BOONTON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION REORGANIZATION & REGULAR SESSION MINUTES, 7:30 PM Rockaway Valley School, Library/Media Center 1. Call to Order 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Open Public Meeting Act Statement 4. Election Results 5. Roll Call 6. Reorganization Election/Business 7. Appointments 8. Open Session #1 Note: the first public comment period will be limited to reorganization business items only. The second public comment period will be limited to regular business topics. The third public comment period will be open to any topic. Please state your name and address for the record. All comments are limited to five minutes. 9. Report of Student Representative 10. Board Business BB-01 Approve minutes of the December 12, 2018 Regular Session meeting. 11. Administrative Reports 12. Commendations 13. Correspondence 14. Open Session #2 15. Liaison Committees 16. Facilities/Transportation 17. Finance 18. Personnel PER-01 Approve payments to Mentors. PER-01 Accept resignation of staff member (Addendum) 19. Program PRO-01 Approve 2018-2019 Field Trip. 20. Policy 21. Public Relations/Communications 22. Technology 23. Open Session #3 24. New Business 25. Closed Session: None 26. Other Board Action 27. Adjournment - 1 -
BOONTON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION REORGANIZATION & REGULAR SESSION MINUTES, 7:30 PM Rockaway Valley School, Library/Media Center Board Goals 2018-2019 Board goals constitute a professional development improvement plan directed towards increasing knowledge and skills in policy making and governance for members of the Board. 1. Engage in meaningful articulation with the Mountain Lakes Board of Education to establish joint goals that benefit our students. 2. Enhance the role and communication of Board committees. 3. Successfully prepare for and engage in negotiations. 4. Train together as a full Board two times this year. District Goals 2018-2019 The Board adopts district-wide goals and performance measures that reflect that highest priority is given to student achievement. 1. Create opportunities for interdisciplinary activities that will provide for connections across the curriculum in a relevant manner. 2. Create and expand programs and services that enhance the social and emotional wellness of our students within a compassionate learning community. 3. Articulate with our receiving district to collaborate on curriculum development and the sharing and analysis of student performance data to strengthen our programming and expand our capacity to effectively meet the needs of our students. 4. Explore the most effective way to engage the broader community and involve them in the school. 1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE BOARD SECRETARY Mr. Murray called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. OPEN PUBLIC MEETING ACT STATEMENT This is a reorganization/regular meeting of the Boonton Township Board of Education held for the purpose of election of officers, appointments, and transacting appropriate Board business. In compliance with Chapter 31, Laws of 1975, the notice of this meeting was advertised in the Morris County Daily Record. Copies of the agenda of this meeting were appropriately posted and made available to the public. Oaths duly sworn and Code of Ethics affirmed by newly elected members: Mrs. Bentrovato arrived at 7:36 pm. Ann Bentrovato John Sierchio Melissa Signore - 2 -
4. ELECTION RESULTS (official) Confirmation by Board Secretary: Candidates Votes 3 Year term: Ann Bentrovato 1180 John Sierchio 1136 Melissa Signore 74 Other Write-In 77 5. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Ann Bentrovato (7:36 pm), Barry Brantner, Patricia Collins, Charles Eaton, Grace McBride, John Sierchio, Melissa Signore, Catherine Youngman Christine Cabana Also Present: Superintendent/Principal School Business Administrator/Board Secretary Student Representative Christian Angelillo, Ed.D. John T. Murray II, RSBA Jason Ding REPORT OF THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE. Jason Ding reported on various student and athletic activities including the successful student blood drive, Key Club s volleyball tournament, Pep Rally, and Alumni Day, Model UN in Hersey, Pa. (20 participants), sports teams update and the winter formal. 6. REORGANIZATION ELECTION/BUSINESS ELECTION: A. Election of Board President (18A: 15-1) (Board Secretary presides) Nominations: (A second is not required) Mrs. Collins nominated Mr. Brantner for the position of Board President. There being no further nominations, the nominations were closed. Mr. Brantner was elected as Board President on a roll call vote of 7-1-0 as follows: AYE: NO: ABSENT: Brantner, Collins, Eaton, McBride, Sierchio, Signore, Youngman. Bentrovato (no reason given) Cabana - 3 -
