Minutes:  October 21, 2009

The minutes of the regular meeting of the North Plainfield Board of Education held on October 21, 2009 at East End School, 170 Onedia 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, Cassius Ross, Student Representative and approximately 60 members of the staff and public Minutes Approval Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to accept the public session minutes of October 7, 2009. Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to accept the executive session minutes of October 7, 2009. Financial Report Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Branan and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the list of bills and payrolls dated September 30, 2009 in the amount of $6,873,920.89 Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Branan and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education accept the monthly financial reports of the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary and the Treasurer of School Funds, for the month of August 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. Comments from the Public Upon request of the chair for topics from the public, there were none. Student Representative Report Cassius Ross reported on several student activities some of which included the following: Interact Club is conducting a food drive. HOPE Club continues with fall plantings and took a field trip to Gateway National Park. Spirit Week will end with a Pep Rally on October 23rd. A Homecoming Dance will be held on November 20th. Tunlaw is off to a great start with a group of thirty students on staff. The HS Marching Band has participated in 3 Scholastic Band Association Competitions taking two seconds and one first place. Dance Club is meeting with 25 members. ESL Tutoring Club and World Cultures Club are beginning. Presentation Introduction of new teachers and Service Milestone Awards were presented by Dr. Birnbaum and Dr. Rich as per the attached listing. Dr. Rich discussed and reviewed with the Board of Education and public an overview of Title IV and the survey results. As State mandated, Dr. Rich presented and discussed with the Board of Education and the public the Annual Violence and Vandalism Report. In discussing areas of the report where figures had improved Dr. Rich discussed cell phone usage and a behavior disorder class both of which had an impact to the report. A question was raised regarding the cell phone policy. Students' cell phones must be out of sight. A positive comment regarding the integration of special education students in the schools was heard. Superintendent's Report RECOGNITION/PUBLIC RELATIONS District Violence Prevention: “Walk Away…Stop the Violence.” The week of October 19-23, 2009 is being recognized by New Jersey Public Schools as Violence Awareness Week. The Proud Community of North Plainfield Public Schools has many activities planned as we participate in this state-wide initiative to “Stop the Violence.” Stony Brook School, East End School, West End School, Somerset School, North Plainfield Middle School, and North Plainfield High School will host individual building activities. Detective Eric Fowler, our school resource officer, also will be visiting all of the schools to speak about peaceful ways to deal with conflict. North Plainfield High School and North Plainfield Middle School will be participating in “Rachel’s Challenge” which will recognize School Violence Awareness Week, “Every 15 Minutes,” Red Ribbon Week, and World Aids Day. These activities promise to be both inspirational and motivational. On October 29, 2009, the NPHS Drama Club will present a variety of skits to illustrate interactions to promote peaceful solutions to conflicts. This program is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium and is open to parents/guardians of students K-12. We hope that you can join us for this informative presentation and discussion. East End School Nicole Rossi, Jill Fogarty, and Alexis Holbrook, East End teachers, attended a free workshop on October 5 for StarLab. StarLab is held annually at East End School where students sit inside a dome on the stage of the community room. Students visit the StarLab throughout the week and an evening event is held for families. Teachers are especially excited this year because they will also be able to illuminate the continents, oceans, and countries which support the geography building objective. StarLab will be held January 26 through February 1, 2010. On October 7, 2009, East End School held its annual Walk to School Day. Approximately 265 children walked to school on a rainy morning. The third grade class had the highest number with 79 third graders walking. The physical education teachers, John Malazdra and Jennifer Brand, facilitated the program. The PTO provided nutritious snacks as they arrived at the school. “Once again, Walk to School Day promotes the importance of exercise and good nutrition,” commented Kathleen Herrmann, principal. Third grade teachers Gina Stripto, Leslie Hansen, Alexis Holbrook, and second grade teachers Deborah Lockley Thompson and Ruth Siegel took their students to Melick’s Farm in early October. Students observed and learned all about an apple orchard and how a farm operates. When the students returned to class, they read about Johnny Appleseed and wrote about what they learned on their trip. Barbara Curtis and Kitty Jedra escorted their first grade classes