STANHOPE PUBLIC SCHOOLS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES June 15, :00 p.m.

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1 STANHOPE PUBLIC SCHOOLS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES June 15, :00 p.m. FLAG SALUTE The Regular Meeting of the Stanhope Board of Education was called to order on June 15, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Media Center at the Valley Road School, 24 Valley Road, Stanhope, New Jersey Board Members present included: Michael Bender, Gil Moscatello, Michael Stiner and Gina Thomas. Gene Wronko entered the meeting at 7:16 p.m. Michael Stricchiola and Bill Sturdevant were absent. Also attending were Dennis Fyffe, Interim Chief School Administrator, Lorraine Snyder, Business Administrator/Board Secretary and Nadia Inskeep, Assistant Principal. There were 5 faculty members present and 26 community members present, including Councilman George Graham. SUNSHINE LAW STATEMENT N.J.S.A. 10:4-8d; N.J.S.A. 10:4-10a This is to advise the general public and to instruct that it be recorded in the Minutes that in compliance with Chapter 231 of the Public Laws of 1975, entitled the Open Public Meetings Act Stanhope Board of Education located at 24 Valley Road, Stanhope, New Jersey, has caused this notice to be posted at the Office of Stanhope Board of Education, mailed to the New Jersey Herald, the Municipal Clerk of the Borough of Stanhope, Stanhope Post Office, and posted at the Valley Road School, setting forth the time, date, and location of this meeting. MISSION STATEMENT The Stanhope School District will provide a diverse and challenging educational environment that encourages individual initiatives, fosters success through teamwork, promotes accountability, and demonstrates a passion for education excellence. The Stanhope School District is committed to the development of our Students and Staff, so that individual aspirations can be achieved throughout their lifetime. EXECUTIVE SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT An Executive Session will be held for the purpose of personnel. Formal action will not be taken. MINUTE FOR APPROVAL A motion was presented by Gil Moscatello, and seconded by Michael Bender, to approve the following: 1. April 13, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes 2. April 13, 2011 Executive Session Meeting Minutes 3. May 4, 2011 Reorganizational Meeting Minutes 4. May 4, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes 5. May 4, 2011 Executive Session Meeting Minutes 6. May 18, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes 7. May 18, 2011 Executive Session Meeting Minutes Roll Call: All in favor roll call vote of all board members present. CORRESPONDENCE 1. Mrs. Sharon Anderson (attachment #1) 2. Mr. and Mrs. Sean Kelly (attachment #2)

2 3. Community Foundation of New Jersey (attachment #3) 4. Miss Gloria Spencer (attachment #4) 5. Mrs. Diane Martone (attachment #5) CHIEF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR S REPORT Mr. Dennis Fyffe 1. Gloria Spencer s Retirement Mr. Fyffe announced the retirement of Miss Gloria Spencer. Miss Spencer began her career in Stanhope in 1962 and has been a respected staff member for 49 years. 2. Mayor s Book Club Congratulations to Mrs. Morrison and Mrs. Davis for a job well done. PERSONNEL & POLICY COMMITTEE Chair: Bill Sturdevant Mr. Stiner, in Mr. Sturdevant s absence, updated the board on the new Use of Facilities Policy. First reading is on tonight s agenda. FINANCE & FACILITIES COMMITTEE Chair: Michael Stricchiola Mr. Bender, in Mr. Stricchiola s absence, updated the board with regards to sharing of services to assist in maintenance and custodial issues. CURRICULUM COMMITTEE Chair: Gene Wronko No Report SCHOOL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR S REPORT Ms. Lorraine Snyder 1. Miss Gloria Spencer will be missed. Enjoy your well deserved retirement. 2. End of Year Procedures 3. Further information on Board Background Checks have not been released by the NJDOE. *Mr. Wronko entered the meeting at 7:16 p.m. BOARD PRESIDENT S REPORT Mrs. Gina Thomas 1. On behalf of the Stanhope Board of Education, Mrs. Thomas thanked Miss Spencer for her years of service at Stanhope School and wished her the best of luck with retirement. PUBLIC SESSION #1 AGENDA ITEMS Policy #9030 Each statement made by a participant shall be limited to five (5) minutes duration, during times when and audience of ten (10) or more residents exist. Questions regarding the two recent RIF s were asked. Mr. Fyffe explained that the Preschool student count dropped considerably for PSD students. The other termination was not due to a a RIF. Concerns were brought forth regarding the termination of the teacher of the Autistic class. Mr. Fyffe explained that the transition with a new teacher will not be as difficult since the children s six other staff members will be returning. Stanhope is proud to be able to obtain a teacher for this position that has more than 10 years experience, is a certified behaviorist, is 2

