The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on July 22, 2009 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 – absent, notified Nancy Szaroleta
Sandra Dodd Linda Bond-Nelson
Kathleen Mullen – absent, notified
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 and approximately 2 members of the staff and public
Introduction of New Staff
There was none.
Minutes Approval
Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to accept the public session minutes of June 17 and July 13, 2009.
Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to accept the executive session minutes of June 17 and July 13, 2009.
Financial Report
Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the list of bills and payrolls dated in the amount of $4,913,303.52.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education accept the monthly financial reports of the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary and the Treasurer of School Funds, for the month of May 2009 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 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.
Superintendent’s Report
Recognition/Public Relations
Students
Congratulations to Christopher Medrano and Aminah Muhammad, West End School fourth graders who have earned the Pete Hansen Sportsmanship Award. Established by the West End PTA to honor Pete Hansen for his dedication to the children/youth of North Plainfield, this award has been given every year for the last 23 years to students demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship and character traits. Mabel “Skip” Hansen and George Hansen, her son, presented the award at an assembly in which Mr. Hansen addressed the group with a talk about sportsmanship. Considered the best honor at West End School, the award has been given to students in the highest grade level in the school; hence, it started as a sixth grade award, then fifth, now fourth. "It is a true honor for me and my family to see this award given every year. We thank the PTA for continuing to honor the legacy of our father," stated Beth Sobel, principal of West End School and daughter of Pete Hansen.
The "Spirit of '76" was an attraction at the North Plainfield Fourth of July Parade. Colorfully attired in period costume and accompanied by an ROTC flag bearer, more than a handful of people wanted their photograph taken with the trio. The substitute fife was played by Max Torres, 10th grade, on clarinet; the drummer was Jordan Rogers, who is entering the 11th grade; and the ROTC representative was Daniel Smith, 10th grade.
The following fourth grade students at West End School earned the Year End High Achievement Award by making High Honor Roll each marking period for the year: Kevin Andrade, Shaden Awad, Abdelaziz Bahnasy, Emily DeSotelle, and Emily McGrath. Emily DeSotelle and Emily McGrath also were honored with a 4.0 pin for earning all top grades and outstanding effort grades in all major subjects for the entire year.
On June 22, 2009 and June 23, 2009, the students and staff at Stony Brook School participated in the End of the School Year 2008-2009 Awards Assembly. Many parents and extended family members were among the audience invited to celebrate the academic and special subject achievements of their children. The following K-4 students were awarded Perfect Attendance Awards: Talitha Hubbard, Alejandro Chavez, Daniel Duncan, LaTonya Hubbard, Abner Ortiz, Alexander Dayton, Oluchi Nwankwo, Diamonte Hubbard, Jason Ortiz, Sheila Villacis, Joseph Duncan, David Kenny, Radha Patel, Naica Sanon, Alex Yumiguano, Kywajn Alston, Chris Nice, Jocelyn Ramos, Chisom Nwanko and Brendan Cheung.
One of the happiest moments of the Awards Ceremony occurred during the Honor Roll Awards. Every marking period, third and fourth grade students were recognized by their principal, Cathy Kobylarz, for academic excellence at the Honor Roll Assembly. The students received honor roll certificates, honor roll pencils and a free Applebee's dessert card from the PTA. Group photos were taken and were proudly displayed in the Media Center. The school goal was to increase the number students being awarded each marking period. During the first marking period, eight students were recognized. For the second marking period, the number increased to eighteen. During the third marking period, there were twenty-four students recognized and in Stony Brook style, the fourth marking period had a grand total of thirty-six students who received honor roll recognition: Lance Evans, Noran Zaher, Jared Lesaca, Francisco Corral, Alan Bersosa, Joseph Zehetner, Caprice Adams, Zachary Balla, Elmer Guevara, Joseph Merida, Radha Patel, Jason Pleitez, Naica Sanon, Chris Nice, Joselynne Castellanos, Nikita Forrester, Mike Velastegui, Sigrid Soto, Ryan Pego, Vanessa Borja, Grace Tapia, Karolin Paulino, Sebastian Aviles, Lesterh Betancourt,Mildre Cruz, Adrianna Baker, Itati Aguirre, Matthew Cabrera, Charles Cadena, Victoria Kisling, Jasmin Lehman, Chanell, Martinez, Chisom Nwanko, Aurelia Polly, Juliana Restrepo and Chris Robles. "We met our goal and I am so proud of the hard work and accomplishments of all of our students," stated Principal Kobylarz.
