OAK VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WENONAH, NEW JERSEY A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Township of Deptford was held at the above place and date at 7:00p.m. prevailing time. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Brian McDonald at 7:00p.m. Statement: In accordance with the Sunshine Law: Notice of this meeting has been provided to the South Jersey Times, the Courier Post, the District Website, and the Municipal Clerk of the Township of Deptford to be posted in a public place. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Present Jeanine Donohue Mark Getsinger Trevaline Jackson Susan Kryszczak James McDevitt Brian McDonald Laura Newcomb Linda Rosser Absent Luke Zappile Also Present Dr. Charles Ford, Superintendent Mrs. Carolyn Morehead, Assistant Superintendent Mr. Michael Griggel, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary Ms. Isabel Machado, School Solicitor Machado Law Group Mr. Kyle Ulscht, School Solicitor Machado Law Group Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Motion by Mrs. David-Kryszczak, seconded by Mr. McDevitt, to amend the agenda for Mr. Schilling to have students from Oak Valley perform two songs. PUBLIC PORTION (agenda items only) Motion by Mr. Getsinger, seconded by Mrs. David-Kryszczak, to open the public portion on agenda items only. Lou Randazzo, President of the DEA, referenced page 8 of the agenda regarding negotiations. Mr. Randazzo stated the Deptford Education Association responded to Mr. McDonald s request from the November 17 th board meeting where Mr. McDonald asked if the Association would be willing to continue negotiations. Mr. McDonald stated that the Board will be discussing the DEA s response in Executive Session and a response will be going out later in the week. Stacy Gray stated that she believed her concern had been addressed. She stated that she shared with the Superintendent and he in turn shared with the board President case law of Nowak v. Manville, which addresses a lame duck board. A board cannot take action that usurps the newly elected board members. Only purchase orders and regular business can be voted on. Motion by Ms. Rosser, seconded by Mr. Getsinger, to close the public portion on agenda items only. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1
Motion by Ms. Rosser, seconded by Mrs. David-Kryszczak, on the recommendation of the Superintendent to approve the Open Session and Executive Session minutes of the meeting held November 17, 2016. Motion carried. Roll call vote (7-0-1) with Mrs. Donohue abstaining. PRESENTATION: NJ Exemplary Teacher recognition: Jeanne Diem, Maria Gioffre Maria Gioffre spoke about Jeanne Diem s ability to get her students engaged in her classroom. She has a connection with her students. COMMUNICATIONS Dr. Ford introduced Mr. Joe Kelly from Insight. Mr. Kelly handed the board his presentation that explained the issues with fill rates for teachers and para-professionals. He stated that part of the problem with fill rates being low is that the per diem rate that Deptford offers is below surrounding districts, which substitutes are gravitating to higher per diems. Mrs. Kryszczak asked why the fill rates are lower for para-professionals. Mr. Kelly explained if there is a substitute position available the substitutes will select the teacher rate before they would select the para-professional position. Mr. McDevitt stated pay rates are on the lower side in Gloucester County. Mr. Kelly stated it might be time for the Board of Education to discuss increasing the per diem rate for substitutes. Ms. Rosser brought up the decision to switch from Source4Teachers to Insight and the district shouldn t have waited until the end of November to start strategizing. She added that having a classroom without coverage is unacceptable, and hopes that going forward fill rates improve. Mr. McDonald asked what are the fill rates and per diem from surrounding districts. REPORTS POLICY 1. Superintendent Nothing to report. 2. Committees: a. Policy Trevaline Jackson, Chairperson (PCM Attachment) Mrs. Jackson stated she will be sending a policy report from their committee meeting. b. Personnel Jeanine Donohue, Chairperson Nothing to report but would like to have a personnel committee meeting. c. Curriculum Trevaline Jackson, Chairperson (CCM Attachment) 1. Mrs. Jackson stated that the board should have received the committee minutes. 