In Progress.
High School & Middle School Interior Painting. Completed.
High School & Middle School Tree Removal(s) and Trimming. Completed.
Middle School Office/Server Room. In Progress.
High School & Middle School Roofing Repairs. Completed.
High School & Middle School HVAC Service. Completed.
EAST END SCHOOL
Slate & Modified Roof Repairs. In Progress.
Hallway and Classroom Painting. Completed.
Asphalt Repairs in Parking Lot. Completed.
HVAC Service. Completed.
Installation of a Retaining Wall. Completed.
WEST END SCHOOL
Slate & Modified Roof Repairs. In Progress.
Hallway and Classroom Painting. Completed.
Replacement of the Asphalt Pathway. Completed.
Main Office Floor Replacement. Completed.
Room #34 Floor Replacement. Completed.
HVAC Service. Completed.
Gymnasium Floor Refinishing. Completed.
STONY BROOK SCHOOL
Hallway and Classroom Painting. Completed.
Media Center/Library Renovations. Completed.
Asphalt Repairs and Seal-Coating. Completed.
Concrete Replacement and Ramp Repairs. Completed.
Tree Removal(s) and Trimming. Completed.
HVAC Service. Completed.
Gymnasium Floor Refinishing. Completed.
Second Floor Drop Ceiling & Lighting Upgrades. Completed.
Security Upgrades. In Progress.
SOMERSET SCHOOL
Hallway and Classroom Painting. Completed.
Hallway Wall Strips Installed. Completed.
Radio Repeater System Installation. In Progress.
HVAC Service. Completed.
Intercom Expansion Upgrades. Completed.
HARRISON CAMPUS
Interior Painting (Harrison House. Completed.
Flooring Replacement (Harrison House). Completed.
Modular T1, Floor Replacement. In Progress.
WATCHUNG BUILDING
Exterior Painting. Completed.
Modular Painting. Completed.
Security Upgrades. In Progress.
Meeting Room Upgrades. Completed.
Office Floor Replacement. Pending.
MAINTENANCE COMPOUND/LOWER FIELD AREA
Relocate four storage containers. Completed.
Exterior Painting of Containers. Completed.
Debris Removal and Equipment Disposal. Completed.
Fence Replacements. Completed.
Gate Installation(s). Completed.
DISTRICT WIDE INITIATIVES
Service Program for Gym Bleachers and Basketball Hoops. Completed.
Replacement Custodial and Maintenance Equipment. Completed.
Parking Lot Striping as required. Completed.
Equipment Procurement, Sand Spreader. Completed.
Equipment Procurement, Portable Generator. Completed.
Grease Trap Maintenance. Completed.
Landscaping Improvements and Bed Mulching. Completed.
Recommendations from Superintendent of Schools
Personnel
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 January and August 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the following non-certificated staff be paid for courses taken between May and June 2008:
Name Course Cred Paid Reimb.
Zoraida Cruz 20th Century Spanish/American Poetry 3 $852.75 $639.56
(Secretary/NPHS)
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Karen Scapiliati, paraprofessional at Stony Brook School, effective September 2, 2008. In addition, Ms. Scapiliati is resigning from her co-curricular position as elementary substitute caller.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Charles Rowan as a teacher of social studies at NPHS at the 2007-2008, MA/Step 1 annual salary rate of $45,430, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement. (Mr. Rowan will replace Damian Pappa.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Alexandra Pereira as a substitute teacher undergoing certification review, at the special rate of $160 per diem.
Further, upon receipt of certification, the Board of Education approve the employment of Ms. Pereira as a teacher of Spanish at NPHS, at the 2007-2008, BA/Step 1 annual salary rate of $42,630, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement. (Ms. Pereira will replace Sammantha Petrullo.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Sara Gagliano as an academic support teacher at West End School at the 2007-2008, BA/Step 4 (4-5/5) annual salary rate of $42,930, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Danielle Palmieri as a temporary replacement teacher of social studies at NPMS, at the 2007-2008, BA/Step 1 annual salary rate of $42,630, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement. (Ms. Palmieri will temporarily replace Kathleen Rizzi.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Danielle Pizzigoni as a special education teacher at East End School, at the 2007-2008, MA/Step 2 annual salary rate of $45,530, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Sharon Murphy, special education teacher at Somerset School, effective August 8, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Frank Fusco, teacher of English at NPHS, effective August 7, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Rachel Mastalski, special education teacher at Somerset School, effective October 12, 2008, or sooner should an appropriate replacement be employed.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve Elizabeth Albino from Kean University as a counseling intern, with Linda Remolino serving as her on-site supervisor.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education adjust the dates of employment of Gordon Cain, maintenance person, from July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008 to July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, at the 2007-2008 Maintenance/Step 5 annual rate of $42,518, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement.
