MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION DECEMBER 12, 2005 A regular meeting of the Board of Education was held on Monday evening, December 12, 2005 in the High School Cafeteria. Meeting was called to order by Vice President Monahan at 7:30 P.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. On roll call the following members were present: Mrs. Ahmed, Mr. Casadonte, Mr. Jasko, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Monahan, Mr. Novosielski, and Mrs. Williams. Mrs. Cevasco and Mr. McLean were absent for the entire meeting. Also present were Mrs. Conlon, Mr. Brown, and Mr. Zaorski. N.J. OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW 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 meeting of public bodies at which any business affecting their interests is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the provisions of this Act, the Rutherford Board of Education has caused notice of this meeting to be published by having the date, time and place thereof posted on the bulletin board outside the Borough Clerk's Office, mailed to the News Leader, Herald, South Bergenite, and the Record newspapers, and filed with the Borough Clerk. TAPING AND BROADCASTING OF MEETINGS As approved by the Rutherford Board of Education, we are taping and broadcasting our worksessions and regular meetings. These meetings will be broadcast without editing during a two-hour time segment on Tuesday evenings at 8:00 PM on the Comcast public access channel. At the conclusion of the two-hour segment, the broadcast will end regardless of what part of the meeting is currently being viewed due to the Comcast time constraint. Any member of the public who wishes to view the two-hour tape should make a written request to the Board Secretary who will have a copy of the tape made available within two weeks of the request. There will be a nominal fee charged for this tape reproduction. We welcome comments from residents viewing the broadcast. MINUTES APPROVAL 1. Resolution by Mr. Novosielski, seconded by Mrs. Williams. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that the minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 14, 2005 be approved as recorded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Casadonte abstain Mrs. Jones aye Mr. Novosielski aye SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: Recognition of Retirees - Mrs. Conlon and Mrs. Monahan Mary Kotsopulos ESL Teacher James Noorigian High School Social Studies Supervisor Recognition of Student Artists Mr. Denis Mullins and Mrs. Monahan Pierrepont: Alice Ree Deidre Kane Jack Waller Jennifer Lee Janice Yalong Janet Park Brianna Nema Amanda Russotti Union: Ashley Choi Tom Conroy Cara Donohue Joyce Zheng Jessica Hild Christopher Kopacz Zoe Grenier Daniel Kim Washington: Irene Yoon Vanessa Lemly Richard Aviles Emma Smith Jason Barilla The Board took a brief recess at 7:40 PM, returning at 7:50 PM. Special Presentation - Interscholastic Athletic Program - Mr. David Frazier REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT REPORT OF THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: (Agenda Items Only) 8:19 P.M. No comments made. NEW BUSINESS (Action to be Taken) PERSONNEL: Motion by Mrs. Ahmed, seconded by Mr. Novosielski to move the following resignations, retirements, salary adjustments, reassignments, appointments, etc., pending approval from the State Department of Education, subject to the New Jersey Criminal Background Check and other legal requirements.
Page 2 of the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 12, 2005 Approved.
Page 3 of the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 12, 2005 Motion by Mrs. Ahmed, seconded by Mr. Casadonte to approve Personnel Items #1 through #13. EMERGENT HIRES 1. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ the following applicant(s) under the emergent hiring law as per the State Department of Education: Emily Corcoran - Substitute Teacher Donna Ganley - Substitute Teacher Toni Reilly - Substitute Teacher Kevin Kerr - Custodian Eric Weeks - Substitute Custodian SALARY CHANGES 2. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to adjust the salaries of the following employees due to longevity changes: Judith Gioia $71,416 (includes $2,000 Long. 25) effective 10/1/05 Ann Malinowski $85,360 (includes $1,500 Long. 20) 10/8/05 Ellen Haug $85,360 (includes $1,500 Long. 20) 12/1/05 DARLENE HAUPTMAN ANN MALINOWSKI BETH CALAMIA ARIEL COHEN AMY JUSTICE DAWN PASQUALE COACHING ASSIGNMENT SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS 3. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to amend the salary resolution of 9/12/05 to continue the.80 salary of Mrs. Darlene Hauptman, School Psychologist, through 6/30/06. 4. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve the transfer of Mrs. Ann Malinowski to district ESL teacher effective on or about 1/2/06. 5. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve Ms. Beth Calamia as a Latin teacher for Pierrepont and Union Schools effective 1/2/06 through 6/30/06 at the annual salary of $47,470 (step 5, level 4). This is a replacement position. 6. