HOPEWELL VALLEY REGIONAL BOARD OF EDUCATION. Minutes

Transcription

1 HOPEWELL VALLEY REGIONAL BOARD OF EDUCATION Minutes March 16, 2009 Pennington, N.J. The Regular Meeting of the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education was held in the Board Meeting Room of the Administration Building, 425 South Main Street, Pennington, New Jersey, on Monday, March 16, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order by the President, Mr. Mel Myers. The Secretary recorded the roll and announced that a quorum was present. Members Present: Members Absent: Others present: Mr. Jeffrey Bartolino Mrs. Armelle Daniels Mr. Roy G. Dollard Mrs. Judy Lindenberger Mr. Mel Myers, President Mr. Daniel O Connor Mrs. Leigh Ann Peterson Mr. Aaron Tellier Mr. James J. Wulf None Dr. Thomas F. Butler, Interim Superintendent Mr. Robert Colavita, Board Secretary/Business Administrator Mr. Richard Lang, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Celeste Curley, Director of Pupil Services. Mrs. Pat Coats, Director of Curriculum & Instruction Ms. Laura Archer, Comptroller Dr. Thomas Smith, Superintendent Elect Ms. Kristen Lawlor, Student Representative to the Board Mrs. Diane Morris, NJSBA Field Representative And 22 members of the public Mr. Myers read the Open Public Meetings statement as follows: The New Jersey Open Public Meetings Law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have advance notice of and to attend the meetings of public bodies at which any business affecting their interests is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education has caused notice of this meeting to be published by having the date, time, and place thereof communicated to the Hopewell Valley News, Pennington Post, The Times and Trentonian on April 22, 2008, January 26, 2009, February 10, 2009, and February 26, This meeting notice was also sent to Comcast Cable and Verizon. Mr. Myers led the Board and the public in the flag salute. The meeting was videotaped. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

2 Motion by Mrs. Daniels, seconded by Mr. Tellier, that the Board approve the following minutes: A. Special and Closed Meetings on February 2, 2009 B. Agenda and Closed Meetings on February 9, 2009 C. Special and Closed Meetings on February 11, 2009 D. Special and Closed Meetings on February 12, 2009 E. Special and Closed Meetings on February 18, 2009 F. Regular and Closed Meetings on February 23, 2009 G. Special and Closed Meetings on February 25, 2009 APPOINTMENT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS President Myers thanked Diane Morris, NJSBA Field Representative, for coordinating the Superintendent s search and Dr. Butler, Mr. Lang, and Mr. Colavita for their assistance in the process. Mr. Tellier commented on the process and the positive feedback received from all. Motion by Mr. Bartolino, seconded by Mr. Tellier, RESOLVED, that the Board approve the appointment of Dr. Thomas Smith as Superintendent of Schools, effective June 1, 2009, in accordance with the attached employment contract and authorize the Board President and Board Secretary to execute same on behalf of the Board. Dr. Smith thanked the Board and commented on his appointment. REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT & BOARD PRESIDENT Report of the Student Representative to the Board Ms. Kristen Lawlor, CHS Alternate Student Representative to the Board, reported on the following: The spring musical, Anything Goes just ended with 150 students actively included in cast, crew, and orchestra positions. Performances were held on March 5, 6 and 7. The second student council blood drive was held on February19. The drive was a tremendous success with participation from over 100 students, staff, and community members. The third and final blood drive is scheduled for May 19. The annual Battle of the Bands, sponsored by the YES Club, is scheduled for April 17. The third and final Pep Rally of the year is scheduled for Friday, April 17.

