The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on December 17, 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 – absent, notified
David Branan Nancy Szaroleta
Sandra Dodd Linda Bond-Nelson
Kathleen Mullen
A quorum was established
Also present were Dr. Marilyn Birnbaum, Superintendent of Schools; Donald Sternberg, Board Secretary/School Business Administrator; and Dr. Robert Rich, Assistant Superintendent, as well as, Nora Rivera, Student Representative and approximately 15 members of the staff and public
Introduction of New Staff
There was none.
Minutes Approval
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to accept the public session minutes of December 3, 2008.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to accept the executive session minutes of December 3, 2008
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 November 30, 2008 in the amount of $4,788,080.42.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 monthly financial reports of the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary and the Treasurer of School Funds, for the month of October 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 Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Comments from the Public
Upon request of the chair for topics from the public, there were none.
Student Representative Report
Nora Rivera reported on various student activities some of which included the following:
The National Honor Society induction ceremony took place on December 10th. Drama Club auditions for the production of Little Shop of Horrors have begun.
The High School Choral Concert will be held December 18th. Peer Leaders took a team building trip to Camp Ockanickon, New Jersey on December 7th, 8th, and 9th.
Presentations
Mr. Mazur, Fine Arts Supervisor, presented a sample of the High School Student concert to be held on December 18th..
Mr. Sternberg gave an overview of how to read and review the monthly the financial statements.
Ms. Delaney, Director of Pupil Services, and Ms. Araneo, Supervisor, discussed the final section of the Special Education Assessment, Least Restrictive Environment.
Superintendent’s Report
RECOGNITION/PUBLIC RELATIONS
Staff
Dr. Debra Sheard, assistant principal, received a letter of appreciation from Elaine Davis, Director, NJ DOE Office of Leadership Development, for participating as a Critical Friend and Facilitator with the Central Region’s Turnaround Leadership Professional Learning Community Network. The purpose of the network “is to build the capacity of educational leaders throughout the state.”
Students
The following students were inducted into the North Plainfield Chapter of the National Honor Society:
Samuel Fajardo Leslie Monroy
Samuel Flood Christopher Nardi
Theresa Huynh Petra Nwosu-Sylvester
Christina Leriche Sandy Shulca
Rocio Llanos Zoesively Velasquez
Pamela Maldonado James Williams
The following officers were elected to lead the National Honor Society:
President Daniela Velastegui
Vice President Soniya Khan
Treasurer Charisse Sobers
Secretary Ramona Ross
Jerard Stephenson, NPHS principal, received notice from Len Stachitas, executive director of the National Football Foundation’s Play It Smart program, congratulating North Plainfield on the nominations of Juan Guevara, grade 12 and Pablo Gomez, grade 12 as student-athletes of the month for October and November respectively. This award recognizes student achievement both on and off the field. “Every month, Play It Smart member schools can nominate one student athlete for the award and from that pool our selection committee identifies one individual as the Play It Smart National Student of the Month. The winner of the national award is the individual who best personifies the Play It Smart philosophy of ‘taking responsibility for their future through lessons learned on the field, in the classroom and in service to others.’”
The following students have been selected as a North Plainfield High School “Students of the Month” for October. These students were selected by a committee of teachers for exemplary work and behavior. Special recognition for their accomplishment include a NPHS pride pin, a certificate, and a letter to their parents.
Fine/Performing Arts Ayssa Gonzalez (11)
Practical Arts Carline Leriche (10)
Academic Achievement, grades 11-12 Arielle Brown (12)
Academic Achievement, grades 9-10 Jacob Waters (9)
Academic Excellence, grades 11-12 Jayana Kenana (12)
Academic Excellence, grades 9-10 Yamna Anwar (9)
"The Canuck" Katherine Stephens (10)
School Spriit Alex Gallegos (11)
The following NPHS students were successful in the audition process and will represent North Plainfield in the Region II Chorus: Kathy Ramos, Max Torres and Marcel Ringold.