to the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Watchung on October 6 to learn about the fall, look at the changes in plant life, and observe animal life. Melissa Saul and Stephanie Martin took their first grade classes on October 13. The experience of the trip afforded students the opportunity to observe nature which supports the science curriculum. Principal Herrmann continued reading to the classes by visiting Jill Fogarty’s third grade class where she read, The True Story of the Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka, which told the story from the wolf’s point of view. The students then compared and contrasted Scieszka’s version to the traditional version of The Three Little Pigs. Subsequently, the students engaged in a writing prompt where their task was to persuade the audience on which version they believed. They will share their writing with Ms. Herrmann when the assignment is completed. Stony Brook School Stony Brook School Breaking a World Record: On October 8, 2009, 156 Stony Brook students from kindergarten - second grade participated in the Jumpstart Read for the Record campaign. Started in 2006, the Jumpstart Volunteer Network and the Pearson Foundation combined forces to create an international project designed to bring children and grownups together to read the same book, on the same day, all over the world. By 2008, over 688,000 readers participated in this project by reading the story of Corduroy by Don Freeman. This year, the goal was over one million participants and the Stony Brook students were part of this grand event. Organized by Anne Bonner, Stony Brook's librarian/media specialist, the children gathered together as Cathy Kobylarz, principal, read the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. The guest of honor was the district's language arts supervisor, Dr. Hope Blecher-Sass. Dressed in her caterpillar regalia, Dr. Blecher-Sass helped the Stony Brook caterpillar eat her way through this great story. "The students at Stony Brook School love to hear read aloud stories and love the idea of breaking a world record. This campaign included both and was a great way to help our children feel connected to other children all around the world," stated Principal Kobylarz. Fire Safety Month: October was Fire Safety Month and on October 6, 2009, the North Plainfield Fire Department sent four firefighters to help the students at Stony Brook School understand the importance of fire safety. Under the direction of Captain D'Amore, the firefighters conducted a fire safety assembly which included a video and a demonstration of fire equipment for the students. The emphasis was on fire safety precautions, smoke alarm battery checks, stop-drop-and-roll techniques, meeting places, and calling 911 to report a fire. The students watched as one of the firefighters demonstrated how to put on all of his fire gear. NPHS NPHS is beginning the Middle States Accreditation process. Unlike the Middle States of the past, NPHS has selected a new model: Accreditation for Growth. A major commitment the school makes when seeking accreditation using Accreditation for Growth is to include a varied spectrum of the school’s stakeholders in the process of continually defining a preferred vision, in developing the means to get closer to the vision, and implementing the action plans developed by these stakeholders. For the past 16 months the NPHS internal coordinators for the Middle States Accreditation process have been meeting with internal coordinators form other schools, attending numerous Middle States Accreditation workshops and making presentations to the district administration, BOE, and the faculty regarding the upcoming Middle States visitation. With the start of the school year, and following the timeline developed over the last 16 months, the process is ready to begin. This process calls for the establishment of a planning team. At this time the planning team is being formed and volunteers are being sought. The planning team will represent the stakeholders of NPHS, and approximately 25 people will be on the team. Membership on the planning team will require a commitment of time. The initial planning team meeting will take place on October 28, at 5:15 p.m. in the high school library; a light meal will be served. Subsequent meetings will take place during the school day with occasional evening meetings. Once the planning team develops the mission and the goals for Middle States Accreditation, the faculty will implement the plan. The school will employ a data informed decision making approach while implementing the plan and will periodically review the plan and the established indicators to improve the plan. NPMS Research Experience for Teachers, Engineering (RU RET-E): In cooperation with the NPHS/MS Girls Empowered thru Mentorship (GEM) program, Evelyn Hanna Laffey, Ed.D, Assistant Dean, Director of Women in Engineering Programs, Rutgers University, attended the October 6, 2009 NPMS building meeting. Dr. Laffey invited NPMS/HS teachers to participate in a grant-funded program sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) with her during the summer of 2010. Dr. Laffey is looking for teachers to help develop lessons related to engineering. Teachers will be expected to work for 6 weeks with a stipend of $1000 per week. Yes, that's $1000!! Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Foundation: The Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Foundation promotes involvement in athletics for girls and boys in grades K-12. To reinforce this initiative, Ms. Clark Diggs and two of her trainers have conducted two sessions in the middle school October 7 and October 14, providing health and fitness awareness. Activities have including calculating body mass index (BMI); teambuilding in the form of relay races; and resource materials espousing the benefits of living a healthy life style. All students in period 7 physical education class have received a water bottle and will also be given a t-shirt from the Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Foundation. Somerset School Grade 5 Writing Project: Getting to Know Yourself -- Fifth grade students made a collage within the confines of a bubble letter of their first initial. Students used pictures, words, magazine clipping, drawing, etc. to tell about themselves and wrote a paragraph describing themselves, including their interests, and what they like. This was attached to the bottom of the poster. Their projects were displayed outside their classrooms for parents to view on Back to School Night. In order to teach good manners and appropriate behavior, Somerset School sponsored “Dress Your Best Day and Dining Out Somerset Style.” On October 16, a total of 96 students participated in this annual event. Students were asked to wear their best clothes to school that day and earned credit toward student council points. They received an invitation to attend the “dinner party.” The students had to respond in order to attend the dinner after school. At the dinner, students learned proper dinner etiquette. A three-course meal was served. “We would like to thank our teachers and parents for volunteering their time for this wonderful event,” commented Reginald Sainte-Rose, principal. The Jump Rope for Heart event will be on October 23 for fifth grade students. Their goal as a school is to raise money to prevent heart disease and stroke, which are the #1 and #3 causes of death. Students who are not raising money will still participate during gym class. Posters will be displayed informing students and faculty about the event. Departments Fine, Practical and Performing Arts The NPHS Marching Band continues to place high at area competitions (first or second). “The two or three times they received second place was to Linden High School, inexplicably pitted against us when they are not in our division,” noted Tom Mazur, supervisor of fine, practical and performing arts. “Nevertheless, the band is preparing for the State Competition this weekend against 15 other Bands. The students are performing well, demonstrate motivation toward improvement and understand the importance of representing North Plainfield High School with dignity.” On October 19, the NPHS Drama Club presented two "Fractured Fairytales" both with a moral lesson, for the students at East End School. Librarian Allison Longley requested the performance as a reward for those students who participated in the Summer Reading Program. DISTRICT OPERATIONS & AUXILIARY SERVICES SAFETY TRAINING The safety topic for October is Electrical Safety. Related safety training will be conducted with all staff members on October 22, 2009. HEALTH & SAFETY H1-N1 (Pandemic Swine Flu) The C.D.C. (Center for Disease Control) and W.H.O., (World Health Organization) are preparing to implement a full scale vaccination program. Clinical trials of vaccine have now been completed and should be available in early November. The target population, aside from school age children, continues to change. The district is working closely with the Somerset County Health Department to set up vaccination sites when the vaccine is available. Additional updates will be issued whenever relevant information is released to the public. 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. 3. We will continue to issue Safety Bulletins when procedural changes to our program are necessary. ACCIDENT PREVENTION In an effort to reduce our frequency of lost time accidents, a Safety Bulletin was issued to all district staff members regarding Building Safety & Code Compliance. The bulletin covers a number of topics including proper storage of items and furnishings that are not permitted in schools. Additionally, we are currently preparing to reactivate our Safety Committee and a reorganization meeting will be scheduled this month. CURRENT MAINTENANCE PROJECTS Listed below are a number of Maintenance Projects that we are in the process of completing or scheduling. · Painting of classrooms and offices at Harrison School. · Completion of a storage room at Harrison School. · A new circulation area for the middle school main office. · Start up of all boilers and heating systems. · Siding replacement on the two Harrison modulars. · Installation of a surveillance system at East End School. A complete listing of all of our summer maintenance and capital improvement projects can be viewed on our website. Please follow the link to District Operations. CAPITAL PROJECTS STATUS REPORT HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL Auditorium Stage Lighting Upgrades. The new dimmer panel and lighting console have now been installed. Several staff members have been trained on the operation of the new system, and the lighting improvements have been well received. WEST END SCHOOL Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Substantial completion was