MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 9, 2013
1.
OPENING ACTIVITIES The Mount Olive Township Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, September 9, 2013 at the Board/Administration Building, 89 Route 46, Budd Lake, N.J. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Board President, Mr. Giordano, with the following announcement: “The notice requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act of the State of New Jersey have been satisfied by the inclusion of the date, time and place of this meeting in the notice of regular meetings adopted by this Board on January 7, 2013. Such schedule and notice of meetings is posted at the Municipal Building, the Mount Olive Library, the Board of Education offices and the six schools, was submitted to the Daily Record for publication on January 8, 2013, and was filed with the Clerk of Mount Olive Township on January 8, 2013. I direct this announcement be entered into the minutes of this meeting.” Roll Call
Also in attendance:
2.
Present:
Mr. Amianda Mrs. Cohen Mrs. Colligan Mr. Giordano Mr. Halbur Mrs. Ouimet Mr. Robinson Mr. Werner
Absent:
Mr. Strillacci
Dr. Reynolds, Superintendent Ms. Conroy, Business Administrator Mr. Zitomer, Board Attorney
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS (BOARD/SUPERINTENDENT) There were no communications and/or petitions acknowledged by the Board or the Superintendent.
3.
REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS
3.1
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
3.1.1
REPORT ON OPENING OF THE 2013-14 SCHOOL YEAR Dr. Reynolds reviewed the opening enrollment for the 2013-14 school year, informing the Board that the district has experienced a significant influx of new students since the opening of school. The Superintendent speculated that the closure of St. Mary’s in Hackettstown has impacted the district’s enrollment and acknowledged that the additional students do create some challenges for the administration. However, Dr. Reynolds assured the Board that the administration would address the situation, explaining that he has brought the matter to the Board’s attention because it is unusual and was unplanned for. At the conclusion of his report, Dr. Reynolds entertained questions from the Board. Mr. Amianda questioned whether the calendars for the 2013-14 school year were sent out. Dr. Reynolds responded affirmatively, suggesting that anyone who did not receive one could contact his office for a copy.
3.2
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT Mr. Werner reported on the Personnel Committee meeting of Monday, September 9, 2013. (Summary attached)
Mr. Werner emphasized that the Personnel Committee is recommending that the Board reject the Township’s offer to share a School Resource Officer, explaining that the committee does not see the need for this position since the district currently employs a security officer at both the high school and middle school. Additionally, Mr. Werner declared that it would not be cost effective to assume half the cost of an officer. Mr. Robinson agreed with the Personnel Committee’s assessment, recalling that the Board’s share of the expense increased over time the last time the Board shared a School Resource Officer with the Township. 3.3
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION COMMITTEE REPORT Mrs. Colligan reported on the Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting of Monday, September 9, 2013. (Summary attached) Mrs. Ouimet expressed her enthusiasm at the prospect of offering the free/reduced lunch forms in Spanish. Mrs. Ouimet offered kudos to Mrs. Colligan for proposing the idea to the Board.
3.4
BUSINESS SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT - None
3.5
POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT - None
3.6
PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION LIAISON REPORTS - None
3.7
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT - None
4.
ACTION ITEMS Before proceeding with the action items, President Giordano opened the meeting to the public for any comments and/or questions regarding the action items only. Seeing none, this segment of the meeting was promptly closed.
4.1
APPROVAL OF MONTHLY EXPENDITURES Mr. Robinson moved to approve the following monthly expenditures:
September 9, 2013 Bill List #4.1.1
Motion to approve the September 9, 2013 Bill List in the amount of $730,848.15.
August 29, 2013 Payroll #4.1.2
Motion to approve the August 29, 2013 Payroll in the amount of $437,227.77.
Seconded by Mr. Amianda. Board Discussion: None Roll Call: Ayes Mr. Amianda Mrs. Cohen Mrs. Colligan Mr. Giordano Mr. Halbur Mrs. Ouimet Mr. Robinson Mr. Werner 4.2
Noes None
Abstentions None
PERSONNEL ACTION ITEMS Before proceeding with the Personnel action items, Mr. Werner read aloud action item #4.2.19, which was added to tonight’s personnel agenda.