2. After School Spartan Pride Academy, how do we support the students that attend Oak Valley when the school is not a Title I school? 3. Spartan Pride Academy Before and After school programs going well. 4. High School Curriculum handbook needs to have AP courses listed in the history section. 5. School Choice what type of students are coming to the district? 6. Spartan Academy is being offered to all students at Monongahela Middle School, and summer algebra won t be a requirement to get into the academy. 7. After Mrs. McAteer s report on the PARCC test results, the students did well, but didn t see great growth. The district is looking at ways to reach the students for improvement. 8. Each elementary school has a class of advanced math to help with the transition to Middle School advanced math. Mr. McDonald asked if there are opportunities/programs for students not in advanced class who can work themselves into advanced math. d. Finance Mark Getsinger, Chairperson Mr. Getsinger stated that at the finance committee there were discussions about the substitute per diem rate and that Mr. Griggel would do a cost analysis to see if the district could increase the rates without having a negative impact on the budget. Mr. Getsinger added that Sodexo paid the district $90,093 for the guarantee that is written into the contract. e. Buildings & Grounds Linda Rosser, Chairperson Ms. Rosser stated that there is a meeting scheduled for December 1, 2016 and will forward the minutes of the meeting to the entire board. f. Shared Services Laura Newcomb, Chairperson Nothing to report. Motion by Ms. Rosser, seconded by Mr. McDevitt, on the recommendation of the Superintendent to approve the following: 1. Second reading of Policy 7481 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS also known as Drones) (New) as attached (Policy Attachment 1). 2. Second reading of Regulation 2414 Programs and Services for Students in High Poverty and in High Need School Districts (M) (Revised) as attached (Policy Attachment 2). 2
3. Second reading of Policy & Regulation 3144 Certification of Tenure Charges (Revised) as attached (Policy Attachment 3). 4. Second reading of Policy 4159 Support Staff Member/School District Reporting Responsibilities (Revised) as attached (Policy Attachment 4). 5. Second reading of Policy 5305 Health Services Personnel (Revised) as attached (Policy Attachment 5). 6. Second reading of Regulation 5330 Administration of Medication (M) (Revised) (Policy Attachment 6). 7. Second reading of Policy & Regulation 5350 Student Suicide Prevention & Student Suicide (Revised) (Policy Attachment 7). 8. First reading of Regulation 2200 Curriculum Content (M) (Revised) as attached (Policy Attachment 8). 9. First reading of Regulation 1530 Equal Employment Opportunity Complaint Procedure (M) (Revised) as attached (Policy Attachment 9). 10. First reading of Policy 1523 Comprehensive Equity Plan (M) (Revised) as attached (Policy Attachment 10). 11. First reading of Policy 3125 Employment of Teaching Staff Members (M) (Revised) as attached (Policy Attachment 11). 12. First reading of Policy 3125.2 Employment of Substitute Teachers (Revised) as attached (Policy Attachment 12). 13. First reading of Policy & Regulation 3126 District Mentoring Program (Revised) as attached (Policy Attachment 13). PERSONNEL Motion by Mrs. Donohue, seconded by Ms. Rosser, on the recommendation of the Superintendent to approve the following, except Item #5a, which will be discussed in Executive Session: Motion carried. Roll call vote (7-0-1) with Ms. Rosser abstaining. Motion by Ms. Rosser, seconded by Mrs. David-Kryszczak, to approve the following except Items #4a, #7a, and #7b: 1. RETIREMENTS, RESIGNATIONS AND TERMINATIONS - NONE LEAVES OF ABSENCE 56958101, Business. Office, Medical 2. LEAVES OF ABSENCE LEAVE REQUESTED FEDERAL MEDICAL LEAVE NJ FLA 12/21/16-1/13/17 12/21/16-1/13/17 N/A USE OF SICK DAYS 12/21/16-1/9/17 personal 1/10/17 vacation 1/11/17-1/13/17 Date rec'd in BO 11/17/16 705679074, Transportation, Medical 11/9/16-1/9/17 11/9/16-1/9/17 N/A 11/9/16-1/9/17 11/18/16 70340419, LT, Maternity, REVISION 5/9/16-12/23/16 previously approved 5/9/16-11/30/16 5/9/16-10/14/16 10/17/16-12/23/16 5/9/16-6/9/16 personal 6/10/16-6/13/16 unpaid 6/14/16-12/23/16 11/21/16 3. TRANSFERS - NONE 4. EMPLOYMENT a. Lauren Rymal, ELA Teacher, Monongahela Middle School, effective January 3, 2017 through June 30, 2017 at a salary of $57,055 (pending negotiations), MA, Step 2, as per the applicable Unit agreement (pending Criminal History Record clearance) (replacement for K. Wick who is retiring) (11-130-100-101- 00-0). b. Sherri Barrett, substitute school nurse, effective November 30, 2016 for the 2016-2017 school year, at a rate of $125 per day, as previously approved by the Board. 3