Staff
Diana Sefchik, director of bilingual/ESL education, sponsored two days of Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) training on July 16 and July 17 to district staff in the art room – Room 221 at North Plainfield High School. “The Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) was developed to make content material comprehensible to English Language Learners. This model is the result of the work of Jana Echevarria, MaryEllen Vogt and Deborah J. Short. The SIOP Model includes teacher preparation, instructional indicators such as comprehensible input and the building of background knowledge. It comprises strategies for classroom organization and delivery of instruction.” Presented by Elizabeth Franks and Barbara Tedesco, highly regarded bilingual/ESL educators, who have already trained many of our teachers, the sessions included successful instructional strategies for English Language Learners in content / regular education classrooms. This training was purely on a voluntary basis and included the following teachers:
Elio Mayo Roberta Alves
Robert Zetlin Alexandra Pereira
Sandra Deller Marie Nylund
Veronica Quick Travis Smith
Ruth Siegel Kerry Thomson
Annemarie Manfredi Marvell Saint-Victor
Renee Heller Courtney Kopf
Walter Blenderman Priscila Weber
Teresa Thompson Stefanie Myers
Suzanne Sapega Constance Stanzione
East End School
Service Awards Ceremonies were held on June 16 and June 17 in the East End Community Room. Students in first through third grades were recognized for academic excellence, physical education and club participation. The event was well attended and cameras flashed as students proudly accepted their awards.
On June 18, East End School held Kindergarten Orientation for incoming students. Melissa Field, Diane Forino, Marlo Matthews, Elizabeth Silvas, and Diane Stanton-- kindergarten teachers -- each presented information to the parents to familiarize them with expectations for Kindergarten. On June 19, the Kindergarten teachers facilitated the Kindergarten Celebration. Students entertained the audience with songs and received certificates. The PTA provided refreshments for everyone.
East End School held its Fourth Grade Celebration on June 22. Fourth grade teachers -- Suzanne Dahlinger, Jill Fogarty, Alexis Holbrook, Karen F. Lewis, Rachel Padian, and Nicole Rossi -- facilitated the event. Students were recognized for academic excellence, physical education, and other activities and clubs. The students sang various songs and the audience and students viewed a slide show presentation that took everyone down memory lane. The slide show was developed by the Computer Club under the leadership of Alexis Holbrook. Kathleen Herrmann, principal, addressed the students and talked about the importance of making the right choices. That evening, the PTA hosted the Fourth Grade Party. Students danced, feasted on delicious food, played games, and enjoyed a fantastic time. The fourth grade class presented Principal Herrmann with a framed photograph of the class. The photograph has an engraved plague on the bottom which reads, “Fourth Grade Class of 2009 East End School.” The photograph will be displayed in the main entrance of the building.
West End School
On June 18, approximately 40 students in grades 1-4 participated in the Parent Engagement Committee's First Annual Science Fair. Impressively eye-popping projects, such as a soap-powered boat, potatoes conducting electricity, music's effects on plant growth, and magic milk, were displayed in grade level categories. As the judges rotated through the displays, students answered questions, gave demonstrations and explained the scientific process through which their projects worked. Throughout the morning, all West End classes circulated through the fair with awe and excitement as they witnessed demonstrations and learned new scientific principles. At the end of the event, first, second and third place ribbons were awarded to projects ranking best in each category. All participants were called on stage to receive a beautiful certificate of participation. Principal Beth Sobel noted, “One lucky student won our raffle prize for four tickets to the Liberty Science Center! Overall, the Science Fair was a great success, and students are already eager to participate next year!”
“Thank you to our judges - Dot Carro, Keren Fonseca, Sara Gagliano, Sandy Markert, Vicki Mendes and Colleen Strickland. A special thanks to our Supervisor of Mathematics and Science, Patty Marseglia, for overseeing the judging process. Finally, thank you to our many parents who helped us set up in the morning, and stayed for the day to assist where needed and clean up. The Parent Engagement Committee looks forward to collaborating with West End parents on next year's fair and all future endeavors!” exclaimed Taryn Buffolino, counselor and committee leader.
