March 21, 2013 BOARD OF EDUCATION ROSELLE PARK, NEW JERSEY OPEN MINUTES of the Board Meeting 7:00 P.M. The meeting, held at the Sherman School Gymnasium/Auditorium, is an open session of the Roselle Park Board of Education held under the Open Public Meetings Act of the State of New Jersey. Notice of this meeting was sent to the Star Ledger, LocalSource, the Home News Tribune, the borough clerk, school offices and district website. The purpose of this meeting is to take action on matters for the month of March 2014. There were present: Alexander Balaban James Damm Troy Gerten Loren Harms Scott Bruckenstein was absent from the meeting Christopher Miller Scott Nelson Barbara Sokol Jeofrey Vita Also Present: Pedro Garrido, Superintendent of Schools Susan Guercio, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary Jennifer Osborne, Board Attorney Flag Salute Public Participation 7:00 PM Items Only President Miller welcomed everybody. Saul Qersdyn, 150 Berwyn St., questioned #15 on the agenda. Board Secretary Guercio responded. A resident urges support for item #9 on the agenda and said the town would benefit. Andre Cole, resident, on agenda #9, stated that children will benefit on a full day kindergarten. Jason Coppola, resident, supports agenda #9, helps student learning and helps the neighborhood. Jacob Magiera, 612 Sheridan St., questioned item #15. President Miller responded with the dates of all the meetings. Nicole Ruiz, resident, responded to item #9. Children need full day kindergarten.
Committee Reports Technology Committee Mr. Vita reports the committee met. There are plans to update the district website, purchase new laptops, and expand communication with the parents via email and the website. President Miller reminds parts that issues should go to teacher, principal, or superintendent. Facilities Committee Mr. Harms reports committee met and that each site was examined. Suggestions were made regarding the locking of fences and enforcing stricter parking on the street only. No playground parking will be allowed with the exception of district vehicles. Policy Committee Mr. Balaban s reports committee met and first reading for new security policy will be at the next board meeting. Finance Committee Mr. Damm has met with the committee and discussed the budget workshops on April 1st and 22 nd as well as the Public Hearing on April 29th. The committee will continue to meet during the month of April. Principal s Report Mary Christensen, Sherman School principal recognized the winners of the PTA sponsored Reflections Program. Mrs. Fortuna the teacher/advisor and the student council held a fund raiser for the children who were victims of the typhoon in the Philippines. President Miller congratulated Mary Christensen for participating on the winning team for the East/West basketball game last week. The High School Robotics Club gave a presentation on their program along with teacher, Jameson Chin. The students spoke about their experiences from 7 th grade through the high school in the STEM program and the recent Robotics competition they participated in with numerous other high schools. Superintendent s Report Superintendent Garrido reported on the NJDOE School Self-Assessment Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights. Kathleen Carlin, District Coordinator, reported on the district HIB-Grade Report and our overall score of 70. With a maximum of 75, it appears we fared well in the county.
Mr. Balaban asked to elaborate on intervention program. Ms. Carlin and Mr. Garrido speaks of the many activities in the district and the improvement in each building. Mr. Garrido commends them and their hard work. President Miller comments on our students being well-behaved at all school events. Consent Motion Personnel PERSONNEL A motion was made by Mr. Damm seconded by Vice President Sokol to approve the following agenda items 1 through 5. 1. District Substitutes To approve additional district substitutes. (as recommended by the Superintendent) NJ Certified Teachers- $100/day, Sub Certified-$95/day, Paraprofessional-$11.50/hr., Secretary-$75/day. TEACHERS Kalpana Dudani 428 Sheridan Ave., RP Nagpur Univ BA PK-5 Lynn Matthews 721 Walnut St., RP UCC AA 89 K-12 Jennifer Petrosky 47A Colfax Manor, RP Kean Univ BA 11 PK-12 Erin Sweeney 137 Warren Ave., RP Rutgers Univ BA 12 Grades 6-12 PARAPROFESSIONALS Kalpana Dudani 428 Sheridan Ave., RP Lynn Matthews 721 Walnut St., RP Jennifer Petrosky 47A Colfax Manor, RP SECRETARY Lynn Matthews 721 Walnut St., RP 2. Maternity Leave Extension To approve the following maternity leave extension: (as recommended by the Superintendent) (as per RPEA contract) From To Kristin Levash February 6, 2013 to February 6, 2013 to Robert Gordon teacher September 1, 2014 September 1, 2015
