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Agenda:

1. Call Meeting to Order, Flag Salute, Opening Statement

2. Roll Call

3. Executive Session

4. Correspondence

5. Minutes of May 10, 2005, Bill Lists, Secretary/Treasurer Reports for April 30, 2005/Certify Financials.

6. Public Comment on Agenda Items

7. New Business - Action Items

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.

Minutes:

President Gallant called the meeting to order on June 14, 2005 at 7:00pm.  Mrs. Tolley 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 at both school locations.”

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.

ROLL CALL

Present:  Dennis Drake, Ernie Gallant, Terry Glennon, Frank Kish (arrived 7:08pm), Greg McGann, Tim McGuinness, Jesse Rozycki (arrived at 7:15pm), Raisy Stammherr (arrived at 7:25pm), and Bill Taggart.

Absent:  None.

Others Present:  Albert V. Purdy, Superintendent; Frances Tolley, Interim Business Administrator/Board Secretary; John Comegno, Board Attorney; Leslie Lang, Construction Attorney; Rosemary Kowalchuk, Principal; Matthew Engleburger, Assistant Principal, JoAnn Murray, CST Director; Lopatcong Education Association Representatives Heather Weidlick and Mike Alvino, and NJEA Representative Paul Heller.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion by Mr. Taggart, seconded by Mr. McGuinness

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 issues related to the Superintendent Search, the disclosure of which could constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy; now

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education adjourn to executive session at 7:05pm 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: 6 - Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. Rozycki, that the Board of Education return to regular session at 7:40pm.  Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

CORRESPONDENCE

1. Letter from the Commissioner of Education, State of New Jersey, certified the Lopatcong School District to May 1, 2012.

2. Thank you letter from Annelle Conover, Choral Director.

3. Thank you note from Teresa Barna.

MINUTES

Motion by Mr. Taggart, seconded by Mr. Rozycki, to approve and file the minutes of May 10, 2005.

Vote:  9 – Yes.   Motion carried

BILL LIST

Motion by Mr. Taggart, seconded by Mr. McGuinness, that the bills submitted for the June 14, 2005 meeting, including Food Service and Construction Account be approved for payment.

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

SECRETARY/TREASURER’S REPORTS

Motion by Mr. Taggart, seconded by Mr. McGuinness, that the Secretary/Treasurer’s Report submitted for the month ending April 30, 2005 which agree with each other and the bank be approved and filed.

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

FINANCIAL REPORTS CERTIFICATION

Motion by Mr. Taggart, seconded by Mr. Drake, 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 April 30, 2005, 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.

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

None.

Motion by Mr. Kish, second by Mr. McGuinness, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the following field trips:

Vote:  9-Yes.  Motion carried

Motion by Mr. McGuinness, seconded by Mr. Kish, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, contract with Maschio’s Food Services, Inc. for our food services management company for the 2005-2006 school year at a annual management fee of $7,500 effective September 1, 2005.

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Dr. McGann, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the following transfers within the 2005-2006 school year budget:

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Dr. McGann, second by Mr. McGuinness, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the placement of one Lopatcong student at the Midland School for the 2005-2006 school year beginning July 5, 2005 and approve tuition contract with The Midland School for such placement in the amount of $181.25 per day for 180 days for a total of $32,625 and extended school year at $5,437.50 for a total of $38,062.50.

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Mr. Drake, second by Mr. McGuinness, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the placement of one Lopatcong student at The Calais School for the 2005-2006 school year beginning July 1, 2005 and approve tuition contract with The Calais School for such placement in the amount of $180 per day for 200 days for a total of $32,400 and extended school year at $3,600 for a total of $36,000.

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Mr. Glennon, second by Mr. McGuinness, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, to approve the placement of three Lopatcong students at the Stepping Stone School for the 2005-2006 school year beginning July 6, 2005 and approve tuition contracts for such placements in the regular programs and extended school year programs in the amount of $187.40 per day for 210 days per student for a total of $118,062.

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Mr. Rozycki, second by Mr. Taggart, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education upon recommendation by the Superintendent, to approve tutoring services for two Lopatcong students as follows:

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Mrs. Stammherr, second by Mr. Drake, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, to authorize the Business Administrator/Board Secretary to enter into an agreement with Sam’s Kids Pediatric Therapy to provide physical therapy services for the 2005-2006 school year as per the terms and conditions in the contract.

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Mr. Kish, second by Mrs. Stammherr, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education upon recommendation by the Superintendent, establish a special education program entitled “Multiple Disabilities” in accordance with N.J.A.C 6A:14 Special Education and N.J.A.C. 6A:26, Educational Facilities beginning September 1, 2005

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Mr. McGuinness, second by Mr. Taggart, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, to approve the placement of One Lopatcong student at the Spring Run School for the 2005-2006 for summer placement and approve tuition contract in the amount of $135.50 per day for 30 days for a total of $4,065.

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mrs. Stammherr, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, to approve horizontal movement on the salary locator guide for the following staff for the 2005-2006 school year:

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Dr. McGann, second by Mr. Kish, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve Terri Bowers as School Psychologist at MA+30, Locator MM for the 2005-2006 school year.