In June West End School collected 1430 box tops, with Christina Mundy's first grade class collecting the most for the month. The following are the grade-level winners for the year:
K-Nancy Lubreski 210 box tops
1-Courtney Karl & Lindsay Sena 895 box tops each
2-Patricia Russell 575 box tops
3-Nicole Rivlin 610 box tops
4-Carol Irvine 495 box tops
Each class was awarded a certificate for display, and each student in the class received a dessert certificate from Applebee’s. The total number of box tops for the year (9780) earned West End School PTA a total of $978. The money will be used to sponsor events for the children.
Stony Brook School
Fourth Grade Celebration: Every year in early June, the staff and PTA members of Stony Brook join efforts to treat the fourth graders to their "Movin' On" Celebration. The theme this year, "Everyone is a Star" was the backdrop of all activities. Once again, the gym was festively decorated with stars and streamers. The fourth graders received Stony Brook t-shirts which were especially designed for the celebration, sunglasses, autograph books and special pencils. They feasted on sub sandwiches, chips, soda and a "Movin' On" sheet cake. The special guest this year was the Mad Scientist, Daring Dave, who demonstrated science concepts using everyday objects, such as dry ice and balloons. "The Movin' On” Celebration has been a great way to send off our fourth graders, while wishing them good luck and many years of happiness," stated PTA President Angela McNair. "We all had lots of fun."
NPHS
On Monday, August 24 at 10 a.m., Canuck mentors will be provided training in order to learn skills and strategies to be effective as mentors. The training will not only help the mentors during their sessions with the freshmen, but also assist them personally in future endeavors.
Entering high school is a significant milestone in a person’s life. In an effort to support freshmen in beginning a rewarding high school experience, NPHS is sponsoring a “Kick-Off” event for the new school year on Wednesday, August 26, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Designed to reduce their stress, meet their mentor, and allow them to renew friendships prior to the start of school, incoming freshmen will also have the opportunity to meet NPHS faculty members and hear a motivational speaker. At the conclusion of the morning events, lunch will be provided, and each freshman will receive a “Class of 2013 Canuck” t-shirt that will allow them free admission to the first home football game.
NPHS also has planned a New Parent Orientation, actually a welcome session with coffee and pastries, at 9:00 a.m. in the high school cafeteria on August 26. Parents have volunteered to discuss their experiences on raising a high school age child and working with the administration, faculty, and staff of the high school. Additionally, representatives from the booster clubs and the PTO will be in attendance to provide information on extra-curricular activities that their child may be interested in joining.
DISTRICT OPERATIONS & AUXILIARY SERVICES
SAFETY TRAINING
The safety topic for June was chemical safety. Related safety training was conducted with all staff members on June 18, 2009. The next training session will be held during August.
HEALTH & SAFETY
H1-N1 (Pandemic Swine Flu)
The C.D.C. (Center for Disease Control) and W.H.O., (World Health Organization) are currently drafting additional guidelines to address the anticipated fall return of the H1-N1 Flu Virus.
In order to reduce our exposure to the H1-N1 Flu Virus, the district will continue to follow the directives listed below:
1. Routine cleaning that is normally completed using a multi-purpose cleaner will now be performed using an antibacterial disinfectant cleaner.
2. All staff members have been given a Swine Flu Fact Sheet that contains a number of safety precautions to prevent the spread of this virus.
GRADUATION 2009
Due to a delay in the construction of the upper field, graduation was held on the upper field. The majority of the planned improvements to the lower field have now been completed. The installation of the new upper field, funded by a grant from the Somerset County Freeholders, is now underway and should be completed by the beginning of October.
The following improvements to Lower Krausche Field have been completed:
• Over seeding and core-aerating of the field to stimulate turf growth.
• Repaving of the lower entrance area including the driveway.
• Paint and trim work on both storage buildings.
• Rehabilitation of the existing spectator bleachers.
• General clean-up and other improvements as necessary.
• Seal coating of the asphalt pad located on the south end of the field.
• Fencing repairs and the installation of a top cap as needed.
• Removal of the entrance turnstile at the south end of the field.
• The removal of stumps and debris from the lower field bank.
• Planting of new shrubs and foliage on the inner hill areas.
• Painting of exterior doors and trim on the rear of the High School.
• Painting of exterior doors and trim on the maintenance shop.