3. Sick Day Bank To approve an agreement between the Roselle Park Board of Education and the Roselle Park Education Association to permit RPEA members to donate one (1) sick day each on a volunteer basis to Bobbi Artz, District Aide. (to include administrators, custodian/maintenance and full time non-unit personnel) 4. Spring Physical Personnel To authorize the following personnel to conduct spring physicals on February 12, 2014 under the direction of the Athletic Director at $29.68/hour^ or compensated days* (as recommended by the Superintendent) Janice Haddad * 4 hours Brenda Litterer * 4 hours Terri Sacca ^ 3 hours 5. Maternity Leave of Absence Request Cristin Sedelmaier (MS Computer Teacher) RESOLVED, that the Board, upon recommendation of the Superintendent, hereby approves the pre-birth disability leave of Cristin Sedelmaier commencing on June 2, 2014 and extending approximately through June 19, 2014. Cristin Sedelmaier will use accumulated sick leave days during this pre-birth temporary disability period to continue to receive salary and health benefits from June 2, 2014 through June 19, 2014. The employee s pre-birth disability leave shall run concurrent to her leave under the Family Medical leave Act (FMLA). RESOLVED, that the Board, upon recommendation of the Superintendent, approves the postbirth disability period of Cristin Sedelmaier, following the birth of her child. Cristin Sedelmaier will use the remainder of her accumulated sick leave days during this post-birth disability period, and continue to receive salary from June 19, 2014 through June 20, 2014. The employee will also receive health benefits during this period. The employee s post-birth disability leave shall run concurrent to her leave under the Family Medical leave Act (FMLA). RESOLVED, that the Board, upon recommendation of the Superintendent, approves the child care family leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act and the New Jersey Family Leave Act for Cristin Sedelmaier commencing September 8, 2014 and extending through December 12, 2014. The remainder of the employee s leave under the Family Medical Leave Act shall run concurrent to the employee s leave under the New Jersey Family Leave Act. The employee shall not receive salary during this period of time, but will continue to receive health benefits. The employee shall return to the District on December 15, 2014. On roll call, motion carries
EDUCATION A motion was made by Mr. Balaban seconded by Mr. Nelson to approve the following agenda items numbered 6 through 9. A discussion followed. Vice President Sokol speaks about full day kindergarten and what it involves. Ms. Sokol states that a lot of successful students in Roselle Park had come from a half-day kindergarten program. She is not against full day but is concerned about the implementation for September. Mr. Gerten agrees with Vice President Sokol regarding concerns for full day kindergarten. Mr. Balaban supports full day kindergarten and always has. He believes that it will infuse a new spirit of academics in Roselle Park. Superintendent Garrido responds that a full day kindergarten is a neccesity and we will fall behind with requirements from the state if we do not impliment this. A loss of 500 hours of instruction will be a detriment to the students when implementing the new Common Core Content Standards. Mr. Garrido is willing to take on the task of restructing. More information will be given in the future. Mr. Gerten commented on item #15 and the ability to alter the budget. His concern is with the future years. Mr. Harms has stated that the district cannot continue as it has in the past. The Finance Committee had a difficult process with not cutting teachers and programs. The future will be a challenge but we need to do for the best for our children. 6. Education Program(s) To approve the following education program(s) for the 2013-2014 school year: Home Instruction #78 2 hrs/wk/per sub 2/28/14 TBD $34.83/hr Tuition - Incoming #79 Jersey City MD Class $42,177 Behavior Policy #80 Physical & Mechanical Restraint/Aversive Behavior Policy