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve Ms. Ariel Cohen as a long-term per diem substitute teacher for Mrs. Linda Lentini effective 11/30/05 for approximately 6-8 weeks at the per diem rate of $198.50. 7. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to honor the request of Mrs. Amy Justice to return to an English position at the high school from her unpaid child rearing leave effective 2/1/06. This opening was a result of a vacancy in the English Department due to a retirement. 8. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to transfer Ms. Dawn Pasquale from a leave replacement position to a tenure track position of English teacher at the high school effective 2/1/06 through 6/30/06. This is a replacement position. 9. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to appoint Carlos Vieira as the Boys Indoor Track Assistant Coach for the 2005-2006 school year at the annual stipend of $3,934 (step 3). 10. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ the following as substitute teacher(s) effective 12/13/05 at the per diem rate of $80.00 and in accordance with law: Melanie Jones Lorena Munoz Emily Corcoran Joanne Coccaro Elizabeth DePasquale Toni Reilly SUB TEACHER ASSISTANTS 11. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve Ms. Melanie Jones and Ms. Emily Corcoran as substitute teacher assistants effective 12/12/05 at the hourly rate of $8.50. KEVIN KERR SUB CUSTODIANS 12. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ Mr. Kevin Kerr as a part-time third shift custodian at Washington School effective 12/13/05 through 6/30/06 at the annual salary of $13,650 (.49 step 1) plus $1,092 when working the third shift. This is a new position. 13. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ the following as substitute custodians effective 12/13/05 at the hourly rate of $10.00: Steve Nagin Eric Weeks Roll Call Vote Personnel Items #1-#13:
Page 4 of the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 12, 2005 Motion by Mrs. Ahmed, seconded by Mrs. Williams to approve Personnel Items #14 and #$15. CHRISTINE WILLIAMS 14. Motion to accept, with regret, the retirement of Ms. Christine Williams, English teacher at the high school, effective 1/31/06. DOUGLAS LOUCKS 15. Motion to accept, with regret, the retirement of Mr. Douglas Loucks, Physical Education Supervisor, effective 1/31/06. Approved. CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION: Motion by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Jones to approve Curriculum and Instruction Items #1 through #3. HOME INSTRUCTION 1. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve home instruction for Student I (name on file in the office of the superintendent) effective 11/15/05. OUT-OF-DISTRICT PLACEMENT 2. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve the following out-of-district placements (names on file in the office of special services): Student #2002552 - Sage Day School, Rochelle Park - eff. 11/28/05 - Tuition: $35,850 plus trans. Student #2004010 - Hidden Lake Academy, Georgia - eff. 11/14/05 - Tuition: $68,400 Student #2000156 - Sage Day School, Boonton - eff. 11/30/06 - Tuition: $35,850 Student #2005011 - SBJC, Lodi - eff. 12/7/05 - Tuition: 33,450 plus trans. Rescind: Student #2000421 - Benway School - eff. 11/29/05 CURRICULUM GUIDES 3. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve the new Spanish K-2 curriculum guides. Roll Call Vote Curriculum and Instruction Items #1-#3: FINANCE: Motion by Mr. Jasko, seconded by Mr. Casadonte to approve Finance Items #1A and #1B. APPROVAL OF BILLS: 1a. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that the bills listed below be approved (12/5/05). Accounts Payable $ 592,222.38 Offline Checks 603,627.58 Payroll 2,186,398.07 General Activities 14,097.99 Total $ 3,396,346.02 APPROVAL OF BILLS: 1b. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that the bills listed below be approved (12/12/05). Accounts Payable $794,432.57 General Activities 10,394.90 Total $804,827.47 Roll Call Vote Finance Items #1a and #1b: Motion by Mr. Jasko, seconded by Mr. Novosielski to approve Finance Items #2 and #3. SECY/TREAS. REPORT 2. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that it has AUG/SEPT/OCT received and accepts the financial reports of the Secretary and Treasurer of School Monies for the month ending August, September, and October 2005, and certifies that the reports indicate that no major account or fund is overexpended in violation of NJAC 6:20-2.13 and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district's financial obligations for the remainder of the school year. Summary pages attached in official minute book. Detailed summary in the office of the Board Secretary. DONATION 3. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to accept the donation of a scoreboard for Washington School from the Borough of Rutherford, Department of Recreation with a value of $5,000. Roll Call Vote Finance Items #2 and #3:
Page 5 of the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 12, 2005 POLICY: Motion by Mr. Novosielski, seconded by Mrs. Williams to approve Policy Item #1 on second reading. EXPENSES POLICY 1. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve the following revisions to Policy #9250 Expenses on second reading: BOARD OF EDUCATION BYLAWS RUTHERFORD 9250/p 1 of 2 EXPENSES Board members receive no payment for their services. With board approval, they may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred on board business. Travel and Related Expenses Travel reimbursement will be paid only upon compliance with the board s policy provisions and approval requirements. Board members and employees shall only be reimbursed for work-related travel that is directly related to and within the scope of the board member s and employee s current work responsibilities. Board members and employees shall only be reimbursed for travel that: A. promotes the delivery of instruction or furthers the efficient operation of the school district, B. is fiscally prudent, and C. is directly related to and within the scope of the board member s current responsibilities. All board members and employees shall adhere to the following specifications to be considered for reimbursement: A. Reimbursement may not exceed State travel reimbursement guidelines as established by the Department of Treasury in NJOMB circular letter 06-02 (found at http://www.state.nj.us/infobank/circular/cir0602b.htm), including but not limited to the types of travel, methods of transportation, mileage allowance, meal allowance, overnight travel and supporting documentation. B. Reimbursement must also be in compliance with OMB Circular A-87 (found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a087/a87_2004.html). No reimbursement will be issued without submission of written documentation such as receipts, checks and vouchers detailing the amount of each expenditure. Such documentation must be submitted within a timeframe to be established by the board. C. Shall provide, when requested by the board of education, a brief report that includes, as appropriate, but may not be limited to, a description of the primary purpose for the travel, and a summary of the goals and key issues that were addressed. This report will be submitted to an appropriate party designated by the board. In addition to the requirements above, such travel must be directly related to the employee s professional development. No district employee shall be reimbursed for travel and related expenses without prior approval of the Superintendent. Board members shall only be reimbursed for travel and related expenses that have received prior approval a majority of the full voting membership of the board, and is in compliance with N.J.S.A. 18A:12-24 and 24.1 of the School Ethics Act. The board shall: A. Allot in its annual budget a maximum travel expenditure amount and annually review its policy to assure that it properly reflects the amount budgeted. B. Adopt a public resolution authorizing each reimbursement; specifying the way in which it promotes the delivery of instruction or furthers the efficient operation of the school district. The board shall exclude from these requirements reimbursement for: A. travel caused by or subject to contractual provisions, other statutory requirements or federal regulatory requirements; and B. travel that will otherwise not comply with the requirements in state regulation governing this policy, but that is deemed necessary or unavoidable; documented with full detail; and approved by board resolution. In order to demonstrate compliance with this policy, documentation of all reimbursed travel expenses shall be maintained on file. This record may include receipts, checks and vouchers submitted in connection with any reimbursement. The Superintendent shall develop regulations to implement this policy. Adopted: June 10, 2002 Revised: Legal References: N.J.S.A. 18A:2_1 Power to effectuate action N.J.S.A. 18A:4-23 Supervision of schools; enforcement and 24 Determining efficiency of schools; report to state board N.J.S.A. 18A:11_1 General mandatory powers and duties N.J.S.A. 18A:12_4 Compensation of members N.J.S.A. 18A:12_24 School Ethics Act and 24. Code of Ethics N.J.S.A. 18A:54_20 Powers of board (county vocational schools) N.J.A.C. 6A:10A-8.3 Travel and Related Expense Reimbursement (Abbott Districts) N.J.A.C. 6A:23B-1.1 et. seq. Travel and Related Expense Reimbursement (Non-Abbott Districts) P.L.. 2005, c.132 Appropriations Act See also: In the Matter of Anthony Esgro, Luis Perez, Clifford Meeks and Frank Speziali, Glassboro Board of Education, CO7-97, March 30, 1998 Roll Call Vote Policy Item #1:
Page 6 of the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 12, 2005 BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS Mrs. Conlon gave an update on construction in the district. OLD BUSINESS Mrs. Jones gave an update on pending legislation, including S2618. MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: (Any Topic) 8:42 P.M. Rose Inguanti, resident, expressed concerns about several issues related to Union School safety and construction. Meeting was then closed to the public at 8:55 P.M. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Mr. Novosielski, seconded by Mrs. Williams that the meeting be adjourned at 8:57 P.M. Approved. Respectfully submitted, Robert Brown School Business Administrator/Board Secretary