• Running Track repairs and re-striping. Scheduled.
• Indicates Remaining Improvements.
SUMMER MAINTENANCE PROJECTS
A complete listing of all of our summer maintenance projects is contained within this report.
PROJECT GRANTS
The following project grants were approved for the North Plainfield School District. Please visit our website and click on the link to Operations for more information.
Somerset County Freeholders – Open Space Grant
The Somerset County Freeholders have approved the North Plainfield School District for a $1,000,000 Open Space Grant.
A second round of sealed bids for this project were received and awarded by the Somerset County Freeholders and construction is now under way. The project includes a base bid that will provide a new turf football field, lined for soccer and field hockey, and a new softball and baseball field. In addition, the base bid will also include other improvements such as drainage and site work, dugouts and perimeter fencing. Alternates to the base bid will include a center logo, sideline netting, a water line to the north east corner of the field area and other upgrades as deemed appropriate.
These improvements will provide many years of expanded use and we anticipate many other improvements in the future orchestrated by our Education Foundation and their fundraising efforts. We now anticipate completion of these improvements by early October.
S.D.A./D.O.E. Construction Grant
The New Jersey School Development Authority, in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Education, have approved two grants totaling more than $1,200,000 for the replacement of boilers and heating system components at the West End School and the Harrison Building.
Somerset County Energy Audit Grant
The North Plainfield School District has received a grant offered by Somerset County to audit our energy usage.
2009-2010 CAPITAL PROJECTS
The following Capital Improvement Projects are slated for completion this year:
• District – Exterior Doors, as needed.
• District – Windows, as needed.
• East End School – Boiler and heating system(s) replacement, summer 2010.
• West End School – Gymnasium structural repairs
• District – **Energy Monitoring and Lighting Upgrades
• H.S. Auditorium Stage Lighting Upgrades
STATUS REPORT (Other Projects)
HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL
Auditorium Stage Lighting Upgrades. Sealed Bids for this project were received and the project has been awarded.
WEST END SCHOOL
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. The equipment for this project was successfully bid and awarded. The mechanical portion of this project has also been successfully bid and awarded and construction is now under way.
HARRISON BUILDING
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. The equipment for this project was successfully bid and awarded. The mechanical portion of this project has also been successfully bid and awarded and construction is now under way.
DISTRICT WIDE
Door Replacements. This project has also been successfully bid and awarded.
WEST END SCHOOL
Gymnasium Structural Repairs. This project has also been successfully bid and awarded and construction is now under way.
*EAST END SCHOOL
Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Specifications for this project are currently being prepared and we anticipate going out to bid next May. The project will be scheduled for completion over the course of next summer.
2008-2009 MAINTENANCE PROJECTS
STATUS REPORT
HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL
Installation of additional exterior cameras around the building. In progress.
HARRISON BUILDING
Creation of a file storage room in the basement. In progress.
WATCHUNG BUILDING
The creation of a secure file storage area adjacent to the Board Meeting Room.
DISTRICT WIDE INITIATIVES
District-Wide Energy Savings Project. Specifications are pending.
Quality Control Assessment. Implementation of corrective action(s).
Correspondence
There was none.
Committee and Delegate Report
A Finance and Facilities Committee meeting will be held on August 19th at 7:00 pm.
Old Business
There was none.
New Business
Recommendations of the Superintendent
Personnel
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 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 Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson 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 2009 and May 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the staff members indicated on the attached amended list be appointed to the co-curricular coaching/advisory positions indicated, to be paid at the 2008-2009 approved rates indicated after their names, and to be adjusted pending settlement of the 2009-2010 rates.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Nicholas Nardo as a substitute paraprofessional in the district.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education grant Michelle Onofri, special education teacher at West End School, an unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act from January 14, 2010 through April 4, 2010.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the following individuals as volunteer assistants to athletic coaches:
Marvell Saint-Victor Football
Keith Getz Football
Heather Morgan Field Hockey
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the following individuals as district K-12 substitute teachers:
Emily Fencik (Band Front Instructor, Winter Guard Asst.)