7. Educational Trip Requests To approve the following 2014 district educational trip requests: a) Field Station: Dinosaurs, Secaucus, NJ 5/8/14 Aldene K, 1 st gr Will serves as a hands on experience to tie in with their dinosaur study, in conjunction with their all-school project. b) Adventure Aquarium, Camden, NJ 6/10/14 Sherman 3 rd gr To further enhance the third grade science curriculum. c) AT&T, Bedminster, NJ 3/19/14 Grades 9-10 Students will see the inner workings of a global network operations center, enriching the scope of technology in our society d) Overlook Hospital, Careers In Healthcare Fair 3/13/14 Grades 9-12 Opportunity for students to meet representatives from numerous healthcare careers in one setting. Exhibits & information available. e) Doyles/Unami Farm, Hillsborough, NJ 5/28/2014 Grade 2 Students will learn how a farm operates and the significence of farm animals. f) Gershwin Theatre, New York, NY 5/27/2014 HS Students This show has leadership/anti-bullying messages. g) ALJ High School, Clark NJ 3/14/2014 Yearbook Staff Yearbook staff members will be able to gain new skills, and interact with staff members from another school. 8. Overnight Attendance Request To approve the following staff overnight attendance request for John Ranieri: NJSIAA State Wrestling Championship March 6 9, 2014, $1788 + receipts as per policy 9. Full Day Kindergarten Program To approve a full day kindergarten program for the 2014 2015 school year. Vice President Sokol abstains and Mr. Gerten votes No on item #9. Motion carries 6-0
BUSINESS A motion was made by Mr. Gerten seconded by Mr. Damm to approve the following agenda items 10 through 18. Mr. Gerten reports that with approval of #17 that all staff will be under contract. 10. Monthly Certification A. Board Secretary's Monthly Certification, Budgetary Line Item Status Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6:20-2.l3(d), I certify that as of February 28, 2014 no budgetary line item account has obligations and payments (contractual orders) which in total exceed the amount appropriated by the district board of education pursuant to N.J.S.A. l8a:22-8 and l8:22-8.l Board Secretary Date B. Board of Education's Monthly Certification, Budgetary Major Account/Fund Status Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6:20-2.l3(e), we certify that as of February 28, 2014 after review of the secretary's monthly financial report (appropriations section) and upon consultation with the appropriate district officials that to the best of our knowledge no major account or fund has been over expended in violation of N.J.A.C. 6:20-2.l3(b) and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district's financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year. This certification is solely based on the information provided by the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary and is assumed by the board to be correct. 11. Approval of Minutes To approve the following minutes: February 4, 2014 open session February 4, 2014 closed session February 18, 2014 open session February 18, 2014 closed session
12. Approval of Bills To approve the following bills for the month of March: General Current Expense $243,745.75 Special Revenue Funds $ 2,687.87 Summer Camp $ 630.21 Total $247,063.83 13. Approval of Transfers To approve the transfers for the month of February 2014: TUIT TO PRIV SCH HANDI 11-000-100-566 $389,704.00 $33,124.00 $422,828.00 OTHER PURCH SERVICES 11-000-211-500 $2,110.00 $995.00 $3,105.00 OTHER PURCH SERVICES 11-000-230-590 $156,431.00 $130.00 $156,561.00 SUPPLIES & MATERIALS 11-000-240-600 $11,000.00 $974.00 $11,974.00 GENERAL SUPPLIES 11-000-261-610 $122,187.84 $11,818.00 $134,005.84 OTHER RETIRE CONTRIB 11-000-291-240 $314,966.00 $32,400.00 $347,366.00 SUPPLIES & MATERIALS 11-402-100-600 $32,613.59 $1,437.00 $34,050.59 PURCH PROF SERV 20-231-200-300 $10,650.00 $1,250.00 $11,900.00 OTHER PURCH SERVICES 20-260-200-500 $6,000.00 $1,175.00 $7,175.00 TUIT TO COUNTY SPEC SER 11-000-100-565 $442,209.50 -$3,036.00 $439,173.50 TUIT-CTY VOC SCH-SPEC 11-000-100-564 $35,950.00 -$12,750.00 $23,200.00 TUIT TO COUNTY VOC 11-000-100-563 $615,650.00 -$17,338.00 $598,312.00 OTHER PURCH SERVICES 11-000-230-339 $9,804.00 -$130.00 $9,674.00 OTHER PURCH SERVICES 11-000-240-500 $27,231.76 -$974.00 $26,257.76 ENERGY 11-000-262-620 $601,821.27 -$12,813.00 $589,008.27 UNEMPLOY COMP 11-000-291-250 $10,000.00 -$10,000.00 $0.00 WORKMAN COMP 11-000-291-260 $170,000.00 -$15,524.00 $154,476.00 HEALTH BENEFITS 11-000-291-270 $4,990,837.00 -$6,876.00 $4,983,961.00 CLEANING,REPAIR, MAINT 11-402-100-420 $32,524.19 -$1,348.00 $31,176.19 MISC EXPENDITURES 11-402-100-890 $20,278.00 -$89.00 $20,189.00 SUPPLIES & MATERIALS 20-231-100-600 $19,248.00 -$1,250.00 $17,998.00 PURCH PROF SERV 20-260-200-300 $5,900.00 -$1,175.00 $4,725.00 $8,027,116.15 $0.00 $8,027,116.15 14. Public Budget Hearing To establish Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at 7:00 PM as the Public Budget Hearing, to be held in the Middle School Auditorium, 57 W. Grant Avenue. =