It was agreed that Mr. Murray would preside over the remainder of the reorganization portion of the meeting. B. Election of Board Vice President (18A: 15-1) Nominations: (A second is not required) Mr. Sierchio nominated Mrs. Collins for the position of Board Vice President. There being no further nominations, the nominations were closed. Mrs. Collins was elected as Board Vice President on a roll call vote of 8-0-0 as follows: AYE: ABSENT: Bentrovato, Brantner, Collins, Eaton, McBride, Sierchio, Signore, Youngman. Cabana BUSINESS: B-1 RESOLVED, that the Board designates Bank of America and Chase Manhattan Bank as depositories of funds and Bank of New York as Escrow Fund/Refunded bank agent and approve the authorized signatures for the following accounts for the ensuing year, 2019-2020: ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION SIGNATORIES (One required) Bank of America xxxx-xx-6220 Athletic Account Board Secretary Superintendent Board Treasurer xxxx-xx-6233 Cafeteria Account Board Secretary Superintendent Board Treasurer xxxx-xx-3032 Eighth Grade Account Superintendent Assistant Principal xxxx-xx-2981 Payroll Account Board Treasurer Board Secretary xxxx-xx-3003 Agency Account Board Secretary Board Treasurer xxxx-xx-3029 Student Activity Account Board Secretary Superintendent Board Treasurer xxxx-xx-3016 Petty Cash Checking Board Secretary Superintendent Board Treasurer xxxx-xx-2994 Treasurer Account (2 of 3) Board President - 4 -
Board Secretary Board Treasurer xxxx-xx-6291 Unemployment Fund Board Secretary Chase Manhattan Bank xxx-xx7306 Principal Bond Account Board Secretary xxx-xx6776 Interest Bond Account Board Secretary NJ Cash Management xxxxx-xx4-171 Treasurer s Account Board Secretary xxxxx-xx7-171 Unemployment Dividend Account Board Secretary B-2 RESOLVED, that the Board approve the use of facsimile signatures with one signature required and the permission of the signatories for the ensuing year, 2019-2020, and be it further, B-3 RESOLVED, that the Board authorize the Board Secretary/Business Administrator to invest the funds of the Board in the bank approved by the Board for the ensuing year, 2019-2020, B-4 RESOLVED, that the Board approve Bank of America and New Jersey Cash Management Company as depositories for investment purposes for the ensuing year, 2019-2020, B-5 RESOLVED, that the Board approve the renewal of the establishment of Petty Cash checking account in the amount of $500 to be used for general office expenses, workshops/seminars and other items requiring payment in advance and limited to $125 or under per expenditure for the ensuing year, 2019-2020, B-6 RESOLVED, that the Board approve the renewal of the establishment of a School Office petty cash of $250 in cash to be distributed by the School Secretary for general office expenses limited to $50 or under per expenditure for the ensuing year, 2019-2020, B-7 RESOLVED, that the Board approve the renewal of the establishment of a Superintendent s Office petty cash of $250 in cash to be distributed by the Superintendent s Secretary for office and school Board expenses limited to $125 or under per expenditure for the ensuing year, 2019-2020, B-8 RESOLVED, that a fee of the current postage rate and cost per page as set by the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) 47:1A-2 be charged to individuals requesting copies of public documents or proceedings of the Board for the ensuing year, 2019-2020, with exceptions as directed by the Board (no cost for documents/reports prepared for public distribution), B-9 RESOLVED, that the Board authorize the Board Secretary/Business Administrator and Superintendent to implement the budget and chart of accounts of the Boonton Township School District, by issuing purchase orders for those items identified by the budget for the ensuing year, 2019-2020, - 5 -
B-10 RESOLVED, that the Board appoint John T. Murray II, as Claims Auditor to verify and pay bills as needed between meetings which will be listed as paid at the next Board meeting (i.e., other contracted services for which a purchase order has been previously issued and approved) for the ensuing year, 2019-2020, B-11 RESOLVED, that the Board authorize the Superintendent or Business Administrator to approve such budget transfers as are necessary between Board meetings for the ensuing year, 2019-2020, B-12 RESOLVED, that the Board renew the following professional services contracts for the ensuing year, 2019-2020 awarded without competitive bidding as a professional service in accordance with 18A:18A-5 (1): Board Legal Advisors Matthew J. Giacobbe, Esq. of Cleary, Giacobbe, Alfieri & Jacobs LLC Board Special Education Legal Advisor Robin S. Ballard, Esq. of Schenck, Price, Smith & King Attorney $150/hour Paralegal $90/hour (no increase) Per hour fee: $180 partners and counsel ($5 increase); $170 for associates; and $100 for paralegals (no increase). Board Auditors William Schroeder, Nisivoccia & Co. $21,655 ($425 increase) Risk Manager Brown & Brown Commissions paid through premiums as set by NJSIG. Board Insurance Plan Eric West, NJ Schools Insurance Group Commissions paid through premiums as set by NJSIG. School Physician Dr. Patricia Renz $3,000/year (no increase) Architect of Record George Azrak, GA Architect Principal $120/hr; Design/Proj. Mgr. $75/hr; Computer Draft Person $65/hr; Word Processor $40/hr. (no increase) Bond Counsel Health Benefits Broker of Record Lisa Gorab, Esq. of Wilentz Goldman & Spitzer P.A. Brown & Brown Benefit Advisors Various fees based on bond issue. Commissions paid by insurance companies/ premiums. Phoenix Advisors Financial Advisor Various fees based on bond issues and refinancing. B-13 RESOLVED, that the Board designate the following as official newspapers for legal notices and advertising for the ensuing year, 2019-2020: Daily Record (Primary) Star Ledger (Secondary) - 6 -
