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Agenda:LOPATCONG TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION 321 Stonehenge Drive Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING: The Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, February 10, 2004 at 7:30pm at Lopatcong Township Middle School located at 321 Stonehenge Drive. The meeting will be held in the Cafetorium. To gain admittance, please use the entrance at Stonehenge Drive. The meeting will be open to the public at 8:00pm. AGENDA
R-107-04 Stipend Positions R-111-04 Substitute Approval R-112-04 Accept Letter of Retirement R-113-04 Accept Letter of Retirement R-114-04 Accept Letter of Retirement R-115-04 Hire Custodian R-116-04 Tenure Approval R-117-04 Appoint Affirmative Action Team R-118-04 Elimination of Policy R-119-04 Adopt Revised Policy R-120-04 Field Trip Approval R-121-04 Approve FY03 IDEA Carryover Application R-122-04 Approve FY03 No Child Left Behind Carryover Application R-123-04 Set Public Hearing Date
An Executive Session may be called at the end of the regular session Public comments are invited on any educationally pertinent subject. All participants will be given five (5) minutes to state their issue. In addition, the subject matter may be discussed by the Board for an additional five (5) minutes. All audience participants must state their name and address before speaking. Thank you for understanding.
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Minutes:MINUTES OF THE LOPATCONG TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION President Kish called the meeting to order at 7:30pm. Mrs. Seymore read the following opening statement, "I would like to announce and have placed in the minutes that adequate notice of this regular meeting of the Lopatcong Township Board of Education has been provided in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act by publication of the annual notice in the Express-Times. A copy of this notice has also been filed with the Township Clerk and posted in two school locations." The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present. ROLL CALL Present: Donna Drake (arrived at 7:41pm), Ernie Gallant, Frank Kish, Greg McGann, Timothy McGuinness, Jesse Rozycki, Raisy Stammherr, and Bill Taggart. Absent: Joe Kennedy Others Present: Albert V. Purdy - Superintendent; Patricia Seymore - Assistant to the Business Administrator, Rosemary Kowalchuk - Principal, Matthew Eagleburger - Assistant Principal, and 19 members of the public. EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion by McGuinness, seconded by Rozycki, WHEREAS, Section 7 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975 (R.S. 10:4-13), permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting or portion of a meeting of this public body in certain circumstances; and WHEREAS, the Board of Education must consider matters involving legal issues and personnel, the disclosure of which could constitute and unwarranted invasion of privacy; now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education adjourn to executive session at 7:34pm to discuss the above mentioned matter to the exclusion of all others. Matters discussed may or may not be made public this evening. Any resulting action will be taken after re-entry into regular session. Vote: 7 - Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Taggart, second by McGann, that the Board of Education return to regular session at 8:01pm. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Mrs. Drake arrived during executive session. CORRESPONDENCE
MINUTES Motion by Drake, second by Stammherr, that the minutes of January 13, 2004 be approved and filed as amended. Vote: 8 - Yes. Motion carried. BILL LIST Motion by Taggart, second by McGuinness, that the bills submitted for the February 10, 2004 meeting be approved for payment. Vote: 8 - Yes. Motion carried. SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORTS Motion by McGuinness, second by Rozycki, that the Secretary/Treasurer Reports submitted for the months ending December 31, 2003, which agree with each other and the bank be approved and filed. Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. FINANCIAL REPORT CERTIFICATION Motion by McGuinness, second by Taggart, as follows: Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11(c)3, the Board Secretary certifies that no line account has encumbrances and expenditures, which in total exceed the line item appropriation in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11(a) and; Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11(c)4, we certify that as of December 31, 2003, after review of the monthly report (appropriation section) and upon consultation with the appropriate officials, to the best of our knowledge no major line account or fund has been over-expended in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11(b), and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district’s financial obligations for the entire fiscal year. Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. STUDENT RECOGNITION Mr. Kish acknowledged 5th graders Nicole Ham and Leslie Reid for raising $8,500 for the Middle School Library Fund. “Certificates of Appreciation” were given to both students. GENERAL COMMENTS Mr. Kish stated to the public that Board Agendas are available before each meeting through the Board of Education Office. Agendas will also be put on the school website in the future. Mr. Purdy introduced Trish Steele who presented information about the possibility of Lopatcong hosting the Summer Youth Theatre Day Camp at the Middle School. It will be at no cost to the school district. Trish asked the Board to review her request and advise her. Times are weekdays 9:00am-1:00pm and one Saturday 12:00pm-9:00pm for performances. Custodial costs would be covered by the Theatre Group. Mr. Purdy introduced Laura Wynkoop who passed out invitations to the Board for the “Read Across America” celebration for Board member participation.
Motion by Gallant, second by McGuinness, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, appoint the following persons to stipend positions for the 2003-2004 school year:
Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Mr. Purdy commented that the stipends are typically shared by more than one staff member.
Motion by McGuinness, second by Taggart, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve substitute teachers for the remainder of the 2003-2004 school year as presented and attached to these minutes. Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried.
Motion by Taggart, second by McGann, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, accept with regrets the retirement of Barbara Esposito effective July 1, 2004. Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Mr. Kish stated that Miss Esposito has been with the district for many years and has been a great teacher. Mrs. Drake agreed.
Motion by Taggart, second by McGann, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, accept with regrets the retirement of Ruth Ann McLaughlin effective July 1, 2004 Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Mrs. Drake stated that Mrs. McLaughlin has been a great part of the educational process for many children and will be missed. Mr. McGuinness agreed.
Motion by McGann, second by Gallant, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, accept with regrets the retirement of Carl Meixsell as Treasurer of School Monies effective April 1, 2004. Mr. Meixsell will continue to work in the capacity of Treasurer through June 30, 2004. Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried.