15. Tentative Budget To approve the following resolution: BE IT RESOLVED that the Roselle Park Board of Education includes in the proposed budget the adjustment for enrollment in the amount of $45,875. The district intends to utilize this adjustment for supplies and materials necessary for the additional students. BE IT RESOLVED that the Roselle Park Board of Education includes in the proposed budget the adjustment for increases costs of health benefits in the amount of $169,960. The additional funds are included in the base budget and will be used to pay for the additional increases in health benefits. BE IT RESOLVED that the Roselle Park Board of Education includes in the proposed budget the adjustment for banked cap in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-10.3(b). The district has fully exhausted all eligible statutory spending authority and must increase the base budget in the amount of $754,721 for the purposes of maintaining programs and current class sizes. The district intends to complete said purposes by June 2015. BE IT RESOLVED that the tentative budget be approved for the 2014-2015 School Year using the 2014-2015 state aid figures and the Secretary to the Board of Education be authorized to submit the following tentative budget to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools for approval in accordance with the statutory deadline: General Fund Special Revenues Debt Service Total 2014-2015 Expenditures $31,046,274 $781,027 $687,200 $32,514,501 Less: Anticipated Revenues $11,862,423 $781,027 $35,164 $12,678,614 Taxes to be Raised $19,183,851 $ 0 $652,036 $19,835,887 And to advertise said tentative budget in the Union County Local Source in accordance with the form suggested by the State Department of Education and according to law; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a public hearing be held in the Middle School auditorium, 57 W. Grant Avenue, on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at 7:00 PM for the purpose of conducting a public hearing on the budget for the 2014-2015 School Year. 16. District Contract To approve the following district contract: NJ Teacher to Teacher, contract to provide a Language Arts/Literacy workshop for Middle and High School Language Arts/English teachers on April 4, 2014, cost $1250. (funded through NCLB)
17. Roselle Park Administrator s Association Contract To ratify a contract between the Roselle Park Board of Education and the Roselle Park Administrator s Association (RPAA) effective July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016. (when fully executed, a copy of the collective bargaining agreement will be available in the Business Office) 18. Use of Buildings and Grounds To approve the following use of buildings and grounds (appropriate fees to be charged where applicable): a) Dad s Club of Roselle Park High School Baseball Tournament High School Herm Shaw Field Friday, April 11, 2014, 2:00 PM 6:00 PM, Saturday, April 12, 2014, 9:00 AM 10:00 PM, Sunday, April 13, 2014, 8:00 AM 9:00 PM b) Sherman School PTA Math Carnival Sherman School gymnasium Thursday, March 20, 2014, 6:00PM 8:00PM c) Sherman School PTA Zumba Sherman School gymnasium Wednesday, March 19, 2014, 7:00PM 8:00PM Mr. Nelson abstains from item #12. On roll call, motion carries **************************************************************************** Committee/Liaison Reports Continuing Business Students identified as not residing in Roselle Park/removed from school: October November 5 November 19 December 3 January 7 January 27 February 4 February 18 March 4 March 18 Total 1 student 1 student 2 students 2 students 6 students
New Business Public Participation Saul Qersdyn, resident, questions the future of maintaining a 2% cap and the possibility of putting it up for a vote and letting the voters decide. Mr. Harms responds that would mean starting a school year not knowing the complete financial situation. Mr. Harms does not want to cut programs. Mr. Qersdyn repects that the board is open to other options. President Miller states that everything is on the table at this point in time. Jacob Magiera, 612 Sheridan Ave., questioned if there is an update on the Middle School and Aldene being used for elections and who will incur the costs. President Miller stated other places are being looked at with handicap accessibility. The final decision is not in our hands but the county board of elections. Thomas Jaskula, E. Lincoln Ave., asked about school lunches. Superintendent Garrido responded that we will advertise for other vendors at the end of this school year and that the Federal Government has imposed regulations on the school lunch program which limits what vendors may serve to the students. Adjournment A motion was made by Mr. Harms seconded by Mr. Balaban to adjourn the meeting at 8:38 p.m. Motion carries Next scheduled board meeting: April 8, 2014 Roselle Park Middle School Auditorium at 7:00 PM