Shannon Shotwell (Band Front Advisor, Winter Guard Head Instructor)
Robin Grant
Marvin Harris
Michelle Robertson
Andrew Taylor
Arthur Turshman
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Mary West as a temporary elementary teacher at Stony Brook School at the MA/Step 7 (8-10/10) annual salary rate of $54,010, effective September 1, 2009 through December 1, 2009. (Ms. West will temporarily replace Carla Basile.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the appointment of Teresa Thompson as a mathematics teacher for the HSPA preparation course for the adult high school at the rate of $29 per hour.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of the following staff as Professional Development-Professional Learning Communities Group Leaders, at the hourly rate of $47.83 for up to 25 hours each:
Cynthia Crawford Janet Darvin
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the transfer of the following certificated staff:
Teacher From To
Elizabeth Silvas Special Ed East End West End
Kim Faszczewski Special Ed West End Stony Brook
Jennifer Ferraino Special Ed Stony Brook East End
Robert Meringolo Special Ed 1/2 SB & 1/2 WE Stony Brook
Andrea Antonson Counselor Stony Brook NPHS
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Evin Aksay as an academic support teacher at Somerset School at the MA/Step 7 (8-10/10) annual salary rate of $54,010 and that a contract to employ be issued. (Ms. Aksay will replace Melissa Patane.)
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Lauren Meyer as a teacher of mathematics at NPMS at the BA/Step 1 (1/1) annual salary rate of $47,490, and that a contract to employ be issued.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Leslie Castillo as a counselor at Stony Brook School at the MA/Step 6 (6-7/6) annual salary rate of $52,340 and that a contract to employ be issued.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the 2008-2009 employment contract for Mr. Donald Sternberg, Business Administrator/Board Secretary, which includes his annual salary of $138,387.37.
Further, that the Board approve Mr. Sternberg’s 2009-2010 employment contract, which includes his annual salary of $144,199.64.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen that the Board of Education approve the 2008-2009 employment contract for Dr. Robert H. Rich, Assistant Superintendent, which includes his annual salary of $________.
Further, that the Board approve Dr. Rich’s 2009-2010 employment contract, which includes his annual salary of $____________.
Mrs. Szaroleta moved, seconded by Mr. Allen that the Board of Education approve the 2008-2009 annual salary of $____________ for Dr. Marilyn E. Birnbaum, Superintendent of Schools.
Mr. Allen moved,,seconded by Mrs. Szaroleta and unanimously approved to table the preceding motions concerning employment contracts for Dr. Robert H. Rich and Dr. Marilyn E. Birnbaum due to the lack of an eligible voting quorum.
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Timothy Hinger, Navy JROTC instructor, effective September 14, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the teachers indicated on the attached list to teach a sixth class at the rates indicated after their names.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the following changes in staff positions:
Staff School From To
Benjamin Keiser Somerset School Social Worker/SAC(K-6) School Social Worker
Ann Caruso NPHS Counselor/SAC (7-12) Counselor/SAC(K-12)
Andrea Antonson NPHS Counselor Special Projects (Testing)/Counseling
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Curriculum, Instruction, and Pupil Services
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the services of Dr. Richard Kleinman, psychiatrist, to provide evaluations on an as-needed basis at the rate of $850 per evaluation.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve Natural Setting Therapeutic Management to provide applied behavior analysis services to the district at the cost of $22,000, to be done by Dr. Andrea Quinn.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve 22 hours compensatory home instruction for classified student HI-36-08-09, effective June 22, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board approve oral motor therapy be provided for classified student OMT-01-09-10 during the extended school year, for six 45 minute sessions at the cost of $75 per session.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 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 for two 20-minute sessions weekly for each student at the rate of $36 per session (including the summer of 2009).
OT/PT-01-09-10 OT/PT-02-09-10
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the use of physical therapy services to be provided by Pediatric Workshop for classified student OT/PT-03-09-10 for one 40-minute session per week at Midland School (including the summer of 2009) at the rate of $80 per session.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the use of Applied Behavior Consultant, LLC, for classified student ABS-01-09-10 at the cost of $120 per hour for direct service (service delivered in the home, direct contact with family/child), and $60 per hour to write programs, reports and interventions.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve out-of-district placement of the classified students indicated on the attached list at the tuition rates indicated.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve occupational therapy/physical therapy be provided to the classified students on the attached list for the hours and rates indicated.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson 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: Glencoe Science: Level Red
Author: Alton Biggs et al.