B-14 RESOLVED, that the following locations be approved for posting appropriate legal notices for the ensuing year, 2019-2020: Rockaway Valley School Boonton Township Municipal Building B-15 RESOLVED, that the regular session meetings of the Boonton Township Board of Education to discuss and/or act upon public business will be held at 7:30 PM, prevailing time, at Rockaway Valley School, in the Library/Media Center, on the third Wednesday of each month unless otherwise noted, for the ensuing year, 2019-2020, (6-1). B-16 RESOLVED, that the Boonton Township Board of Education renew its memberships in the following organizations: New Jersey School Boards Association Morris County School Boards Association, B-17 RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approve the following Board committees: Facilities/Transportation Finance Personnel/Program Policy Negotiations Technology And appoint liaison members to the following school-related committees until the next reorganization meeting: Education Foundation Education Services Commission of Morris County Home and School Association Morris County School Boards Association Mountain Lakes Board of Education Committee New Jersey School Boards Association Township Committee Township Green Team B-18 RESOLVED, that the Business Administrator be authorized to take voluntary deductions at the employee s request and invest them in 403b tax shelter annuity funds where the Boonton - 7 -
Township Board of Education will be held harmless and managed by the following approved agencies: Ameriprise Financial AXA Equitable Lincoln Investments Metropolitan Life Insurance Company B-19 RESOLVED, that the Board readopt the existing bylaws and policies for its own operation and the operation of the school. Moved by Mrs. McBride, seconded by Mr. Sierchio to approve B-1 through B-19. Prior to voting, a discussion took place regarding agenda item B-15. It was stated that moving to one meeting per month would limit opportunities for public and board discussions and a suggestion was made to approve two meeting per month and cancel them as necessary. There were additional comments and questions related to the board s ability to add meetings when needed for emergency or special purposes. Mr. Murray explained the process for adding meetings and the notification requirements. After discussing the process for distributing notices to various parties for cancelled meetings versus adding meetings, there was a consensus that the one meeting schedule was preferred. Dr. Angelillo explained the reasoning behind the change to one meeting was often due to the lack of agenda items which prompted cancellation of meetings in the past. He added that there were other districts in the county that had one meeting per month and the new meeting schedule would be an opportunity for the board committees to become more active. Committee chairs would then report out at regular meetings. In addition, he would ask committee chairs to forward key points, or a synopsis of committee meetings to him to be included in his regular updates to the board between board meetings. B-1 through B-14 and B-16 through B-19 were duly approved by an 8-0-0 roll call vote as follows: AYE: ABSENT: Bentrovato, Brantner, Collins, Eaton, McBride, Sierchio, Signore, Youngman. Cabana B-15 was approved by a 7-1-0 roll call vote as follows: AYE: NO: ABSENT: Brantner, Collins, Eaton, McBride, Sierchio, Signore, Youngman. Bentrovato (The schedule would limit opportunities for public and board discussions) Cabana - 8 -
7. APPOINTMENTS A-1 RESOLVED, that Charles Eaton be appointed as primary representative, and John Sierchio be appointed as alternate, to the Education Foundation Committee, for the ensuing year, until the next reorganization meeting, A-2 RESOLVED, that Catherine Youngman be appointed as primary representative to the Educational Services Commission of Morris County for the ensuing year, until the next reorganization meeting, A-3 RESOLVED, that Christine Cabana be appointed as primary representative, and Grace McBride be appointed as alternate, to the Home and School Association, for the ensuing year, until the next reorganization meeting, A-4 RESOLVED, that Grace McBride be appointed as primary delegate, and Ann Bentrovato be appointed as alternate, to the Morris County School Boards Association for the ensuing year, until the next reorganization meeting, A-5 RESOLVED, that Patricia Collins be appointed as representative to the Mountain Lakes Board of Education for the ensuing year, until the next reorganization meeting, and be it further, A-6 RESOLVED, that John Sierchio be appointed as primary representative, and Melissa Signore be appointed as