Motion by Drake, second by Rozycki, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the hiring of Maynard Reeves as custodian for the remainder of the 2003-2004 school year effective February 16, 2004. Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried.
Tabled.
Motion by Stammherr, second by Gallant, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, appoint the following persons to the Affirmative Action Team to conduct a needs assessment and to develop the Comprehensive Equity Plan: Rosemary Kowalchuk, Affirmative Action Officer Matthew Eagleburger, Assistant Principal Teresa E. Barna, Business Administrator JoAnn Houseman, Child Study Team Director Betsy Fania, School Nurse Michael Alvino, Staff Member Laura Wynkoop, Staff Member Heather Weidlick, LEA President Marianne Burd, Counselor Linda Weiss, PTA President Brandon Carroll, Student Bill Taggart, Board Member Vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried.
Motion by Gallant, second by Drake, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent and the policy committee, approve the elimination of policy file code 4211.1 entitled “Affirmative Action/Sexual Harassment” which has been replaced by Policy File Code: 4111.1 entitled “Sexual Harassment of School Staff Members”. Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried.
Motion by McGuinness, second by Taggart, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent and the policy committee, adopt revised Policy File Code: 3541.1 entitled “Transportation Routes and Services” as read, attached to these minutes and filed in the district policy manual. Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Mr. Gallant thanked the members of the Policy Committee for their work. Mrs. Drake informed the public that copies of policy are available at the Board Office after they are approved.
Motion by Taggart, second by Rozycki, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the following field trips:
Vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried.
Motion by McGann, second by Gallant, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the Fiscal Year 2003 IDEA Preschool Carryover Application in the amount of $430. Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried.
Motion by Rozycki, second by Drake, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the Fiscal Year 2003 No Child Left Behind Carryover Application as follows:
Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Mr. McGuinness asked if the district lost money. Mrs. Kowalchuk explained that No Child Left Behind funding is based on the financial status of the residents.
Motion by Drake, second by Rozycki, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education set the date for the public hearing on the 2004-2005 school year budget as Tuesday, March 30, 2004 at 7:30pm. Vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried.
Motion by Drake, second by Taggart, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the placement of Brian Marinelli on suspension with pay effective January 26, 2004 pending a criminal investigation. Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried.
Motion by Gallant, second by McGuinness, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, approve the use of the Lopatcong Township Middle School for the Phillipsburg Summer Youth Theatre as outlined by Mrs. Steele and pending receipt of a completed “Use of Facilities” form and an Insurance Certificate. Vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried.
Motion by McGuinness, second by Gallant, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, amend the 2003-2004 school calendar removing February 13, 2004 as a due to the need to make up a school day because of closing for inclement weather. Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Mr. Kish read a prepared statement to the public stating that Board meetings will be open to the public at 7:30pm effective immediately. Executive Sessions will be called when necessary. Written statement will be entered into the minutes and notice will be sent home to parent or on website. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT Mr. Purdy spoke of the “Read Across America Program” and how two members of the New Jersey Thunder are coming to read to our students. REPRESENTATIVE INFORMATION FROM PHILLIPSBURG Mr. Kish gave information to the Board about the Abbott Program at Phillipsburg for college bound students. Architects have been interviewed by Phillipsburg for the new high school project. The final choice should be announced in a few weeks. Mr. Kish shared some statistics on state funding percentages in New Jersey. LEGISLATIVE REPORT No Report OTHER ITEMS OF EMERGENT NATURE Mr. Gallant advised that a Dedication Ceremony is being planned for the new middle school for late March or early April. Mr. Gallant stated that he forwarded information to Mrs. Barna regarding noise abatement for the chiller. Regarding sidewalks, the Mayor is going to get back to Mr. Gallant on the status of sidewalks being installed along Belvidere Road. Mr. Purdy stated that April 3rd is the only date that is open to hold a Dedication Ceremony. The ceremony is tentatively set for 1:00pm on April 3, 2004. Donna Drake informed the public that a liaison committee is being formed to address communication link between the board, teachers, parents, etc. The Education Committee is working on the issue. PUBLIC COMMENT JoAnn Buckley – What will it cost to repair the gym floor? Mr. Kish advised that there is a one year warranty with the contractors and that the gym floor problems are being assessed. Mr. Porcelli of the Shade Tree Commission would like to assist in the purchase of trees and have a ceremony on Arbor Day. The commission would like participation by students. Mr. Porcelli will meet with Mrs. Kowalchuk and Mrs. Buckley to plan the event. Susan Flanagan stated that she is not in agreement with the meeting time change to 7:30pm with Executive Sessions being called at the discretion of the President. Another member of the public indicated that it is hard to hear comments coming from the Board at the side tables. The use of microphones was recommended. EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion by McGuinness, seconded by Taggart, WHEREAS, Section 7 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975 (R.S. 10:4-13), permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting or portion of a meeting of this public body in certain circumstances; and WHEREAS, the Board of Education must consider matters involving personnel, the disclosure of which could constitute and unwarranted invasion of privacy; now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education adjourn to executive session at 9:37pm to discuss the above mentioned matter to the exclusion of all others. Matters discussed may or may not be made public this evening. Any resulting action will be taken after re-entry into regular session. Vote: 8 - Yes. Motion carried. Motion by McGuinness, second by Taggart, that the Board of Education return to regular session at 10:03pm. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Motion by McGuinness, second by Drake, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, offer tenure to the following staff members effective immediately: Linda Kohl Amy Harman Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. A short discussion took place regarding the audience’s perception of the Board during meetings and perhaps the Board should be more attuned to the audience as to how they’re being perceived by the public. Hearing no further business, the Board adjourned at 10:10pm on a motion by McGann, second by McGuinness. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Respectfully submitted, Teresa E. Barna, RSBO Business Administrator/Board Secretary
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