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Mr. Werner then made a motion to approve, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, the following Personnel action items: Rescind Action Item from Previous Board Meeting #4.2.1
Rescind action item # 5.2.13 from the August 26, 2013 board meeting to revise the Satellite Cook job description.
Approval of IDEA Grant Salaries #4.2.2
Approve the funding of the attached salaries through IDEA Grant for the 2013-2014 school year.
Approval of NCLB Grant Salaries #4.2.3
Approve the funding of the attached salaries through NCLB Grant for the 2013-2014 school year.
Approval of Salary Increase #4.2.4
Approve an increase in salary for Joseph Kluska, Security Officer at Mount Olive High School at the annual salary of $55,000 effective for the 2013-2014 school year. (Budgeted)
Appointment of Student Activities Coordinator at MOHS #4.2.5
Approve the appointment of Christine Nelson to the Extra Pay for Extra Service position of Coordinator of Student Activities, 9-12 with a stipend of $6,346 for the 2013-2014 school year. (Budgeted)
Appointment of Student Activities Coordinator at MOMS #4.2.6
Approve the appointment of Nicholas Cutro to the Extra Pay for Extra Service position of Middle School Activities Coordinator with a stipend of $5,945 for the 2013-2014 school year. (Budgeted)
Appointment of Long Term Substitute Special Ed. Teacher #4.2.7
Approve the appointment of Sarah Gage as a long term substitute Special Education Teacher at Mount Olive High School at the per diem rate of $150.00 effective September 3, 2013 for the 2013-2014 school year, replacing Michele Hoffman. (Budgeted)
Appointment of Long Term Substitute English Teacher #4.2.8
Approve the appointment of Paula Fulper as a long term substitute Teacher of English at Mount Olive High School at the per diem rate of $80.00 for the first twenty consecutive days increasing to $150.00 per day on the 21st day effective September 3, 2013 through December 2, 2013 serving for Stacey Bartlett on a childcare leave of absence. (Budgeted)
Appointment of School Counselor-Magellan Program #4.2.9
Approve the appointment of Melissa Tindal, to the new School Counselor-Magellan Program at Tinc Road School at step one (1) MA - $59,639 effective September 10, 2013 for the 20132014 school year.
Appointment of Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant #4.2.10
Approve the appointment of Harvey Gross, Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant at Mount Olive Middle School at step seven (7) MA - $65,829 effective September 10, 2013 for the 20132014 school year, replacing Deborah Huffman.
Change of Employment #4.2.11
Approve the change of employment for Ann Neuhaus to Satellite Cook at Sandshore School at step two (2) - $12.18 per hour on the Cafeteria Salary Guide, five and one-half (5.5) hours per day, five (5) days per week effective September 3, 2013 for the 20132014 school year. (Budgeted)
Change of Employment #4.2.12
Approve the change of employment for Karen Duncan from twelve month Secretary Category 1 at Mount Olive Middle School to twelve month Secretary Category 2 to the Director of Educational Programs at current step ten (10) - $46,161 on the Secretarial Salary Guide prorated, eight (8) hours per day, five (5) days per week, effective October 1, 2013 for the 2013-2014 school year, replacing Joyce McMahon. (Budgeted)
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Approve column movement on the salary guide for the following professional staff for the 2013-2014 school year: (Budgeted)
Column Movements #4.2.13
Name Scott Buchanan Mary Fisher Mary Kellam Suzanne Murphy Kelly Rogalsky William Zaccheo
From 7 MA 4 BA 7 MA 6 BA 3 BA 5 MA
To 7 MA+30 4 MA 7 MA+30 6 BA+30 3 MA 5 MA+30
Employment of Substitute Secretary #4.2.14
Approve the employment of Joyce McMahon, substitute secretary personnel at the rate of $11.00 per hour effective October 1, 2013 for the 2013-2014 school year.
Employment of ABA Therapist #4.2.15
Approve the employment of Bonnie Ivaniski to provide five (5) hours of ABA Therapy at home at $15.16 per hour for a total of $75.80 for the 2013-2014 school year.