Schools/Programs
NPHS
Susan DeAppolonio, English teacher, raised $1,200 from NPHS faculty, staff, Optimist Club members, and friends to be given to needy NPHS families. The money was used to purchase gift cards allowing for 17 families to receive between $50 and $75 before the holidays. Ms. DeAppolonio and her students spent the weekend serving the Santa breakfast for the Optimist club.
Peer Leaders had their team building trip on December 7,8,9. Camp Ockanickon in Medford, NJ was the site for this year’s trip. The following teachers served as chaperones: Charlie Rowan, social studies; Marvel Saint-Victor, mathematics; and Courtney Kopf , science, served as chaperones along with advisors Annette Bicksler, science, and Casey McKeen, special education. Each chaperone was required to coordinate a team building/leadership activity with the group during down time. This proved to be very successful in adding a comfort level between new group members. The leadership/team building activities that were coordinated by the camp proved successful as well. The peer leaders are currently in the process of selecting chair members for this year's group. The group is also working on the service projects that were brainstormed and selected while on the team building trip.
Somerset School
On Tuesday evening, December 9, 2008, the holiday concert at Somerset School played to a “packed house.” “The Somerset Band impressed with its precision and the 5th & 6th Grade Choruses dazzled with its increased numbers of participants. Noteworthy was the respectful behavior and support of students during performances of other groups, plus the focus and enthusiasm they demonstrated when it was their turn to shine,” commented Tom Mazur, supervisor of fine, practical, and performing arts. On Thursday evening, December 11, 2008, the NPHS band concert presented a varied and interesting repertoire, culminating in a spectacular "Grand Finale" by the award winning marching band and color guard. “The Marching Band that evening was certainly a testament to what individual practice and many hours of rehearsals can deliver to an audience. Each selection was played with ‘brio’ and provided a satisfying conclusion for everyone in attendance,” continued Mr. Mazur.
Stony Brook School
School House Rocks: On December 9, the theatre troupe from the Surflight Theatre in Long Beach Island, New Jersey visited Stony Brook School for an all school assembly that rocked the whole building. Presented by the PTA as this month's cultural enrichment program, the students were treated to a musical presentation that taught history, grammar, mathematics and science through comical songs and dances. The songs included: A Noun is a Person, Place or Thing, Three is a Magic Number, Unpack your Adjectives, Just a Bill, The Preamble, Do the Circulation, Conjunction Junction, Great American Melting Pot, Interplanet Janet, and Interjections. “It was amazing to watch how much educational information the actors and actresses fit into this 45 minute show,” exclaimed Cathy Kobylarz, principal.
Mix-It-Up-At-Lunch Day: Stony Brook's fourth annual Mix-It-Up-Lunch Celebration was held on November 11, 2008. This event is celebrated nationally in an effort to bring students together to make new friends and share how much everyone has in common. The day helps to build tolerance and better peer and social interactions. Led by Robert Meringolo, special education teacher, the students are seated with different groups (older and younger) to eat and share likes and dislikes by completing a survey and discussing results. Prizes are awarded through random drawings.
Olympic Writers: Every month Stony Brook School teachers select one student's writing to represent their class on the "Olympic Writers - Going for the Gold" bulletin board. Developed by Stony Brook's School Based Planning Team, which includes teachers Kathie Willwerth, Pat Klatt and Michele Motichka, the program was designed to recognize the good writing skills of the students. The writers of the month are announced over the morning announcements with each student receiving a writing certificate and a writer's pencil. A group photograph is also taken and then displayed in the library. So far this year, Stony Brook recognized the following students: September Writers: Tyler Lewis, Mayerli Ordonez-Maza, Rolando Sanchez, Genesis Guox, Ryan Narine, Caprice Adams, Allison Gamez, Adrianna Baker, Christopher Robles and Rodrigo Cornejo. October Writers: Jordan Barge, Destiny Nwanko-Patrick, Raymond Carhuaricra, Raymond Siaca Bey, Vanessa Colon, Oluchi Nwankwo, Ryan Boland, Steve Martinez, Naica Sanon, Elmer Guevara, Esteban Vaca-Vasconez, and Joselynne Castellanos. November Writers: Michael Restrepo, Leslie Paredes, Alejandro Chavez, Christopher Nice, Joseph Cobo, Sam Guox, Alan Bersosa, Sydney Ascencio, Grace Tapia, and William Thompson-Schwartz. The December writers will be on display next month.