3 certified in ABA and had been a Director of an Autism Center. Mr. Fyffe explained that reasons for termination cannot be disclosed this evening unless approved by the employee. Mrs. Michele Oliveri voiced concerns over the teacher change in the Autistic class. She stated that her son must show improvement or she will be taking him out of district. Board of Education procedures in handling board correspondence was explained to answer audience concerns. Questions were answered by Mr. Fyffe regarding recent staff changes. The position of Learning Consultant was explained as well as concerns over the Guidance Department. Mr. Fyffe explained that we will have full services with an expansion of services by sharing with Lenape Valley Regional High School for a Guidance Counselor and Substance Abuse Coordinator. Concerns were discussed with having two people in guidance. Complaints were voiced regarding the inconsistent use of the Code of Conduct. It was also suggested that the dress code be addressed for students and staff. Members of the audience questioned the release date of the calendar school calendar with a request to have calendar updated to show snow days. Miss Gloria Spencer addressed the Board of Education and thanked them for her career at Stanhope. She will especially miss Stanhope s children. Questions were asked regarding the classroom structure for the school year. Concerns over who the third grade teacher will be. A parental complaint was voiced that the teachers are not receiving the student s IEP. Mr. Fyffe said that he will look into the situation and have it resolved for Questions were answered regarding the high rate of turnover at Stanhope. A parent concerned with class selection, asked who will be scheduling since the Chief School Administrator will not be here the first part of July. The number of lunchroom aides were questioned. Mr. Fyffe responded that next year there will again be three aides in the cafeteria. An audience member thanked the Board of Education for hiring Ashley Sargent. A substitute aide for Stanhope requested that aides should be paid more than $10.00/hour. 3

4 TRAVEL/WORKSHOP REPORTS 1. Lorraine Snyder (attachment #6) EDUCATION AGENDA ACTION ITEMS None POLICY/BYLAWS/ADMINISTRATIVE A motion was presented by Michael Bender, and seconded by Gene Wronko, to approve the following: 1. Motion to approve the first reading of the following policies: 2437 Community Use of School Facilities Policy 2. Motion to approve, with regret, the resignation of Michael Stricchiola from his position on the Stanhope Board of Education effective June 10, Roll Call: All in favor roll call vote of all board members present. PERSONNEL AGENDA ACTION ITEMS A motion was presented by Michael Bender, and seconded by Gil Moscatello, to approve the following: 1. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, a REVISED motion to approve Shanon Walsh as Speech Language Pathologist for the Extended School Year program for 2 days per week prorated to MA Step 7-8 ( Salary Guide). 2. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, REVISED motion to approve the staff listed below for the school year. Salary amount will be provided following approval of a new negotiated agreement between the Board of Education and the Stanhope Education Association: STAFF PLACEMENT Shanon Walsh Speech John Russo Computer Technology 3. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, motion to approve Vicki Iannotta as teacher for the Preschool Extended School Year Program for 25 days at four hours per day with BA Step 1 salary to be pro-rated. 4. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, motion to approve Kayla Denton as classroom aide for Preschool Extended School Year Program during the period of June 27, 2011 to August 4, Hours will be 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. totaling 3 hours/day for the program at a rate of $10.00/hour (total $690.00). 5. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, motion to approve Rosa Taddei as classroom aide for Preschool Extended School Year Program during the period of June 27, 2011 to August 4, Hours will be 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. totaling 3 hours/day for the program at a rate of $11.45/hour (total $790.05). 4