Approval of Job Description #4.2.16
Approve the job description for Educational Interpreter effective September 10, 2013 as attached.
Additions to List of Substitute Teachers #4.2.17
Approve the following additions to the list of substitute teachers for the 2013-2014 school year: Name Julie Lane Kevin O’Connor
Crs/Degree 105 crs 60 crs
Institution Montclair State University Gloucester County College
Appointment of PartTime Health and Phys. Ed. Teacher #4.2.18
Approve the appointment of Daniel Roman, new part time Teacher of Health and Physical Education .6 fte at Mount Olive Middle School at step one (1) BA - $51,039 prorated effective September 10, 2013 for the 2013-2014 school year.
Approval of Sidebar Agreement #4.2.19
Approve the Agreement Between the Education Association of Mount Olive and the Mount Olive Township Board of Education for a Sidebar Agreement for the Satillite Cook position for Sandshore School.
Seconded by Mr. Halbur. Board Discussion: None Roll Call: Ayes Mr. Amianda Mrs. Cohen Mrs. Colligan Mr. Giordano Mr. Halbur Mrs. Ouimet Mr. Robinson Mr. Werner 4.3
Noes None
Abstentions None
BUSINESS ACTION ITEMS Mr. Halbur made a motion to approve, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, the following Business action items:
Budget Transfers #4.3.1
Approve transfers for the 2013-14 school year.
Approval of Tuition Student #4.3.2
Accept one non-resident student (#300485) to attend the regular education Kindergarten Program at Mountain View School for the 2013-14 school year at an annual tuition rate of $12,320 per annum, prorated, tuition subject to State audit. Work Session Mtg. 9/9/13
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Approval of Tuition Student #4.3.3
Accept one non-resident student (#330215) to attend the regular education fourth grade program at Tinc Road School for the 2013-14 school year, at an annual tuition rate of $14,660 per annum, prorated, tuition subject to State audit.
Approval of Tuition Student #4.3.4
Accept one non-resident student (#330214) to attend the regular education second grade program at Tinc Road School for the 2013-14 school year, at an annual tuition rate of $14,660 per annum, prorated, tuition subject to State audit.
Seconded by Mr. Robinson. Board Discussion: None Roll Call: Ayes Mr. Amianda Mrs. Cohen Mrs. Colligan Mr. Giordano Mr. Halbur Mrs. Ouimet Mr. Robinson Mr. Werner 4.4
Noes None
Abstentions None
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION ITEMS Mr. Amianda made a motion to approve, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, the following Administrative action items:
Approval of Attendance at NJSBA Convention #4.4.1
Approve Board Member, Rhonda Cohen, to attend the Annual New Jersey School Boards Association convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey, October 22-24, 2013. Expenses to include registration, mileage reimbursement, hotel accommodations, meals, and incidental expenses not to exceed $1,000.
Approve Revised Consent Form #4.4.2
Approve revised Policy #2361B “Student Acceptable Use Policy and Internet Safety Consent Form, Grades K-5”, as attached, on first reading.
Approve Revised Consent Form #4.4.3
Approve revised Policy #2361C “Student Acceptable Use Policy and Internet Safety Consent Form, Grades 6-12”, as attached, on first reading.
Approval of New Policy #4.4.4
Approve new Policy #3144.3 “Suspension Upon Certification of Tenure Charge”, as attached, on first reading.
Approval of New Policy #4.4.5
Approve new Policy #3144.12 “Certification of Tenure Charges - Inefficiency”, as attached, on first reading.
Approval of New Policy #4.4.6
Approve new Policy #3372 “Teaching Staff Member Tenure Acquisition”, as attached, on first reading.
Approval of New Policy #4.4.7
Approve new Policy #3373 “Tenure Upon Transfer or Promotion”, as attached, on first reading.
Approve Revised HIB Policy #4.4.8
Approve revised Policy #5512 “Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying”, as attached, on first reading.
Seconded by Mr. Halbur. Board Discussion: None Work Session Mtg. 9/9/13
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Roll Call: Ayes Mr. Amianda Mrs. Cohen: #4.4.2 - #4.4.8 Mrs. Colligan Mr. Giordano Mr. Halbur Mrs. Ouimet Mr. Robinson Mr. Werner 5.