East End School
East End’s main entrance has a bulletin board which states: “Give the Gift of Love.” It invites adults to purchase a gift for an East End child who is in need during this holiday season. The gingerbread boys and girls on the bulletin board are being snapped up quickly by staff and visitors. Gifts will be purchased and because of the generosity of the East End community, many children will have a smile this holiday season. The main entrance also has various holiday symbols representing the different cultures in support of the geography building objective. As students learn about different holidays celebrated around the world, they are also learning respect as well as similarities and differences. Teachers are also displaying the holidays celebrated in their adopted countries on their classroom doors.
On December 8, the school-wide discipline committee held a meeting to finalize the details of the implementation of a monthly assembly which will recognize students for good citizenship and effort. The first assembly will be on December 23 and certificates will be distributed to the students. Also, pictures of the students will be displayed on a bulletin board so they are formally recognized. School-wide rules are being designed and when finalized, will be posted in every classroom as well as throughout the building. The rules are based on the six pillars of character education: trustworthiness, responsibility, caring, respect, fairness and citizenship.
West End School
The Book Fair Safari was a great success!! In addition to the many wonderful books there were tasty treats, a scavenger hunt and Guess How Many Animals in the Jungle Jar contest, read alouds, and craft projects. It was a night of fun for West End families and an opportunity for getting more books in the homes of our children and in their classrooms. Many thanks to the PTA for sponsoring the event; Marilyn Pinto who coordinated the teachers participation in the event; teachers who helped out by doing read alouds at the night events and helping with the "reading buddy" craft, and teacher volunteers at the night event who took a turn reading to the children and helping with the craft: Michelle Onofri, Sue Fordham, Lisa Cirillo, Rosemarie Hansen, Carol Irvine, Taryn Buffolino, Angela Roman, Marilyn Pinto, Angela Roman, Nicole Migliori, Lisa Cerulo, and Wendy Syzmanski.
Mitten Tree: Many thanks to Taryn Buffolino, counselor, for organizing the mitten tree. The Mitten tree is made up of paper cut-out mittens that have a child's gender and age written on it posted on a wall in the shape of an evergreen tree. These mittens are chosen by teacher recommendation for children whose family may need some extra help with gift-giving during the holiday season. Over sixty children will be surprised with gifts from West End School.
Annie is coming: West End is in the final stages of preparation for their performance of Annie, Jr. They will have three performances: Wednesday morning the 17th at 9:30, which serves as a dress rehearsal, and then Thursday night the 18th at 7:00 and Friday night the 19th at 7:30pm. “We hope you will be joining us for one of the shows. So get away from your "hard, knock life" because the "sun will come out tomorrow" and join us for an evening of entertainment from our West End kids and staff,” suggested Principal Beth Sobel.
DISTRICT OPERATIONS & AUXILIARY SERVICES
SAFETY TRAINING
The safety topic for the month of December is Accident Prevention. Related safety training will be conducted with all staff on Thursday, December 18, 2008.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Ed Ostroff, director of operations, just returned from the National Tools for Schools, Indoor Air Quality Symposium held in Washington, DC. The next target area will be asthma awareness and creating a healthy learning environment for students and staff who suffer from the effects of asthma.
DISTRICT OPERATIONS
In addition to completing routine work orders, maintenance personnel continue to complete a number of in-house projects. The following projects are in progress and should be completed within the next few weeks.
• Somerset – Floor repairs in one classroom.
• Harrison Building – Sheet rock repairs in the multi-purpose room.
• Stony Brook – Replacement of two boiler sections.
2008-2009 CAPITAL PROJECTS
STATUS REPORT
HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL
Restroom Renovation Project. Completed. Punch list items remain.
Auditorium Stage Lighting Upgrades. Slated for 2009/2010.
EAST END SCHOOL
Restroom Renovation Project. Completed. Punch list items remain.
WEST END SCHOOL
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Specifications are pending.