3 An assembly designed to give students information on underage drinking will be presented by Wendi Fox to juniors and seniors on April 2. On the morning of April 17, Justo Lamas will be back at CHS to perform rock and roll songs in Spanish to promote the language and the positive message of the importance of family and good life decisions regarding drugs and alcohol. Nationally known arranger and composer, Michael Story, will be at CHS on March 18 and 19 to conduct rehearsals and workshops with middle and high school bands. A combined band concert is scheduled in the Performing Arts Center at 7:00 p.m. on March 19. Presentation of the Tentative Proposed Budget Dr. Butler and Mr. Colavita presented a Power Point on the proposed tentative proposed budget (copy attached). PUBLIC INPUT 8:42 p.m. Mrs. Flory commented on the Real Foods for Thought program and the district s school lunch program. Mr. Arnone commented on the Superintendent s contract. Ms. Zarchili requested a copy of the enrollment slide on the budget presentation. Public input ended at 8:55 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS Motion by Mr. Wulf, seconded by Mrs. Daniels, to approve the following Consent Agenda items: FINANCE/FACILITIES RESOLVED, that the Board approve the list of bills dated March 16, 2009 totaling $1,513,101.17; RESOLVED, that the Board approve the financial reports of the Board Secretary and the Treasurer of School Monies for January, 2009 as presented; EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM RESOLVED, that the Board approve the submission of 15 applications for consideration for reimbursement of extraordinary aid for special education students in private and public out-of-district placements for the school year. RESOLVED, that the Board accept the following special education flow through funds allocated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part B (IDEA B) for Fiscal Year 2009: Basic (Ages 3 21) $808,810. Preschool (Ages 3, 4 and 5) $23,995.

4 RESOLVED, that the Board approve the attached list of district field trips. ROUTINE REPORTS RESOLVED that the Board accept the following routine information items: A. Fire Drills: Bear Tavern Elementary School - February 2, 11, 2009 Hopewell Elementary School - February 2, 2009, a.m. and p.m. Stony Brook Elementary School - February 11, 26, 2009 Toll Gate Grammar School - February 9, 11, 2009 Timberlane Middle School - February 11, 26, 2009 Central High School - February 11, 24, 2009 B. Taxes Requisitioned and Received -attached C. Enrollment Report for December - attached D. Report on School Suspensions for March, 2009: School Incident Date Infraction Grade # of Days Gender TMS Profanity 8 2* 1** TMS Harassment & fighting 8 2** M TMS Fighting 8 1* M CHS Consensual but inappropriate behavior 9 2** F CHS Consensual but inappropriate behavior 9 2** M CHS Insubordination and Profanity 10 2** M TMS Assault 8 5** M CHS Threats to Student 9 3** M *In-school suspensions **Out-of-school suspensions FINANCE Motion by Mr. Wulf, seconded by, RESOLVED, that the Board adopt the following resolution to approve and submit the tentative proposed annual school budget. The Board also accepts the New Jersey Department of Education notification of State aid and authorizes the Administration to make minor adjustments in the budget required by the Executive Mercer County Superintendent of Schools. WHEREAS, the School Funding Reform Act of 2008 requires the submission of an itemized budget to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools by March 18, 2009; WHEREAS, the Executive County Superintendent will review the budget documents and either approve them or recommend adjustments; WHEREAS, the Board will have additional opportunities to modify this budget at future Board M

5 meetings, after review by the Executive County Superintendent, or at the public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Meeting Room of the Administration Building; WHEREAS, the Administration recommends that the Board approve and submit the following tentative proposed annual school budget and accept the New Jersey Department of Education notification of State aid; WHEREAS, supporting documentation of this budget also contains an itemization of certain expenditures required under administrative regulations; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, to approve a FY tentative proposed school district budget for submission to the voters as follows: Budget Local Tax Levy General Fund $67,759,878 $61,332,166 Special Revenue Fund $ 834,821 0 Debt Service Fund $ 4,968,269 $ 3,940,662 Total Base Budget $73,562,968 $65,272,828 The school district has prepared programs and services in addition to the Core Curriculum Content Standards adopted by the State Board of Education. Information on this budget and the programs and services it provides is available in the Administrative Office. Motion by Mr. Wulf, seconded by, RESOLVED, that the Board approve the attached general fund budget transfers. Motion by Mr. Wulf, seconded by, RESOLVED, that the Board accept and approve the Certificate of Substantial Completion of the roof-mounted photovoltaic system at Bear Tavern Elementary for Advanced Solar Products, Inc.