reached by August 28 as projected. The remaining work is being completed after normal hours and on weekends now that the new school year has begun. The new heating system is fully operational. The control portion of this project is currently being programmed and should be completed by the end of October. Gymnasium Structural Repairs. The installation of a structural support skeleton has been completed. In order to open the gymnasium for the start of school, temporary flooring was installed. The district has now selected a contractor to complete the installation of new wood flooring for this project. We currently anticipate completion of this project by the end of October. Baseball Field Installation. A baseball field has been installed in place of an existing softball field. The contractor has applied an herbicide to the infield to eradicate the current weed growth. HARRISON SCHOOL Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Substantial completion was reached by August 28 as projected. The remaining work is being completed after normal hours and on weekends now that the new school year has begun. The new heating system is fully operational. The control portion of this project is currently being programmed and should be completed by the end of October. EAST END SCHOOL Boiler/Heating System Replacement. Specifications for this project are nearing completion and we anticipate going out to bid in January. The project will be scheduled for completion over the course of next summer. DISTRICT WIDE Door Replacements. Our contractor has installed new exterior doors at several locations. Energy Conservation. Specifications are currently being prepared for the replacement of gymnasium lighting and the installation of room lighting sensors for all schools. We anticipate the completion of the project during the upcoming school year. Somerset County Energy Audit Grant. The North Plainfield School District received a grant offered by Somerset County to audit our energy usage. The audit is currently underway and we anticipate receiving the results within sixty days of completion. Open Space Grant. The installation of our new turf field is nearing completion. On Friday, October 9, the varsity football team played and won their first game on the new field. The remaining site work is scheduled for completion by the end of October. Correspondence Letters were received as follows from: Mr. Stephenson sent an invitation regarding the Middle States Review Committee. Mr. Allen and Mrs. Mullen agreed to participate. Committee and Delegate Report Board/Staff Committee – No meeting Communications – No meeting Curriculum – No meeting Finance & Facilities – No meeting Policy – No meeting Negotiations – No meeting NJSBA – Mrs. Szaroleta and Mrs. Mullen attended the NJSBA Board of Directors’ meeting at which the Board received recertification. SCESC-Mrs. Mullen attended Old Business The use of Walnut Street will be discussed at the Joint Meeting on Monday, October 26th. The Joint Meeting will be held at 7:30 pm on October 26th at the North Plainfield Community Center. The NJSBA annual conference will be held October 28 to 30, 2009. A new phone system is scheduled for completion in December. Dr. Birnbaum discussed receipt of a request for the impact of a Crystal Ridge Application. 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 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 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 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the following student teacher placement(s) from Kean University from January 19, 2010 through May 10, 2010. Student Teacher Class/School Cooperating Teacher Lisa Carle Biology/NPHS Courtney Kopf 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 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education rescind the recommendation granting Marie Annette Bicksler, teacher of science at NPHS, an unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act, effective October 16, 2009 through October 31, 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 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education rescind the recommendation approving Casey McKeen as co-advisor of the senior class. 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 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the appointment of the following teachers to the co-curricular advisory/coaching positions and stipends indicated: Debra Foote Senior Class Co-Advisor $1555 Debra Foote Steppers Club $1278 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 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education adjust the unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act granted to Marlo Matthews, kindergarten teacher at East End School, from effective November 22, 2009 through December 23, 2009 to effective November 19, 2009 through January 3, 2010. 