STONY BROOK SCHOOL
Restroom Renovation Project. Completed. Punch list items remain.
HARRISON BUILDING
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Specifications are pending.
2008-2009 MAINTENANCE PROJECTS
STATUS REPORT
HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL
Field House HVAC Upgrades. Unit installed and operating.
Upper Field Sound System Upgrades. Scheduled.
High School & Middle School HVAC upgrades. In Progress.
EAST END SCHOOL
Window Replacement (11). Awarded and installation is pending.
WEST END SCHOOL
No projects in progress.
STONY BROOK SCHOOL
Boiler sections replaced.
SOMERSET SCHOOL
No projects in progress.
HARRISON CAMPUS
Modular T1, Floor Replacement. In Progress.
WATCHUNG BUILDING
Office Flooring Replacement. To be scheduled.
MAINTENANCE COMPOUND/FIELD AREAS
No projects in progress.
DISTRICT WIDE INITIATIVES
District-Wide Energy Savings Project. Planning Stage.
PROPOSED
The following Capital Improvement Projects have been *tentatively selected for inclusion in the 2009/2010 Budget.
• High School – Auditorium Stage Lighting Improvements
• High School – Restroom Renovations, 2nd floor
• East End School – Restroom Renovations, 2nd Floor
• Stony Brook School – Restroom Renovations, 2nd floor
• West & East End School – Exterior Doors
• District – Windows, as needed.
• East End School – Boiler and heating system(s) replacement
• West End School – Gymnasium structural repairs
• District – Energy Monitoring and Lighting Upgrades
*The aforementioned projects are tentative. The projects that are included in this year’s budget will depend on the amount of state aid. Those figures are not available at this time.
Correspondence
There was none.
Committee and Delegate Report
Dr. Rich updated the Board on the December 8th, Curriculum Committee Meeting in which new Adult High School electives were discussed as well as, health seminars, new graduation requirements, and new K-12 guidance curriculum.
Dr. Rich reviewed the discussion of the Board Staff Committee Meeting of December 10th which included discussions related to Project Read and the staff dress code.
Old Business
Mr. Branan, Policy Committee Chair, presented the following polices for revision and second reading due to statutory and administrative code actions that require revised or additional policy language and/or changes to legal references as follows:
Pollicy No. Title
5127 Commencement Activities
6140 Curriculum Adoption
6142.2 English As A Second Language: Bilingual Programs
6146 Graduation Requirements
6147 Standards of Proficiency
6150 Instructional Arrangements
6151 Class Size
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the revised policies as read.
New Business
Recommendations from Superintendent of Schools
Personnel
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 Kathleen Mullen - 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 certificated staff indicated below be paid for graduate courses taken between August and September 2008:
Name Course Hrs Paid Reimb.
Roseann Caruso Methods of Teaching in Early 3 $1545.00 $1158.75
(Elem. Computer/WE) Childhood I
Methods of Teaching in Early 3 $1545.00 $1158.75
Childhood II
Keren Fonseca Enhancing Learning Through 3 $1205.00 $903.75
(Academic Supt/WE) Linguistic & Cultural Diversity
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 teachers in the district in the class/grade indicated after their names:
Sharon Gasmen K – 5 David Miller 9 – 12
Sharon Harris K – 12 Hubert Reeder K – 12
Kawanzaa King K – 12
Lakiesha Mendez K – 12
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 Patricia Mason as a substitute teacher in the adult high school at the rate of $28 per hour.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 as temporary paraprofessionals to assist in the Stony Brook School media center with the Fast ForWord reading program from January 5, 2009 through May 15, 2009 at the 2007-2008 hourly rate of $18.12, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement, as follows:
Pamela Strickland 3.00 hrs/day
Susan Pitfick 2.75 hrs/day
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 of Henry Trang, custodian, to include a stipend of $675 reflecting his attainment of a boiler license, effective November 5, 2008, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 employment of the following individuals as food service workers for Maschios’s Food Service, Inc.:
Matthew Lewis Elizabeth Junco
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 suspension with pay of employee 02-08-09, effective December 12, 2008 through December 17, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 student teacher placement from the College of New Jersey from January 20, 2009 through March 6, 2009:
Student Teacher Class School Coop. Teacher
Miguel Garcia Health/Phys Ed East End Kathy Senna