Publisher: Glencoe
Copyright: 2008
Course/Levels: Grade 6
Title: Glencoe Science: Level Green
Author: Alton Biggs et al.
Publisher: Glencoe
Copyright: 2008
Course/Levels: Grade 7
Title: Glencoe Science: Level Blue
Author: Alton Biggs et al.
Publisher: Glencoe
Copyright: 2008
Course/Levels: Grade 8
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve payment for the following students to attend the Somerset Academy for Health and Medical Sciences at Somerset County Vocational-Technical School at the rate of $2,000 per student. It should be noted that this fee is in addition to our State aid that the Vocational school receives.
VT-1-09-10 VT-7-09-10
VT-2-09-10 VT-8-09-10
VT-3-09-10 VT-9-09-10
VT-4-09-10 VT-10-09-10
VT-5-09-10 VT-11-09-10
VT-6-09-10
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the use of Loving Care Agency, Inc. to provide nursing services to classified students on an as-needed basis, at the following rates:
Registered Nurse: $60/hour
Licensed Practical Nurse: $50/hour
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve nursing care services be provided by Loving Care Agency, Inc. to classified student RN-01-09-10 for up to 7.0 hours per day, five days per week, effective September 9, 2009, at a cost of $84,000.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve additional hours of bedside instruction for classified student HI-01-09-10 to be provided by Summit Oaks Hospital Teaching Division for up to ten hours per week at the rate of $45.50 per hour, effective June 12, 2009 through July 2, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Finance, Purchasing, Facilities and Agreements
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve payments from the Cafeteria Account and the Adult School Account in accordance with the attached list dated July 22, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the transfer of funds from the 09-10 School Budget by authorizing a line item transfer of $141,900.00 from Fund 12 Capital Outlay to Fund 30 Capital Projects in support of local share of one project Harrison HVAC as follows:
From: 12-000-400-450-09-00 $141,900.00
To: 30-000-505-450-00-05 $141,900.00
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve line item transfers in accordance with the attached list dated May 31, 2009.
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the following transportation jointure with Somerset County Educational Services for summer transportation services for the 2009-2010 school year as indicated:
Contractor Route Destination Pupils Cost/diem Total
Vogel Bus 2034 High Roads Upper 6 289.50 $8,685.00
Kensington 2052 Midland 6 364.32 10,929.60
Vogel 2058 Piscataway Reg. Day 4 247.60 9,284.40*
Dapper 4003 Bright Beginnings 4 295.20 8,856.00
Dapper 4010 Children’s Spec. 3 302.58 9,077.40*
Dapper 9016 Children’s Spec. 1 120.33 3,609.90*
Ralph’s Bus 9031 Kohler School 2 269.86 8,095.80*
Kensington 9059 Somerset Academy 1 186.90 5,607.00
SCESC SC907 Somerset Hills 1 283.50 8,505.00*
Ralph’s Bus S907 Summit Speech 1 77.70 2,331.00
Joy Trans. T930 Celebrate the Children 2 309.76 9,292.50
Aide Cost 2,809.13
*aide required
Total $87,082.73
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the following school lunch prices and the attached ala carte prices for the 2009-2010 school year:
High School Elementary Somerset
Paid Lunch 2.50 2.00 2.00
Reduced Lunch .40 .40 .40
Adult Lunch 4.00 4.00 4.00
Paid Breakfast 1.50 1.25 1.25
Reduced Breakfast .30 .30 .30
Adult Breakfast 3.00 3.00 3.00
Thomas Allen - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye
Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye
Mrs. Bond-Nelson moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the transfer of funds approved in the 2009-2010 School Budget by authorizing a line item transfer of $1,600,153.00 from Fund 12 Capital Outlay to Fund 30 Capital Projects in support of legal services expenses for referendum project:
From: 12-000-400-932-00-00 $1,600,153.00
To: 30-000-401-331-00-00 $1,600,153.00
Thomas Allen - 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.
The Board of Education approved field turf donation sign #1.
Current Events in Education
There were none.
Comments from the Public
There were none.
Future Agenda Items
ROTC Presentation
8th Grade Graduation Ceremony
Coaches’ Qualifications – 9/2/09
Adjournment
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Szaroleta and unanimously approved to hold an executive session on September 2, 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. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Szaroleta and unanimously approved to adjourn at 8:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
APPROVED: Donald Sternberg