6 Motion by Mr. Wulf, seconded by, RESOLVED, that the Board approve the attached Alliance for Competitive Energy Services (ACES) Electric Generation Service Purchase & Sales Agreement. PERSONNEL Motion by, seconded by Mrs. Lindenberger, RESOLVED, that as per the Superintendent's recommendation, the following actions be approved: Acceptance of the resignation of Zhanna Riloff, social studies teacher at Central High School, effective July 1, Adjustment to the salary of Frances Kuzma, bus driver, to reflect an increase in hours: $20,202 (6.0 hours per day/$18.50 per hour/182 days), effective April 1, Appointment of Sue Abrams as a long-term substitute teacher at Bear Tavern Elementary School for the school year, at 1/200 of the base teachers salary, effective March 2, Appointment of Theresa Peppe as a long-term substitute teacher at Central High School for the school year, at 1/200 of the base teachers salary, effective March 12, Appointment of Peter James as K-12 Subject Area Supervisor for Mathematics for the school year, effective March 17, Granting of a family leave of absence to Tracy Nasuti, teacher at Timberlane Middle School for the school year, effective April 20, Granting of a family leave of absence to Kelly Kirk-Papp, teacher at Hopewell Elementary School for the school year, effective March 3, Granting of a personal leave of absence to Jennifer Friedrich, teacher at Timberlane Middle School for the school year. Approval of the following substitute teacher(s) for the school year: Andrea Anastasio Danielle Arno John Castaldo Cheryl Edwards Leslie Tobish William Webster Christine Woodward Trevor Zompa Approval of the following substitute secretary(s) for the school year: Sharon Mastrosimone Approval of the following student(s) teachers for the spring semester: Name Institution Location Richard Kelly Rider University CHS

7 EXTRACURRICULAR APPOINTMENTS Approval of the following extracurricular appointments and/or summer curriculum projects for the school year: Name Loc Appointment Stipend Level Eric Guise CHS Assistant Baseball $4,270 III/Step 4 William Webster CHS Assistant Boys Lacrosse $3,520 III/Step 1 Robert Niederer TMS TMS After-School Enrichment (10 sess) $430 VIII Kathy Perroni TMS TMS After-School Enrichment (8 sess) $344 VIII Kathy Neggia TMS TMS After-School Enrichment (8 sess) $344 VIII Coby Corley TMS TMS After-School Enrichment (12 sess) $516 VIII Vince Goff TMS TMS After-School Enrichment (12 sess) $516 VIII Jennifer Martin-Kochis TMS TMS After-School Enrichment (19 sess) $817 VIII Joanne Cermele TMS TMS After-School Enrichment (19 sess) $817 VIII Joslyn Johnson TMS TMS After-School Enrichment (8 sess) $344 VIII Janice Cooke TMS TMS After-School Enrichment (6 sess) $258 VIII Cheryl Rigel TMS TMS After-School Enrichment (3 sess) $129 VIII Emily Cappiello TMS TMS After-School Enrichment (1 sess) $43 VIII Rescind the extracurricular appointment of Oksana Cheeseman, CHS Assistant Track, $4,770 Level III/Step 6 effective April 14, Motion by, seconded by Mrs. Lindenberger, RESOLVED, that as per the Superintendent's recommendations, the following personnel actions regarding paraprofessionals be approved: Granting of a family leave of absence to Melissa Pascale, paraprofessional at Central High School, for the school year, effective February 12, Appointment of the following substitute paraprofessional(s) for the school year: Andrea Anastasio Kris Kley Leslie Tobish Christine Woodward Appointment of Debbie Booz as a paraprofessional at Toll Gate Grammar School, for the school year, at the salary of $18,581 (6.5 hours per day) effective March 16, 2009.