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 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education grant Nicole Carotenuto, paraprofessional at East End School, an unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act, effective December 2, 2009 through December 18, 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 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve CDR James Dooley be paid for teaching a sixth class of ROTC at the 6YR/Step 14 annual salary rate of $82,890 plus $13,815 for the sixth class, effective September 15, 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 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the following individuals be employed as district substitute paraprofessionals at the rate of $19.80 per hour: Michelle Robertson Margie D. Williams Julvia Figueroa Kathryn Greves 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 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the following individuals be employed as district substitute teachers: Donnette Reed 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 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the following teachers as substitute teachers in the adult high school at the rate of $29 per hour: Susan Kagan Patricia Wenk Susan Kurtzer Theresa Zimmerman 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 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Noraima Villanueva as a secretary III/Step 14 at East End School at the annual salary rate of $51,050, effective November 16, 2009. (Ms. Villanueva will replace Dolores Parlato.) 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 an addition of 20 hours for Elaine Viola, paraprofessional for a classified student at West End School, effective October 22, 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 the Board of Education accept with regret the resignation of Susan Woulfin, academic support teacher at NPHS, for reasons of retirement, effective February 1, 2010. 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 May and August 2009: Name Course Crds Paid Reimb. Robyn Enderle Intro. To Action Research 2 $1030.00 $ 772.50 (Hlth & Phys Ed/MS) Lifespan Dev. & Learning 3 $1545.00 $1158.75 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 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education adjust the hours of Judy Veglatte, paraprofessional working with a classified student at Stony Brook School, from 3.75 hours per day to 4.25 hours per day, effective October 22, 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 the Board of Education approve the attached List of Sick Leave Credits and Personal Days as of 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 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education grant Leeanne Chiaramonte, teacher of English and drama at NPHS, an unpaid leave of absence under the Federal Family Leave Act effective February 1, 2010 through April 26, 2010. Further, that the Board of Education grant Ms. Chiaramonte an unpaid leave of absence effective April 27, 2010 through June 30, 2010 for child care purposes. 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 Maschio’s Food Services, Inc. employ Ligia Morales as a food service worker. 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 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Michael DeJean as an NJROTC instructor at NPHS at the BA/Step 11 (17-18/17) annual salary rate of $64,100, effective October 26, 2009. (Mr. DeJean will replace Timothy Hinger.) 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 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve the employment of Kelli Dunston as a temporary replacement elementary teacher at West End School at the MA/ Step 2-3(2) annual salary rate of $50,390, effective October 28, 2009 through March 31, 2010. (Ms. Dunston will temporarily replace Veronica Quick.) 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 that the Board of Education approve the use of the following textbooks and/or trade books in the district as follows: Title: The First Part Last Author: Angela Johnson Publisher: Simon Pulse Copyright: 2003 Course/Levels: English Grades 9-10 Title: Fire from the Rock Author: Sharon M. Draper Publisher: Penguin Group Copyright: 2007 Course/Levels: English Grades 9-10 Title: Flor’s Journey to Independence Author: Barbara Vaille and Jennifer Quinn Williams Publisher: University of Michigan Press Copyright: 2005 Course/Levels: ESL Level III or IV Title: World Geography Today Author: Robert Sager and David Helgren Publisher: Holt Rhinehart Winston Copyright: 2009 Course/Levels: Grades 7 Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen to amend the recommendation to state that the following textbooks are to be used in the Adult High School: The First Part Last Fire from the Rock Flor’s Journey to Independence (World Geography Today – Remains Grade7) At this time the recommendation as amended was passed unanimously by roll call vote. 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 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve that non-classified student AAHS01-09-10 be placed at Somerset County Academic Alternative High School, effective October 19, 2009 at the cost of $2390 per month. Transportation is 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 home instruction for the following non-classified students for up to five hours per week to be provided by district teachers or Educere: Effective Date HI-08-09-10 October 14, 2009 – October 22, 2009 HI-09-09-10 October 19, 2009 - Unknown HI-10-09-10 October 20, 2009 – Pending hearing 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 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve classified student XXXXX-09-10 to be placed at Washington Academy, at the annual cost of $49,177.44, to be prorated effective October 21, 2009. Transportation is 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 for the 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve classified student ATE-03-09-10 undergo an assistive technology evaluation to be provided by Bergen County Special Services at the cost of $820. 