Noes None
Abstentions Mrs. Cohen: #4.4.1
PUBLIC COMMENTS President Giordano once again opened the meeting to the public for any comments and/or questions relating to the Mt. Olive School District. Seeing none, this segment of the meeting was promptly closed.
6.
OLD BUSINESS - None
7.
NEW BUSINESS - None
8.
BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS Mr. Halbur informed Mrs. Ouimet that he has responded to her recent e-mail request regarding some additional business items she would like discussed at the next Business Committee meeting. Mrs. Colligan wished the students, administration and teachers a great start to the new school year. Mrs. Colligan asked the Board to watch for upcoming press releases on the new Amplify program for freshman students and some student interviews regarding the new internship program. Mrs. Colligan wished a belated “happy holiday” to those who celebrated Rosh Hashanah. Mr. Robinson welcomed Don Todd back to the district, observing that the bus garage and transportation office seemed to be running very smoothly on the first day of school. Mr. Robinson urged the Board to read the Educational Leader magazine before the Board Goals session, explaining that the magazine contains several interesting articles regarding the STEM program. Mr. Robinson wished Mrs. Jones a Happy Birthday. Mrs. Cohen reported that she attended the Amplify meeting on Tuesday, conveying that the parents and students were very excited about the program, which appears to be going well thus far. Mr. Werner likewise expressed his enthusiasm for the Amplify program, emphasizing that the presentation and the process were very well thought out. Mr. Werner maintained that the Amplify tablet is a welcome addition to the many other technology enhancements the district has made, declaring that Mt. Olive is second to none in the area of technology. Mrs. Ouimet asked if it was necessary to complete the Acceptable Use Policy consent form on paper if you have previously completed it online. Dr. Reynolds replied that the paper version was distributed as a reminder to those parents who have not yet completed the form online. Mrs. Ouimet echoed the sentiments of her colleagues regarding the Amplify program, conveying that she has received many complimentary comments from parents regarding the program and the presentation. Mr. Giordano relayed a conversation he overheard from a group of parents from the Pequannock School District who expressed their dismay over losing Dr. Reynolds to the Mt. Olive School District. Work Session Mtg. 9/9/13
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Mr. Giordano informed the Board that he had an opportunity this past summer to train on the Stronge Evaluation Model, declaring that the model is a great tool for educators at all levels. Mr. Giordano stated that the model removes all subjectivity as it is based on documented evidence and announced that he received a perfect score on his certification. 9.
CONFIDENTIAL SESSION At 7:05 p.m. President Giordano moved the following resolution to recess into confidential session: Resolved, at a public meeting of the Mount Olive Township Board of Education held on September 9, 2013, that, pursuant to Sections 7 and 8 of the “Open Public Meetings Act”, the following items be discussed in a session of the Board of Education closed to the public: Personnel Be it further resolved, that the matters discussed in closed session be disclosed to the public when the reason for confidentiality no longer exists. Action may be taken. Seconded by Mr. Robinson and approved by a unanimous affirmative roll call vote of those members present. The Board reconvened in open session at approximately 7:25 p.m. at which time Mr. Werner made a motion to approve, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, the following Personnel action item: BE IT RESOLVED, that employee #6010 is hereby placed on leave of absence from work until proof of recovery, satisfactory to the Board, is provided pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:16-4, and
Employee Leave of Absence #4.2.20
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said leave shall be paid using accumulated sick days and shall be unpaid once those days are exhausted, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the leave shall be with benefits until October 31, 2013, at which time the benefits will be re-evaluated. Seconded by Mr. Halbur. Board Discussion: None Roll Call: Ayes Mr. Amianda Mrs. Cohen Mrs. Colligan Mr. Giordano Mr. Halbur Mrs. Ouimet Mr. Robinson Mr. Werner 10.
Noes None
Abstentions None
ADJOURNMENT At 7:26 p.m. Mr. Giordano made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Robinson, and unanimously carried by those members present.
Respectfully submitted, Lynn Jones, Board Secretary Work Session Mtg. 9/9/13
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