5 6. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, motion to approve Jennifer Lockman as classroom aide for Autistic Extended School Year Program during the period of June 27, 2011 to August 4, Hours will be 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. totaling 4 hours/day for the program at a rate of $10.00/hour (total $920.00). 7. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, motion to approve Sandra McClellan as classroom aide for Autistic Extended School Year Program during the period of June 27, 2011 to August 4, Hours will be 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. totaling 4 hours/day for the program at a rate of $10.00/hour (total $920.00). 8. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, motion to approve Carolyn McColly as classroom aide for Autistic Extended School Year Program during the period of June 27, 2011 to August 4, Hours will be 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. totaling 4 hours/day for the program at a rate of $10.00/hour (total $920.00). 9. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, motion to approve Diana Hergert as classroom aide for Autistic Extended School Year Program during the period of June 27, 2011 to August 4, Hours will be 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. totaling 4 hours/day for the program at a rate of $10.00/hour (total $920.00). 10. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, motion to approve Katelyn Downey as classroom aide for Autistic Extended School Year Program during the period of June 27, 2011 to August 4, Hours will be 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. totaling 4 hours/day for the program at a rate of $10.44/hour (total $960.48). 11. Upon recommendation from the Chief School Administrator, motion to approve Meghan Jaust as a Home-Bound Instructor for student # at the rate of $35.00 per hour for up to 120 hours from June 21, 2011 to August 30, Upon recommendation from the Chief School Administrator, motion to approve the following as substitute aides for the Extended School Year Preschool and Extended School Year Autistic programs during the period from June 27, 2011 to August 4, 2011 at the rate of $10.00 per hour. *Patty Vance, Elise Schlosser, Joan Reynolds and Rose Tucker 13. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, motion to approve Mordecai Podhoretz as the Learning Consultant for up to 5 days from July 1, 2011 to August 20, 2011 at the rate of $ per day. 14. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, motion to approve Nicholas DiDonato as the School Psychologist for up to 5 days from July 1, 2011 to August 20, 2011 at the rate of $ per day. 15. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, motion to accept, with regret, the retirement of Gloria Spencer, Basic Skills K-3 Teacher, effective July 1, Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, 5

6 motion to transfer Amanda Forest from Grade 3 teacher to Basic Skills K-3 for the school year. 17. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, motion to appoint Elise Tooker as Teacher of the Health and Physical Education, effective September 1, 2011, at BA Step 1, $46,000 ( Salary Guide) pending completion of all requirements. 18. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, motion to retroactively approve Sara O Neill as 8 th grade advisor (shared) at a contracted rate of $1, for the school year. 19. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, motion to retroactively approve Sara O Neill as yearbook advisor (shared) at a contracted rate of $1, for the school year. 20. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, motion to retroactively approve Valery Desamours as yearbook advisor (shared) at a contracted rate of $1, for the school year. 21. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, motion to approve a disability leave of absence for Heidi Truesdell due to the birth of a child from September 6, 2011 through October 3, 2011 and a subsequent unpaid leave of absence from October 4, 2011 through November 3, (attachment #7) 22. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, motion to approve the following teachers to attend Child Study Team Meetings for up to 10 hours between July 1, 2011 and August 30, 2011 at a rate of $35.00 per hour: Karen Connelly, Courtney Pipher, Lisa Benedetto and Carole Grube. 23. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, a motion to appoint Karen J. Cihlar as Teacher in the Autistic Program, effective September 1, 2011, at MA Step 7-8 $54, ( Salary Guide) pending completion of all requirement. 24. Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, a motion to approve Karen J. Cihlar as teacher for the Autistic Extended School Year Program during the period of June 27, 2011 August 4, 2011 for 23 days at four hours per day with MA Step 7-8 salary to be pro-rated. Roll Call: All in favor roll call vote of all board members present. BUSINESS/FACILITIES AGENDA ACTION ITEMS A motion was presented by Michael Bender, and seconded by, Michael Stiner, to approve the following: 1. Motion to approve the Treasurer s Report for the month of April (attachment #8) 2. Motion to approve the line item appropriation transfers for the month of April 2011 as recommended by the Superintendent and School Business Administrator. (attachment #9) 6