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 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve classified student DIR-01-09-10 be observed and evaluated for the DIR/Floortime Program to be provided by Developmental Center for Children and Families at a cost of $450 for initial observation and staff training; $150 for the report and $150 per hour for additional student observation and training for up to ten hours. 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 2009-2010 school year, the Board of Education approve Bergen County Special Services to train teachers working with classified student ATE-04-09-10 in specialized software, at the cost of $135 per hour for up to 25 hours plus up to $300 for travel expense. Thomas Allen - Aye Kathleen Mullen - Aye David Branan - Aye Nancy Szaroleta - Aye Sandra Dodd - Aye Linda Bond-Nelson - Aye Finance, Purchasing and Agreements Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved by roll call vote that the Board of Education approve the following to provide for refunding of long term debt pursuant to legal resolutions as follows: A. To adopt on second reading, the Refunding Bond Ordinance, as per the attached ordinance, entitled: “REFUNDING BOND ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE BOROUGH OF NORTH PLAINFIELD IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY, PROVIDING FOR THE REFUNDING OF ALL OR A PORTION OF THE OUTSTANDING CALLABLE SCHOOL BONDS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, DATED AUGUST 15, 2001, ISSUED IN THE ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $19,797,000, APPROPRIATING NOT TO EXCEED $5,225,000 THEREFORE AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $5,225,000 REFUNDING BONDS TO PROVIDE FOR SUCH REFUNDING” B. To adopt the form and sale resolution of refunding school bonds as per the attached resolution, entitled: “RESOLUTION DETERMINING THE FORM AND OTHER DETAILS OF NOT TO EXCEED $5,225,000 PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF REFUNDING SCHOOL BONDS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE BOROUGH OF NORTH PLAINFIELD IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY AND PROVIDING FOR THE SALE AND THE DELIVERY OF SUCH BONDS” Ms. Bond-Nelson, prior to the vote opened a public hearing on the ordinance and called for an opportunity for public questions or comments on the second reading and final adoption of the Refunding Bond Ordinance. Comments from the Public T. Peters expressed approval on the bond refunding as an effort to save money. A. Lindsey questioned the portion of bonds being refunded. A call for a vote on the resolution resulted in the resolution passing by a unanimous roll call vote as follows: 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 that the Board of Education approve line item transfers in accordance with the attached listed dated August 31, 2009. Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education acknowledge that emergency exit fire drills were conducted on all pupil transportation vehicles during the month of October, 2009 in accordance with NJSA 6:21-11:4. Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education adopt the attached resolutions binding the North Plainfield School District to purchase the following services through the Alliance for Competitive Energy Services (“ACES”) Bid: A. Electric Generation Services, Cooperative Pricing System ID#E89801- ACESCPS B. Natural Gas Services, Cooperative Pricing System ID#8801-ACESCPS Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education authorize James P. Cardaneo to perform additional professional services related to the School Construction Facilities Grant (ROD Grant) filings and submissions for seven additional projects, and to expedite receipt of state funding reimbursements due the district at the rate of $50.00 per hour for an amount not to exceed $5,000.00. These services will be eligible for grant funding. Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved that the Board of Education approve the award of the bid for athletic equipment repair and reconditioning through the cooperative bidding services of Educational Data Services, Inc. awarded on June 9, 2009 to Circle Systems Group/DBA Schutt Reconditioning-Easton for the estimated amount of $30,000.00. Items moved from future Agenda – There were none New items requested to be placed on the Agenda – There were none Dr. Birnbaum discussed the use of buildings for H1N1 vaccinations. Current Events in Education Dr. Birnbaum mentioned that 8th Graders have written letters regarding election issues which will be in the Star Ledger on Sunday October 25th. Comments from the Public A. Lindsey asked about the portion of Crystal Ridge Apartments that is in North Plainfield. Future Agenda Items ROTC Presentation - January 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony Assessments in Language Arts and Mathematics – 11/18/09 Yearbook Photos of Board Members – 11/18/09 Mrs. Bond-Nelson asked who will attend the November 19th forum on regionalization at the Greenbrook Middle School. Adjournment Mr. Branan moved, seconded by Mr. Allen and unanimously approved to hold an executive session on November 18, 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 at 10:00 pm. Respectfully submitted, APPROVED: Donald Sternberg