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 Erin Noonan, school nurse, as a first aider at the rate of $30 per hour, to work on an as-needed basis at athletic events.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 hours of Linda Fagan, student accounts paraprofessional at NPHS, from 3.0 hours per day to 4.0 hours per day, effective January 5, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 Joan Zeukas as a temporary replacement special education teacher at NPHS, at the 2007-2008 BA/Step 6 annual salary rate of $46,100, to be adjusted pending settlement of the negotiated Agreement, effective January 5, 2009 through June 30, 2009. (Ms. Zeukas will temporarily replace Sherry Muenz.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 an increase in hours for Karen Pisani, paraprofessional working with a classified student at West End School, from 3.50 hours per day to 3.75 hours per day, effective December 8, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 unpaid leave of absence granted to F. David Faherty, academic support teacher at NPHS, from December 26, 2008 through January 7, 2009 to December 26, 2008 through June 30, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 employment of Renee Heller, temporary academic support teacher at NPHS, from September 12, 2008 through January 7, 2009 to September 12, 2008 through June 30, 2009. (Ms. Heller is temporarily replacing Mr. Faherty.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 a field trip to the Veterans Administration Hospital, Lyons, NJ for a community outreach project on December 23, 2008 from 9:00 AM to 11:45 AM. Students will be transported on three school vans.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 a field trip to Kean University on January 9, 2009 and March 20, 2009 to attend the Diversity Council High School Leadership Training Conference from 8:15 AM - 2:30 PM. The students will be transported by one of our school vans.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 a field trip to Westminster College to attend a performance workshop on March 31, 2009 from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. These students will be transported by one of our school vans.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 as follows:
Title: Journalism Today
Author: Ferguson Patten Wilson
Publisher: Glencoe
Copyright: 2005
Course/Levels: Journalism
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 Superintendent of Schools to submit the Five-Year Preschool Program Plan and projected budget for the 2009-2010 school year, as attached.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 classified student PSY-04-08-09 undergo a psychiatric evaluation at the cost of $850.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 placement of non-classified student ATS-03-08-09 in the Alternative to Suspension Program in the Somerset County Alternative High School in Raritan for six days, from December 10, 2008 through December 17, 2008, at the cost of $260 per day. Transportation will be required.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 revised curriculum for the secondary elective Business Computer Technology.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 curriculum entitled The Guide: Guidance Curriculum Activities for the elementary middle and secondary levels aligned with the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards and the National Standards of School Counselors.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 proposed curriculum and credits for the adult high school health seminars as follows:
Tobacco Education 1.25 credits
Alcohol Education 1.25 credits
Obstructed Airway/CPR 2.50 credits
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 home instruction for identified student HI-11-08-09 for up to ten hours per week, effective December 11, 2008 through January 5, 2009, to be provided by the Transitional Learning Center staff at Brahmin House pending a review by the child study team.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 home instruction for classified student HI-12-08-09 for up to ten hours per week, effective December 11, 2008 pending placement in the 45-day Alternative to Suspension Program at Somerset County Alternative High School, and completed psychiatric evaluation.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 classified student ATS-04-08-09 be placed in the 45-day Alternative to Suspension Program at the Somerset County Alternative High School, effective December 15, 2008. Transportation will be required.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 submission to the New Jersey Department of Education of the Special Education Self-Assessment 2008, Section IV: Least Restrictive Environment.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 placement of the following non-classified students in the Alternative to Suspension Program in the Somerset County Alternative High School in Raritan for six days, from December 22, 2008 through January 8, 2009, at the cost of $260 per day for each. Transportation will be required.