5. PROMOTIONS a. Susan Favinger, Assistant Supervisor for Custodians, effective November 30, 2016 through June 30, 2017 at a starting salary of $62,000 (prorated). 6. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DATE CONFERENCE/WORKSHOP LOCATION SCHOOL EMPLOYEE REGISTRATION COST 12/05/16 Making the Best Use of Technology in Nicotra- Cherry Hill, Your School Library program to Support Kinsella, NJ Instruction and Enrich Student Learning Oak Valley Rosemary $245.00 12/06/2016 Practical Strategies for a Highly Effective Co-Teach Model 12/14/16 12/14/16 Classroom Management: Solutions to Common Behavior Problems Schools of the Future: NJ Leadership Conference EIRC Camden County College Monroe Township, NJ Good Intent CECC Shady Lane Curriculum Haenchen, Rochelle Scales, Cindy McDonnell, Tina McAteer, Sherry $0 12/16/16 Creating a Positive Culture for Learning 01/05/17 Computing with Fractions 01/17/17 Professional Learning Communities for Teachers and Administrators of All Grade Levels 02/10/17 Creating a Growth Mindset for Students Camden County College Rowan University Camden County College Camden County College Good Intent Oak Valley CECC CECC Matthews, Kim Jacob, Daniele Gewertz, Tiffany Williams, Sarae 7. OTHER a. Lynn Colosi, Volunteer, Lake Tract School, effective November 30, 2016 for the 2016-2017 school year. b. John McKeever, Volunteer, High School Wrestling Coach, effective November 30, 2016 for the 2016-2017 school year. c. The McRel Teacher and Administrator Evaluation System for the 2016-2017 school year with the use of the NJDOE optional Evaluation Leadership Rubric for administrators. d. Change of degree status as follows: Change of Degree Status 2016-2017 Name From To Bitting, Tammy BA BA + 15 e. Kristin Roberts, Girls Basketball Coach (2 nd ), effective November 30, 2016 for the 2016 2017 school year at a stipend of $3,494 (pending negotiations). Motion by Ms. Rosser, seconded by Mrs. David-Kryszczak, to approve the following Item #4a: 4. EMPLOYMENT a. Lauren Rymal, ELA Teacher, Monongahela Middle School, effective January 3, 2017 through June 30, 2017 at a salary of $57,055 (pending negotiations), MA, Step 2, as per the applicable Unit agreement 4
November 29, 2016 (pending Criminal History Record clearance) (replacement for K. Wick who is retiring) (11-130-100-101- 00-0). Motion by Ms. Rosser, seconded by Mr. McDevitt, to approve the following Item #7a: 7. OTHER a. Lynn Colosi, Volunteer, Lake Tract School, effective November 30, 2016 for the 2016-2017 school year. Motion by Mr. McDevitt, seconded by Mrs. David-Kryszczak, to approve the following Item #7b: 7. OTHER b. John McKeever, Volunteer, High School Wrestling Coach, effective November 30, 2016 for the 2016-2017 school year Motion carried. Roll call vote (7-0-1) with Mrs. Donohue abstaining. CURRICULUM There were no items under Curriculum. STUDENTS Motion by Ms. Rosser, seconded by Mr. McDevitt, on the recommendation of the Superintendent to approve the following: 1. Approval of HIB Investigations as reported on the 11/17/16 Board Meeting. 2. Homebound Instruction placements as follows: Student ID Type Placement # of hrs per week Cost Start Date End Date 200002434 Special Ed Brookfield Inspira N/A $30/hour 11/14/16 TBD 700004892 Regular Ed Brookfield Inspira N/A $30/hour 11/14/16 TBD 300002388 Regular Ed Hampton N/A $30/hour 11/13/16 TBD 800000172 Regular Ed Princeton House N/A $30/hour 11/16/16 TBD 3. Field trips as listed below: DATE DESTINATION SCHOOL PARTICIPATING CLASS/CLUB TEACHER ADMISSION COST TRANSPORTATION COST 12/06/2016 New Sharon School Shady MD 2-4 Pierce $0 $0 Lane 12/09/2016 Filomena s/rotary Club Luncheon DHS Jazz Cox $0 $0 5