7 3. Motion to approve the Board Secretary Report for the month of April Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23A (c) 3 that as of April 30, 2011, no line item account has encumbrances and expenditures, which in total exceed the line item appropriation in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A: (a). Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A: (c) 4, the Stanhope Board of Education, after review of the Board Secretary s and Treasurer s monthly financial reports certify that as of April 2011 and upon consultation with the appropriate district officials, to the best of our knowledge, no major account or fund has been over expended in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A: and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district s financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year. (attachment #10) 4. Motion to approve the bills list for May 13, 2011 through May 31, 2011 in the amount of $298, (attachment #11) 5. Motion to approve the bills list for June 1, 2011 through June 10, 2011 in the amount of $74, (attachment #12) 6. Motion to approve the May 1, 2011 through May 31, 2011 bills list for the Cafeteria Account in the amount of $7, (attachment #13) 7. Motion to approve the May 1, 2011 through May 31, 2011 bills list for the Student Activity Account in the amount of $11, (attachment #14) 8. Motion to approve the May 1, 2011 through May 31, 2011 bills list for the Eighth Grade Account in the amount of $ (attachment #15) 9. Motion to approve $ in Title II funds for substitutes used for Curriculum Development during the month of April 2011: Substitute Name DaGrosa, Paula Curriculum Development Subject Physical Education 7 Teacher Coverage Date Daily Rate Connallon 04/04/2011 $75.00 DaGrosa, Physical Connallon 04/13/2011 $75.00 Paula Education Spages, Physical Simpson 04/04/2011 $ Carol Lee Education Spages, Physical Simpson 04/13/2011 $ Carol Lee Education Serpico, Physical Doniloski 04/04/2011 $75.00 Doreen Education Serpico, Doreen Physical Education Doniloski 04/13/2011 $ Motion to approve an additional $15.00 in Title II funds, due to the daily rate increase of substitutes, for Curriculum Development during the month of November Substitute Name Curriculum Development Subject Teacher Coverage Date Daily Rate

8 Sweeney, Science Jaust 11/17/2010 $5.00 Colleen Sweeney, Mathematics Henry 11/22/2010 $5.00 Colleen Sweeney, Colleen Mathematics Henry 11/29/2010 $ Motion to approve the Linden Avenue Preschool Program for the school year operating on half-day session, Monday Friday. The daily rate for a half day session will be $ Motion to approve the recycling of damaged and obsolete computer and office equipment by Regentech, Inc. EPA Certificate NJR at no cost to the district. The asset value of these items are zero. Manifest attached. (attachment #16) 13. Motion to approve the following resolution: SCHOOL ALLIANCE INSURANCE FUND RESOLUTION FOR RENEWAL OF MEMBERSHIP WHEREAS, the Stanhope Board of Education, hereafter referred to as Educational Facility is a member of the School Alliance Insurance Fund, hereinafter referred to as Fund, and; WHEREAS, said renewal membership terminates as of July 1, 2011 at 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time, unless earlier renewed by agreement between the Educational Facility and the Fund; and; WHEREAS, the Educational Facility is afforded the following types of coverage: Worker s Compensation Package Property, Boiler and Machinery General and Auto Liability Environmental Impairment Liability Excess Liability (AL/GL) School Leaders Professional Liability Excess Liability (SLPL) Supplemental Indemnity Worker s Compensation WHEREAS, the Educational Facility desires to renew said membership; NOW AND THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows: 1. The Educational Facility agrees to renew its membership in the Fund for a period of three years beginning July 1, 2011, and ending July 1, 2014 at 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time, and to be subject to the coverage s, operating procedures, bylaws, and other organizational and operational documents of the Fund presently existing or as from time to time amended by the Fund and/or the Department of Banking and Insurance. 2. The Educational Facility s Business Official, Lorraine Snyder, is hereby appointed as the Educational Facility s Fund Commissioner and is authorized to execute the 8