ATS-05-08-09 ATS-07-08-09
ATS-06-08-09 ATS-08-08-09
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
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 authorize the Superintendent of Schools to apply for NCLB Carry-Over Funds FY’08, as indicated below and as per the attached budget:
Title I $3,468
Title I SIA $ 0
Title IIA $ 103
Title IID $ 7
Title III $2,320
Title IV $ 247
Title V $ 4
TOTAL $7,465
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 December 17, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 November 30, 2008.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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, per the auditor’s suggestion, approve canceling checks over one year old which were previously issued and have not been cashed, per the following listing:
04-05 16808 The College of NJ $ 160.00
05-06 18882 T&M Sports $ 480.00
05-06 19362 St. Peters Hospital $ 20.00
05-06 20140 Harbor Haven $5,015.00
06-07 20275 Bagel Master $ 50.00
06-07 21273 Reps Fitness Supply $ 750.00
06-07 21449 Manville BOE $4,174.50
06-07 22202 Pepe Restaurant $ 84.00
06-07 22334 Desnoyers Inc. $ 225.45
07-08 23036 Bagel Masters $ 454.30
07-08 24779 Drug Fair $ 494.93
07-08 C&M Door $ 800.00
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 County Energy Audit resolution as required by Somerset County Energy Council:
WHEREAS, in January 2008, the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders established the Somerset County Energy Council to advise the Board of Chosen Freeholders on energy issues and opportunities, advocate for energy efficiency and conservation, and promote public understanding of energy-saving and alternative energy opportunities and choices; and
WHEREAS, in support of the Energy Council’s mission and recommendations, the Board of Chosen Freeholders created a new County Energy Audit Program (hereinafter referred to as the “Program”); and
WHEREAS, the School District of North Plainfield has accepted the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders and County Energy Council’s invitation to voluntarily participate in and assist in implementing the new County Energy Audit Program, and endorsed submission of the completed attached Energy Audit Program Application; and
WHEREAS, in order to facilitate completion of the energy audits and Energy Star Portfolio Manager Tool in accordance with the Program, the County requires establishing a school district Energy Team whose primary role will be to provide data, information and access to buildings/facilities to the Energy Audit Firm and assist with implementing improvement measures and other follow-up activities as specified in the attached Energy Audit Program Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the Energy Audit Program guidelines specify additional responsibilities of the Energy Team, which include facilitating proposal generation efforts from Energy Audit Firms assigned by the County Energy Council, reviewing EA Firm proposals, and recommending the desired EA Firm to perform the work for the school district, in accordance with the established program timeline.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the North Plainfield Board of Education is hereby authorized to establish an Energy Team and designates its Representative in accordance with the Somerset County Energy Audit Program FY 2009 and its section labeled “General Responsibilities of the School District Energy Team,” to fulfill the role and responsibilities specified in same, and in addition to authorizing submission of an application to participate in the program.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the North Plainfield Board of Education Secretary is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution and the name, address, phone and e-mail information for each member of the Energy Team to the Somerset County Planning Board and Somerset County Energy Council.
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 change order number TR-014, in the amount of $2,099.00 for the Toilet Renovation Project. The cost of the project will now be as follows:
Original total project cost $688,500.00
Adjusted project cost $734,503.85
Change Order $ 2,099.00
Adjusted Total Project Cost $736,602.85
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - 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 change order number TR-015, in the amount of $2,118.00 for the Toilet Renovation Project. The cost of the project will now be as follows:
Original total project cost $688,500.00
Adjusted project cost $736,602.85
Change Order $ 2,118.00
Adjusted Total Project Cost $738,720.85
Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye
David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Items moved from future Agenda
There were none.
New items requested to be placed on the Agenda
There were none.
Current Events in Education
There were none.
Comments from the Public
There were none.
Future Agenda Items
Board Presentations
Dress Code for Students and Staff
Student Mobility
Joint Meeting of Borough Council and Board of Education - 1/26/09
Testing Update
Middle States High School Re-design – 1/7/09
Adjournment
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to hold an executive session on January 7, 2009 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 to executive session at 9:45 pm for confidential matters relating to students, personnel, contract negotiations, litigation, and/or any other matter considered confidential by federal or state law.
The meeting re-convened to public session at 10:55 pm.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education continue the suspension of employee #02-08-09 with pay from December 18, 2008 until January 21, 2009.
Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to adjourn at 10:56 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
APPROVED: Donald Sternberg