12/14/16 Auletto Caterers MMS 8 th Grade Choir Haney $0 $0 12/15/16 Twin Cedars Assisted Living Facility DHS Rotary Interact Woodrow $0 $0 1/14/17 Palestra DHS Culture Club Redmond $15.00 $5.00 4. Acknowledgment of homeschooled student #200002475, Monongahela Middle School, effective November 1, 2016. FINANCE Motion by Ms. Rosser, seconded by Mrs. Donohue, on the recommendation of the School Business Administrator to approve the following items #2 and #4 and pull items #1 and #3: 1. The Deptford Township Board of Education, pursuant to Board Policy 7230, does hereby accept and acknowledge that one Steven D. Lopilato has named the Deptford Township Board of Education as the primary beneficiary on a number of his investment accounts, currently valued at approximately $750,000. The Board understands that the value of said accounts may increase or decrease in the future and that same is outside of the Board s control. Additionally, the Board acknowledges that Mr. Lopilato has requested that, upon his passing, said sums be utilized in addition to, rather than in lieu of, the established budget. The Board further acknowledges that Mr. Lopilato has requested that said sums be used exclusively for the benefit of Deptford High School. Upon Mr. Lopilato s passing, the Board shall make every effort to honor the intent of the donor in its use of the gift, but reserves the right to use any gift it accepts in the best interest of the educational program of the district (Finance Attachment 1). 2. To discard the attached list of VHS tapes which are no longer in use at the high school (Finance Attachment 2). 3. To enter into a memorandum of understanding between Rowan University, Rowan College at Gloucester County, and Deptford Township Board of Education to form an educational partnership to provide high school students with the curriculum, experiences, preparation and opportunities they need to confidently arrive at their post-secondary education and career goals. 4. The following agency for homebound instruction for the 2016/2017 school year: Princeton House Behavioral Health Moorestown NJ: Rate $30/hr. for Educational Tutoring. Motion by Ms. Rosser, seconded by Mr. Getsinger to approve Finance Item #1: Motion carried. Roll call vote (8-0) 1. The Deptford Township Board of Education, pursuant to Board Policy 7230, does hereby accept and acknowledge that one Steven D. Lopilato has named the Deptford Township Board of Education as the primary beneficiary on a number of his investment accounts, currently valued at approximately $750,000. The Board understands that the value of said accounts may increase or decrease in the future and that same is outside of the Board s control. Additionally, the Board acknowledges that Mr. Lopilato has requested that, upon his passing, said sums be utilized in addition to, rather than in lieu of, the established budget. The Board further acknowledges that Mr. Lopilato has requested that said sums be used exclusively for the benefit of Deptford High School. Upon Mr. Lopilato s passing, the Board shall make every effort to honor the intent of the donor in its use of the gift, but reserves the right to use any gift it accepts in the best interest of the educational program of the district (Finance Attachment 1). Motion by Ms. Rosser, seconded by Mr. McDevitt to approve Finance Item #3: 3. To enter into a memorandum of understanding between Rowan University, Rowan College at Gloucester County, and Deptford Township Board of Education to form an educational partnership to provide high school 6
Motion carried. Roll call vote (8-0. BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS November 29, 2016 students with the curriculum, experiences, preparation and opportunities they need to confidently arrive at their post-secondary education and career goals. There were no items under Buildings and Grounds. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Update on the solar project Mr. Griggel explained that the New Jersey Department of Education sent the approval letters which were incorrect. There was an email sent to Mr. Ferguson explaining that the district cannot move forward until these letters are corrected. In the email were very specific changes that had to be made by the NJDOE. The second part is the permit fees from the municipality. Mr. Griggel is trying to get an appointment with Mr. Hatalovsky to discuss the permit fees. Legal fee update will be discussed in Executive Session. NEW BUSINESS Mrs. Jackson thanked the staff and students at New Sharon. Their Holiday feast/program was great and the food was delicious. Mrs. Jackson stated that they made a Thanksgiving dinner and the students have grown in this program. The students served and worked well together, and this program has grown and blossomed. Mrs. Jackson asked about lunch time at the elementary schools, and is concerned if there is enough time