8 Mrs. Lindenberger Mr. Myers Abstain Motion by Mrs. Lindenberger, seconded by, RESOLVED that the Board approve the attached school calendar as presented. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM Motion by Mr. Bartolino, seconded by, RESOLVED, that the Board approve the attached travel and related expenses. COMMUNICATIONS Mrs. Lindenberger, thanked everyone for attending the Meet and Greet. ALTERNATE RESOURCES No discussion/action items. POLICY/GOVERNANCE Motion by, seconded by Mrs. Peterson, RESOLVED, that the Board approve the following policies for second reading: a. By-Law , Nepotism b. By-Law 0174, Legal Services as amended c. By-Law 0177, Professional Services as amended d. Board Policy 1220, Employment of Chief School Administrator e. Board Policy 1570, Internal Controls f. Regulation 1570, Internal Controls g. Board Policy 2460, Special Education as amended h. Regulation 2460, Special Education i. Regulation , Special Education Location, Identification, and Referral as amended j. Regulation , Special Education Free and Appropriate Public Education

9 k. Regulation , Special Education Transition from Early Intervention Programs to Preschool Programs l. Regulation , Special Education Instructional Material to Blind or Print- Disabled Pupils m. Board Policy 2467, Surrogate Parents and Foster Parents n. Board Policy 5460, High School Graduation o. Regulation 5460, High School Graduation Option II p. Board Policy 6111, Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI) Program q. Board Policy 6360, Political Contributions r. Board Policy 6470, Payment of Claims s. Regulation 6470, Payment of Claims t. Board Policy 6471, School District Travel u. Regulation 6471, School District Travel v. Board Policy 6510, Payroll Authorization w. Board Policy 6830, Audit and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report x. Board Policy 6832, Conditions of Receiving State Aid y. Board Policy 7410, Maintenance and Repair z. Regulation , Facilities Maintenance, Repair Scheduling and Accounting aa. Board Policy 7650, School Vehicle Assignment, Use, Tracking, Maintenance, and Accounting bb. Regulation 7650, School Vehicle Assignment, Use, Tracking, Maintenance, and Accounting cc. Board Policy 9120, Public Information Program CALENDAR Motion by, seconded by Mrs. Daniels, to approve the March 2009 and April 2009 calendars with the following changes: March 10, :30 p.m. Alternate Resources Committee (CANCELED) March 24, :00 p.m. Special Education Parent Advisory Committee March 30, :30 p.m. Communications Committee April 2, :30 p.m. Finance/Facilities Committee April 22, :00 p.m. Special Education Parent Committee Facilities NEW BUSINESS

10 The Board discussed shovel-ready projects if stimulus funds became available. Paperless Board Meetings The Board expressed interest in electronic document posting for Board agendas, minutes, and other Board documents. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 10:16 p.m. Mrs. Johnson, commented on the photovoltaic system at Bear Tavern Elementary School. CLOSED SESSION 10:22 p.m. Motion by, seconded by Mrs. Lindenberger, to enter into closed session. CLOSED SESSION RESOLUTION Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education Mercer County, New Jersey BE IT RESOLVED by the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education that this body will hold a meeting on March 16, 2009 at approximately 10:22 p.m. that will be limited only to consideration of an item or items with respect to which the public may be excluded pursuant to Section 7b of the Open Public Meeting Act. The general nature of the subject or subjects to be discussed at said meeting is as follows: Residency Hearing Stated as precisely as presently possible, the following are the times when and the circumstances under which the discussion conducted at said meeting can be disclosed to the public: as soon thereafter as it is deemed in the public interest to do so. The public is excluded from said meeting, and further notice is dispensed with, all in accordance with Section 8 and 4a of the Open Public Meetings Act. President Myers announced that the Board will not take action when it returns. The meeting was reconvened at 11:16 p.m. Motion by, seconded by Mr. Bartolino, that the meeting be adjourned. Time: 11:19 p.m.

11 Robert Colavita Board Secretary