9 renewal Indemnity and Trust Agreement thereby evidencing annexed hereto and made a part hereof and to deliver same to the Fund the Educational Facility s renewal of its membership. (attachment #17) 14. At the recommendation from the Chief School Administrator, motion to approve the Special Education Extended School Year tuition contract between Stanhope Board of Education and the Calais School for student # in the amount of $8, beginning July 5, 2011 and ending August 15, At the recommendation from the Chief School Administrator, motion to approve the Special Education Extended School Year tuition contract between Stanhope Board of Education and the Calais School for student # in the amount of $8, beginning July 5, 2011 and ending August 15, At the recommendation from the Chief School Administrator, motion to approve the Special Education Extended School Year tuition contract between the Stanhope Board of Education and the Chapel Hill Academy for student # in the amount of $8, beginning July 1, 2011 through August 12, At the recommendation from the Chief School Administrator, motion to approve the Special Education Extended School Year tuition contract between Stanhope Board of Education and the Park Lake School for student # in the amount of $3, beginning July 5, 2011 and ending August 11, At the recommendation from the Chief School Administrator, motion to approve the Special Education Extended School Year tuition contract between Stanhope Board of Education and the Park Lake School for student # in the amount of $3, beginning July 5, 2011 and ending August 11, Upon recommendation of the Chief School Administrator, REVISED motion to approve Design Ideas Group to provide architectural services related to the Alteration and Reconfiguration of the Industrial Arts Room (Room #17) at the Valley Road School. Such services shall include: Survey existing space (s) Review Application Codes related to proposed alterations Provide a Preliminary Design for conversion of Industrial Arts space to a Self-Contained, Pre-K handicapped room with Occupational and Physical Therapy space components Provide a preliminary construction cost estimate for the space conversion and associated work Meet with District Representatives as required in order to discuss planning options and space layouts at a cost not to exceed five thousand five hundred dollars (5,500.00) plus allowance of seven hundred fifty dollars (750.00) in reimbursable expenses. (attachment #18) 9

10 20. Motion to approve the Student Accident Insurance Policy #PB061 form Bollinger, Inc. in the amount of $2, effective September 1, 2011 through August 31, Motion to approve the Purchased Services Agreement between the Stanhope Board of Education and the Lenape Valley Regional Board of Education for the services of a Guidance Counselor. Cost will be 80% of the Lenape Valley Regions High School s current Guidance Counselor s salary* and 50% of the cost of health benefits. This agreement will commence September 1, 2011 and terminate on June 30, * salary guide is $52, but may be adjusted pending NJEA contract negotiations. Total cost of health benefits is $8, Motion to approve the Purchased Services Agreement between Stanhope Board of Education and the Lenape Valley Regional Board of Education for the services of a Substance Abuse Counselor. Cost will be 20% of Lenape Valley Regional High School s current Substance Abuse Counselor s salary*. This agreement will commence September 1, 2011 and terminate on June 30, * salary guide is $72,420.00, but may be adjusted pending NJEA contract negotiations. Roll Call: All in favor roll call vote of all board members present. NEW BUSINESS 1. School Choice OLD BUSINESS 1. Committee structure and committee recommendation discussed. PUBLIC SESSION #2 NON AGENDA ITEMS Policy #9030 Each statement made by a participant shall be limited to five (5) minutes duration, during times when and audience of ten (10) or more residents exist. Parents were questioning the differences between B.A.S.C. and K.E.E.P. There is no summer program or a program for school breaks currently with B.A.S.C. A suggestion from the audience that Stanhope s lunch aides should know how to handle special education students. Administration will see what can be done. Parents requested the ability to appeal to a student s suspension. EXECUTIVE SESSION A motion was presented by Michael Stiner, and seconded by Gil Moscatello, to accept the following declaration of Executive Session as presented at 8:43 p.m.: 10

11 BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education adopt the following resolution: WHEREAS, the Open Public meeting Act, Chapter 231, P.L permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and WHEREAS, the Stanhope Board of Education is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist; NOW, THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Stanhope Board of Education, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey that a closed session of this Board of Education (where the public shall be excluded) will be held at this time for the purpose of discussing student matters and personnel matters; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the action of the Board with regard to the above entitled matter shall be disclosed to the public at a later date and to the extent that the same is not prejudicial to the interests of the parties involved and would not result in a possible invasion of their right to privacy. Voice Vote: All in favor voice vote of all board members present. RE-ENTER PUBLIC SESSION A motion was presented by Michael Bender, and seconded by Michael Stiner, that the Stanhope Board of Education return to Public Session at 9:09 p.m. Voice Vote: All in favor voice vote of all board members present. MOTION - PERSONNEL A motion was presented by Michael Bender, and seconded by Gil Moscatello, to approve the following: Motion to terminate the employment of Jessica Dabrowski, Part- Time CST Secretary effective June 15, Roll Call: All in favor roll call vote of all board members present. 11

12 ADJOURNMENT A motion was presented by Gil Moscatello, and seconded by Michael Stiner, that the Stanhope Board of Education adjourns the meeting at 9:20 p.m. Voice Vote: All in favor voice vote of all board members present. Respectfully submitted: Lorraine E. Snyder Business Administrator/Board Secretary Approved 12