for the students to eat their lunch. Need to check with Food Service to see if there are any issues with students eating lunch. Mrs. Donohue asked about the awards banquet for High School students for fall sports, and asked if this will continue for winter and spring sports. Dr. Ford stated that the awards banquet is for all seasonal sports. Mrs. Kryszczak asked if the district is allowed to have a district dress down day, and what is the district s protocol on this subject. Mrs. Machado said there is board policy pertaining to dress down days that need to be followed. Mrs. Kryszczak asked about RFP s for professional services and is the district considering going out for RFP s. Dr. Ford stated that we have the option to renew professional services for School Solicitor, Auditor and Architect and hasn t heard any problems with their services. Mr. Griggel brought up the transportation issues next week with parent/teacher conferences being held. The elementary schools are on a shortened day schedule and the High and Middle School have regular dismissal time. Mr. Griggel explained that Transportation will be experiencing late busses at the Middle and High School because of the different schedules. Mrs. Jackson stated that this will have an impact in February due to parent/teacher conferences. Dr. Ford stated that he would like the board to approve giving him authority to discuss the district s options tomorrow and will report to the board what approach will be taken to resolve the transportation next week. Motion by Ms. Rosser, seconded by Mr. Getsinger, to allow Dr. Ford to correct the transportation issue regarding parent/teacher conferences. PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Ms. Rosser, seconded by Mr. McDevitt, to approve the payment of the following bills, with funds available, per approval of the Superintendent and the Finance Committee (Bills List Attachment): Payment of: Amount General Bills $350,278.48 Cafeteria Bills $184,702.29 Total Bills $534,980.77 PUBLIC PORTION 7
Motion by Ms. Rosser, seconded by Mr. Getsinger, to open the public portion. November 29, 2016 Lou Randazzo spoke about the importance of all staff from teachers, para-professionals, secretaries, maintenance and transportation. Mr. Randazzo recognized the drivers that have been with the district for over 20 plus years, which related to 251 combined years of service at Deptford. Stacy Gray congratulated Mrs. Diem and the bus drivers. Mrs. Gray asked about the website and is concerned that the district website isn t completed. She also mentioned her concern about the clubs and activities and doesn t know which clubs or activities will be offered while the district is in negotiations. Mrs. Gray added that it is all about the children. She reached out to the Principals on the recommendation of Dr. Ford, and asked for a list of what clubs and activities are functioning. She doesn t know how to guide her child, which is very frustrating and disappointing. Scott Peatman stated that he is not happy with the district website. Mr. McDonald stated that the board is frustrated with the progress of the website. Mr. Peatman stated that the athletic schedules are taking too much time to be uploaded. Mr. Peatman stated that the High School Administrators sent out letters to the students stating that you are on your own, and this is the backup plan? No one can tell him what the backup plan is! Terese Cabey is upset about National Honors and everything her son belongs to is no longer available. Everything is cancelled for the students and she doesn t understand why they are cancelled. This is unfair to the students and really frustrating. Amanda Theodore stated the same concerns that Mrs. Cabey has, but added that the activities will not start up until the contract is settled. She brought up ROTC and how it helped her son and this has become a significant part of his High School experience. Steven Cabey spoke about his child in the ROTC program and how it has helped him grow as a person. Dr. Ford stated that he will need his cell number at the break and will call him. Mr. McDonald stated that the Board of Education is trying to settle the contract. Tyler Smith spoke about Spartan period and doesn t like that he can t leave and has to sit on the floor, and doesn t like what is going on currently at the school. Michelle Walker stated that everyone needs a fair contract. Who is suffering are the students and