Further, that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board approve a stipend of $675 for Mr. Cain to reflect his obtaining a boiler license, effective July 1, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education grant Nicole Rossi, elementary teacher at East End School, an unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act from September 1, 2008 through November 15, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the following individuals be employed as district substitute paraprofessionals, to be called on an as-needed basis, at the 2007-2008 hourly rate of $18.12, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement.
Patricia Harris Sharoll Truong
Nicole L. Carotenuto Diane Venittelli
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of the following individuals as substitute custodians in the district at the 2007-2008 hourly rate of $15.78, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement, effective September 1, 2008, pending completion of the employment process:
Kevin Womack Rafael Burgos
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the individuals indicated on the attached list to teach in the Fall 2008 Community Adult School at the rates indicated after their names. It is understood that classes require supporting enrollment or cancellation will occur.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the following teacher(s) to serve as character education facilitator(s) at a stipend of $500 each:
Megan Hendrickson Stony Brook School
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the following teachers to serve as ELL facilitators at a stipend of $1,000 each, to be funded with NCLB Title III FY’09 monies, once the application is approved:
Francesca Petrucci-Cardona East End School
Alan Adams West End School
Karen Moore Somerset School
Donna Tackach NPHS
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - 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 Jill Fogarty, elementary teacher at East End School, from the BA Guide/Step 1 to the Master’s Guide/Step 1 at the adjusted salary rate of $45,430, effective June 1, 2008, to reflect her attainment of a Master’s degree.
Further, that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education adjust Ms. Fogarty’s salary to the MA/Step 1 annual salary rate of $45,430, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Stefanie Myers as an English as a second language teacher at Somerset School and West End School, at the 2007-2008, BA/Step 5 (6-8/8) annual salary rate of $44,400, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement, effective October 20, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Lindsay Salerno as a temporary elementary teacher at East End School, at the 2007-2008, BA/Step 3 annual salary rate of $42,830, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement, effective September 2, 2008 through November 15, 2008. (Ms. Salerno will temporarily replace Nicole Rossi.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Marion Risoli, paraprofessional at Stony Brook School, effective September 1, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education adjust the salary for Raul Sandoval, Jr., student liaison coordinator at Somerset School, from $44,440 to $44,400, BA/Step 5 annual salary rate, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education rescind the recommendation appointing Donna Patton as the girls’ tennis assistant coach.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of Charles Rowan as a volunteer assistant to the boys’ soccer coach.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 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 Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Priscila Weber as a teacher of English at NPHS, at the 2007-2008, BA/Step 1 annual salary rate of $42,630, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement. (Ms. Weber will replace Frank Fusco.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of Kathy Senna as girls’ tennis assistant coach (Fall) at the 2007-2008 stipend of $5087, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement. (Ms. Senna will replace Donna Patton.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of the following individuals to the co-curricular advisory positions and stipends indicated after their names, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement:
Shannon Shotwell Band Front Advisor $4725
Shannon Shotwell Winter Head Guard Advisor $1605
Emily Fencik Band Front Instructor $2400
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of the following individual(s) as district substitute teacher(s) in the grades/subjects indicated after their names:
Casey Sobel K – 6
Emily Fencik 6 - 12
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education accept the resignation of James Straley, teacher of social studies at Somerset School, effective October 29, 2008, or sooner should an appropriate replacement be employed.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the teachers indicated on the attached list to teach a sixth class at the 2007-2008 rates indicated after their names, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 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 2007-2008 negotiated rate of $43.88 per hour, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement:
Social Studies
Mary Beth Winsor $439
Stony Brook School-Based Planning
Sharon Switek $307
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education grant Melissa Garatino, secretary in the adult high school, an unpaid leave of absence effective August 29, 2008 through November 30, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Angelina Lowder as a temporary replacement secretary in the adult high school/community school at the 2007-2008, Secretary II/Step 10 annual salary rate of $31,880, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement, effective September 8, 2008 through November 28, 2008. (Ms. Lowder will temporarily replace Melissa Garatino.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of the following teachers for the adult high school in the subject areas and at the hourly rates indicated, effective September 4, 2008:
Adriana Silva Mathematics & Substitute 170 hrs $28/hr
Sharon Gianneschi Family & Consumer Science 170 hrs $28/hr
Francesca Petrucci-Cardona Supervisor 170 hrs $38/hr
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the revision and adjustment of the following adult high school courses:
Credits
Course From To
Child Development 2.5 5
Living On Your Own 2.5 5
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education adjust the guide and salary of Mary Louise Durkin, elementary teacher at West End School, to reflect her attainment of a Master’s degree plus 30 credits, from the MA Guide/Step 12 to the MA Guide + 30/Step 12 at the adjusted salary rate of $80,690 plus $375 longevity entitlement for an annual salary rate of $81,065, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Susan Ward as a special education teacher at Somerset School at the 2007-2008, MA/Step 11 annual salary rate of $71,535, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement. (Ms. Ward will replace Sharon Murphy).