alternate, to the New Jersey School Boards Association for the ensuing year until the next reorganization meeting, A-7 RESOLVED, that Christine Cabana be appointed as primary representative, and Charles Eaton be appointed as alternate, to the Township Committee sub-committee for shared services until the next reorganization meeting, A-8 RESOLVED, that Ann Bentrovato be appointed as primary representative and Patricia Collins be appointed as alternate, to the Township Green Team, for the ensuing year, until the next reorganization meeting, A-9 RESOLVED, that the Board appoints Norman Eckstein as the Treasurer of School Monies for the 2019-2020 School Year at a salary to be determined. A-10 RESOLVED, that the Board appoints John T. Murray II as the Public Agency Compliance officer (P.A.C.O) for the 2019-2020 School year. Moved by Mrs. Collins, seconded by Mrs. Youngman to approve A-1 through A-10 and duly approved by an 8-0-0 roll call vote as follows: - 9 -
AYE: ABSENT: Bentrovato, Brantner, Collins, Eaton, McBride, Sierchio, Signore, Youngman. Cabana 8. OPEN SESSION #1 (Reorganization Meeting Only) None REGULAR MEETING 9. REPORT OF STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE Jason Ding delivered his report before the beginning of the reorganization portion of the meeting, immediately after the roll call (See page 3). 10. BOARD BUSINESS BB-01 MOTION to approve Minutes of the December 12, 2018 Regular Session Meeting. (10-1) Moved by Mrs. McBride, seconded by Mr. Sierchio to approve BB-01 and duly approved by a 5-0-3 vote with Mrs. Collins and Mrs. Youngman abstaining due to their absence at the meeting, Mrs. Signore abstaining because she was not a board member at the time and Mrs. Cabana absent. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Business Administrator/Board Secretary s Report Mr. Murray reported that a walk-through of the building was conducted by our maintenance technician over the winter recess and all building systems were found to be in good condition with no issues to report. Superintendent's Report Dr. Angelillo wished everyone a Happy New Year and welcomed Mrs. Signore to the board. His report included a discussion of a recent appellate court decision striking down the requirement of the PARCC Test as a graduation requirement and the Pre-school program open house is scheduled on January 8 th from 12-1 pm. 12. COMMENDATIONS (Commendations will be reported at the January 16 meeting.) 13. CORRESPONDENCE COR-01 Letter dated to Dr. Angelillo from Sally Belmont, resigning from her position in the Boonton School District (as per Addendum). - 10 -
14. OPEN SESSION #2 None 15. LIAISON COMMITTEES Education Foundation None Home and School Association Next meeting was scheduled for 1/8/19 Morris County School Board Association Next meeting would be at the end of January. New Jersey School Board Association Next meeting would be held in May. Township Committee None Mountain Lakes The reorganization meeting was scheduled for 1/3 with a math presentation at the regular meeting. Educational Services Commission Next meeting would be the second week of January. Boonton Township Green Team - None 16. FACILITIES/TRANSPORTATION 17. FINANCE 18. PERSONNEL PER-01 MOTION to approve the following mentor fee payments for mentor services provided: Mentor Teacher Novice Teacher Amount To be Paid Kirsten Allen Olivia Cuozzo $550.00 January 2019 Ninetta Esposito Krista Mennella $256.62 ($550.00 prorated to 14 weeks) January 2019 Kim Richardson Kelly Ennis $550.00 June 2019 PER-02 MOTION to accept the resignation of Sally Belmont from her position as Assistant to the Business Administrator effective January 16, 2018 (as per Addendum). - 11 -
Moved by Mr. Eaton, seconded by Mrs. McBride to approve PER-01 and PER-02. Prior to voting, moved by Mr. Brantner and seconded by Mrs. Collins to add with regret after resignation in PER-02 and duly approved by an 8-0-0 vote with Mrs. Cabana absent. PER-01 and PER-02 were duly approved as amended by an 8-0-0 vote with Mrs. Cabana absent. 19. PROGRAM PRO-01 MOTION to approve the following field trips for the 2018-2019 School Year: Grade/Group 8th Grade Destination Washington, DC Moved by Mrs. Youngman, seconded by Mr. Sierchio to approve PER-01 and duly approved by an 8-0-0 vote with Mrs. Cabana absent. 20. POLICY 21. TECHNOLOGY 22. OPEN SESSION #3 None 23. OLD BUSINESS A question was asked about the status of contract negotiations with the BTEA. Dr. Angelillo stated that a request for preliminary information was received from the BTEA but no formal request to start negotiations was made. A question was asked about the joint meeting with the Mountain Lakes board. Mr. Brantner stated that he would reach out to their president to schedule a meeting after their reorganization meeting. 24. NEW BUSINESS None 25. CLOSED SESSION - 12 -
None 26. OTHER BOARD ACTION None 27. ADJOURN MOTION made to adjourn the meeting. Moved by Mr. Sierchio, seconded by Mr. Eaton and duly approved by an 8-0-0 vote with Mrs. Cabana absent at 8:35 pm. Respectfully submitted, John T. Murray II, RSBA School Business Administrator/Board Secretary - 13 -