parents. She added that we are a working community and the contract needs to be settled for the students that attend Deptford Schools. Mr. McDonald stated that the board wants to settle, but the board also has to be aware of staff, policies, financial impact and community. Mrs. Alcott asked why the National Honors Society is being discussed in Executive Session and not in public portion of the board meeting. Mrs. Machado stated it is attorney/client privileges. Mrs. Alcott started reading off parts of the website that are still not functioning, which included Mr. Wertz still being listed as the Vice Principal at the High School. Mr. Peatman asked if the High School library is open after school hours. Dr. Ford stated that the library is opened. Motion by Ms. Rosser, seconded by Mrs. Donohue, to close the public portion. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A MEETING CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC Motion by Ms. Rosser, seconded by Mrs. David-Kryszczak, on the recommendation of the Superintendent to approve the following: WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 allows for a Public Body to go into closed session during a Public Meeting; and WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Township of Deptford has deemed it necessary to go into closed session to discuss certain matters which are exempted from the Public; and WHEREAS, the regular meeting of this Board of Education will reconvene at the conclusion of closed session, at approximately 8:00 p.m. this evening. 8
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Township of Deptford will go into closed session for the following reason(s) as outlined in N.J.S.A. 10:4-12: X _ X Any matter the disclosure of which constitutes an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy (review of HIB incidences, residency hearing); Any collective bargaining agreement, or the terms and conditions of which are proposed for inclusion in any collective bargaining agreement, including the negotiation of terms and conditions with employees or representatives of employees of the public body (DEA agreement, July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016); BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby declares that its discussion of the aforementioned subject(s) may be made public at a time when the Board Attorney advises the Board of Education that the disclosure of the discussion will not detrimentally affect any right, interest or duty of the School District or any other entity with respect to said discussion. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Education, for the aforementioned reasons, hereby declares that the public is excluded from the portion of the meeting during which the above discussion shall take place and hereby directs the Board Secretary to take the appropriate action to effectuate the terms of this resolution. I, Michael Griggel, Board Secretary do hereby certify the above to be a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Education of the Township of Deptford at their meeting held on November 29, 2016 in Deptford, New Jersey. Michael Griggel, Board Secretary RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION Motion by Ms. Rosser, seconded by Mr. McDevitt, to return to public session. Mrs. Donohue left the meeting. Motion by Mrs. David-Kryszczak, seconded by Mr. McDevitt, to approve the following Personnel Item 5a with revised dates as listed: a. Susan Favinger, Assistant Supervisor for Custodians, effective November 30, 2016 through January 3, 2017 at a starting salary of $62,000 (prorated). Motion carried. Roll call vote (5-0-2) with Ms. Rosser and Mr. Getsinger abstaining. Motion by Ms. Rosser, seconded by Mr. McDevitt, to approve the following: Be it resolved that the Board of Education determined that student number 200002436 is not a resident and therefore not entitled to attend school in Deptford Township based on a residency hearing convened November 29, 2016, where parents did not appear despite being properly notified. Motion carried. Roll call vote (7-0). Motion by Mr. Getsinger, seconded by Mrs. David-Kryszczak, to approve the revised addendum from Insight that was discussed in Executive Session on November 29, 2016. Motion carried. Roll call vote (7-0) 9
ADJOURNMENT November 29, 2016 Motion by Ms. Rosser, seconded by Mr. McDevitt, to adjourn. Michael Griggel School Business Administrator/Board Secretary 10