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of the following food service worker(s) by Maschio’s Food Services, Inc.:
Lindsey Palmer
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education rescind the recommendation to employ Juan Nieves as a teacher of Spanish at NPHS for the 2008-2009 school year.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - 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 Paula Della Fortuna as elementary substitute caller at the stipend of $1500. (Ms. Della Fortuna will replace Karen Scapiliati.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve a field trip request made by NPHS for six students and one teacher to attend the Skyland Conference Sports Leadership Conference on September 15, 2008 at Raritan Valley Community College for three hours from 8:45 AM to 11:45 AM. District transportation will be required.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - 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 the use of the following textbooks and/or trade books in the district:
Title: 4MAt 4 Algebra
Author: Michael Arlien and Colleen Hodenfield
Publisher: About Learning, Inc.
Copyright: 2007
Course/Levels: Algebra I
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education authorize the North Plainfield School District to enter into an agreement with Montclair State University to serve as an affiliated site for clinical instruction in athletic training.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the continued use of Applied Behavior Consultants, LLD (ABC) for the purpose of providing, on an as-needed basis, applied behavior therapy to classified children and/or their families per the following rates:
Direct Services - $110/hr – (service delivered in the school/home)
Indirect Service - $60/hr (writing programs/reports/interventions)
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the “contract for reimbursement for expenses incurred as part of the district’s special education self-assessment” per the following:
Maximum reimbursement allowed – $14,000
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the use of occupational therapy services to be provided by Therapeutic Rehabilitation Services for the following classified students attending the Midland School in North Branch. Each student will receive two 20-minute sessions weekly at the rate of $34 per session.
OT/PT-01-08-09 OT/PT-02-08-09
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the use of Trinitas Healthcare Corp. to provide occupational and physical therapy services to the following classified students attending the Deron School, at the rate of $78 per hour (including Summer 2008):
OT/PT-03-08-09 OT/PT-04-08-09 OT/PT-05-08-09
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the use of physical therapy services to be provided by Pediatric Workshop at the rate of $79 per 40-minute session for classified student OT/PT-6-08-09, for one 40-minute session per week (including Summer 2008)
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve payment of tuition in the amount of $3,598.98 for classified student OOOOO-08-09 to attend the ARC Kohler School Extended School Year summer program from July 30, 2008 through August 15, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the continued used of Loving Care Agency, Inc. for the purpose of providing nursing services on an as-needed basis for identified students at the following rates:
Cost: RN - $60 per hour
LPN - $50 per hour
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the use of nursing services to be provided by Loving Care Agency for classified student RN-01-08-09 at the rate of $60 per hour, for 7.5 hours per day, five days per week from September 3, 2008 through June 17, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and approved by a vote of 5 to 1 with Mrs. Szaroleta abstaining that
Whereas, a residency hearing was convened on September 3, 2008 upon the request of the Superintendent of the North Plainfield Board of Education (“Board”) with respect to students, M.S. and S.S.; and
Whereas, notice of the residency hearing was served upon the students’ parents by correspondence dated August 7, 2008; and
Whereas, neither the parents nor students appeared for the hearing despite having received notice; and
Whereas, the Board has considered the testimony and evidence offered by the Superintendent and her designees;
Now there be it resolved, that the Board has determined that M.S. and S.S. are not residents of North Plainfield, and are thereby not entitled to a free public education in the North Plainfield public schools pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:38-1.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Abstain
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Finance, Purchasing, Facilities and Agreements
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education approve the following tuition rate to approved pre-school providers to offer pre-kindergarten programs for eligible residents of North Plainfield as follows:
$4,708 per enrolled eligible child
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2008-2009 school year, the Board of Education extend the contract of the following pre-school providers to provide pre-kindergarten programs for eligible residents of North Plainfield:
Growing Tree PreSchool
Holy Cross Nursery School
Taylor Learning
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - 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 September 3, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - 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 list dated June 30, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - 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 jointure with the Somerset County Educational Services Commission for the 2008-2009 school year:
Route No. Contractor Destination Pupils Cost
1138 SCESC Somerset Alt. HS 2 34,617.00
2034 Vogel Bus High Roads Upper 8 52,113.00
2052 Kensington Midland 8 52,574.00
2058 Vogel Bus Piscataway Regional Day 6 55,517.00*
4003 Dapper Bus Bright Beginnings 3 53,141.00*
4010 Dapper Bus Children’s Specialized 3 54,464.00*
6006 Barker Bus Children’s Ctr of Monmouth 3 28,436.00
7055 Kensington Hunterdon Lng Center 1 21,234.00
7071 Kensington Center for Ed. Advancement 1 15,031.00
8018 Kensington Dev. Lng Ctr 1 25,862.00
8037 Kensington McAuley 1 23,335.00
9004 Joy Transp. Montgomery Academy 5 55,755.00*
9016 Dapper Bus Children’s Specialized Hospita 1 21,659.00*
9031 Ralph’s Bus Kohler School 1 17,672.00
9052 School Tyme Regional Day @ Morris 2 45,817.00
9059 Kensington Somerset Academy 3 33,642.00
SC41K Kensington Somerset Elem. Academy 1 42,667.00
Total $633,536.00
*aide/nurse
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen that the Board of Education approve the attached Recreation Agreement between the North Plainfield Board of Education and the Borough of North Plainfield, effective July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.
A call for a vote on the separated motion had the motion pass by a vote of 4 to 2 with Mr. Allen and Mrs. Dodd abstaining.
Thomas Allen - Abstain Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Abstain Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education adjust the mileage reimbursement rate to reflect A5 regulation guidelines from $.405 to $.31 cents per mile for all employees.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that
WHEREAS, a recommendation was made by the Superintendent of Schools to the North Plainfield Board of Education (“Board”) to authorize the President of the Board of Education to execute a certain document entitled “Beneficiary’s Approval of Accounting, Waiver of Judicial Accounting, efunding Bond and Release” (hereinafter “Release”); and
WHEREAS, The Release authorizes the Board to accept those sums bequeathed to it in Article Four, Paragraph A of the Last Will and Testament of Felicia M. Fagone (hereinafter “Fagone Will”; and
WHEREAS, the Board will take those steps necessary to establish the Felicia Fagone Scholarship Fund, a New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation (hereinafter the “Fagone Fund”); and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the Fagone Fund is to administer by investing and allocating proceeds thereof, and to award scholarships to North Plainfield High School seniors pursuing teacher training and education; and
NOW, THEREFORE: BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby authorizes the President of the Board of Education to executive a certain document entitled “Beneficiary’s Approval of Accounting, Waiver of Judicial Accounting, Refunding Bond and Release.”
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Correspondence
Letters were received as follows from:
Sgt. Edward C. Ciempola, No. Plainfield Police Department – use of NPHS – 11/6/08
Financial Report
Mr. Branan 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 July 31, 2008 in the amount of $2,188,514.73.
Thomas Allen - Aye Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved 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 June 2008 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 Drew Elliott Smith - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Old Business
Mr. Sternberg discussed the NJSBA Workshop.
Dr. Birnbaum discussed the Board Presentation Calendar.
New Business
Mr. Smith again questioned the necessity for an August meeting. Ms. Bond-Nelson responded that the board vacancy was handled expeditiously and in accordance with Board Policy.
Mr. Smith asked for a review of the Sunshine Law and requested information be sent to him.
Current Events in Education
Mr. Allen discussed an article on Boards tightening their belts.
Comments from the Public
Mary Elizabeth O’Connor commented on the need for discussion on the issue of out-of-district transportation.
John Pallen questioned signage on the athletic fields and asked for clarification on the usage policy. He will bring the information to the East End PTA meeting.
Future Agenda Items
Sunshine Law and New A5 Legislation – 9/17/08
Discussion and Explanation of Monthly Financial Statements
Policy Update
Adjournment
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to hold an executive session on September 17, 2008 at 7:00 pm for confidential matters relating to students, personnel, contract negotiations, litigation, and/or any other matter considered confidential by federal or state law.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to adjourn at 10:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
APPROVED: Donald Sternberg
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