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Mr. Drake, second by Mr. Rozycki, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve Jocellyn A. Hayes as Speech Therapist at MA, Locator JJ for the 2005-2006 school year.

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

R-201-05  (Tabled for Executive Session)

Motion by Mr. Glennon, second by Mr. Taggart, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, authorize the Business Administrator/Board Secretary to enter into a contract with Therapeutic Intervention, Inc. for the 2005-2006 school year to provide occupational therapy services at a cost of $76 per hour for school based therapy and $85 per hour for home-based therapy.

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Note: The school district must provide occupational therapy services to students that require therapy according to their Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Motion by Mr. Rozycki, second by Mrs. Stammherr, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, enter into a transportation agreement with Warren County Special Services School District for regular transportation, special education transportation and non-public school transportation for the 2005-2006 school year as per the terms and condition in the agreement.

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Note: Warren County Special Services School District coordinates bus routes with other districts in the county for students that have special transportation needs. Routes are coordinated so that the costs of the route can be shared with other districts. Public schools must provide transportation for students that attend private schools. We also try to coordinate these routes as well.

Motion by Mrs. Stammherr, second by Mr. Taggart, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent and the Finance Committee, establish lunch and milk prices for the 2005-2006 school year as follows:

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Mr. Kish, seconded by Mr. Taggart, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, increase the 2004-2005 school year budget by $14,643 from Extraordinary Aid.   This amount will be appropriated into account #11-190-100-610-000-000 Instructional Supplies.  This appropriation does not require Commissioner approval.

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Mr. McGuinness, second by Mr. Taggart, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the emergent hiring of substitutes for the remainder of the 2004-2005 school year as presented and attached to these minutes.

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. McGuinness, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education upon recommendation by the Business Administrator, approves the following Resolution:

WHEREAS, the Lopatcong Township Board of Education (the Board) intends to make non-salary reduction contributions on behalf of Albert V. Purdy who will terminate employment on June 30, 2005.

WHEREAS, the Board will not permit Albert V. Purdy to have an option of, receiving the equivalent amounts as compensation;

WHEREAS, the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (“EGTRRA”) amended Section 403 (b) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of l986, as amended (the “Code”) to permit employers to make contributions to 403(b) programs for employees who have terminated with the District, and

WHEREAS, the District wishes to make such contributions as permitted under Sections 403 (b) (3) and Section 415 (c) (1) of the Code for certain terminated employees,

NOW THEREFORE IT IS RESOLVED, that the Board hereby authorizes and directs that the District institute and implement a policy(ies) to make post-termination contributions into EQUI-VEST 403(b) contracts established through representatives of AXA Network L.L.C. for Albert V. Purdy, provided that such contributions shall not exceed the limits of Section 415 (c) (1) of the Code and shall not continue beyond the five (5) year period authorized under Section 403 (b) (3) of the Code.

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Business Administrator for the Lopatcong School District be  hereby authorized to take any and all actions necessary to implement the resolutions as set forth herein.

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Dr. McGann, second by Mr. Taggart, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approves the following Resolution:

WHEREAS, the Lopatcong Township Board of Education  (the Board) intends to make non-salary reduction contributions on behalf of certain classes of employees who terminate employment.

WHEREAS, the Board will not permit certain classes of employees to have an option of  receiving the equivalent amounts as compensation;

WHEREAS, the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (“EGTRRA”) amended Section 403 (b) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of l986, as amended (the “Code”) to permit employers to make contributions to 403(b) programs for employees who have terminated with the District, and

WHEREAS, the District wishes to make such contributions as permitted under Sections 403 (b) (3) and Section 415 (c) (1) of the Code for certain terminated employees,

NOW THEREFORE IT IS RESOLVED, that the Board hereby authorizes and directs that the District institute and implement a policy(ies) to make post-termination contributions into a 403(b) contract(s) established through Board approved providers for each eligible individual as defined in policy(ies), provided that such contributions shall not exceed the limits of Section 415 (c) (1) of the Code and shall not continue beyond the five (5) year period authorized under Section 403 (b) (3) of the Code.

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Business Administrator for the Lopatcong School District be  hereby authorized to take any and all actions necessary to implement the resolutions as set forth herein.

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Mr. Glennon, second by Mr. Rozycki, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education upon recommendation by the Superintendent, authorize the Business Administrator/Board Secretary to enter into an Agreement with Waste Management of New Jersey for Waste Removal and Recycling Services for the 2005-2006 school year at a cost not to exceed $10,000.

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Mr. Rozycki, second by Mr. Taggart, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve health benefit premium increases for the 2005-2006 school year as proposed by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield as follows:

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Mrs. Stammherr, second by Mr. McGuinness, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education upon recommendation by the Superintendent, set tuition rates for the 2005-2006 school year as follows:

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Mr. Kish, second by Mrs. Stammherr, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve homebound instruction for student #90942 by staff member Linda Taggart beginning Wednesday, June 1 through June 16, 2005 hours not to exceed ten per week.

Roll call vote:  8 - Yes; Mr. Taggart abstained.

Motion by Mr. McGuinness, second by Mr. Kish, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve Troy Tomlinson as Senior Systems Administrator at $52,000 for the 2005-2006 school year.  Employment contingent upon a negative records check.

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. Kish, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve Kathryn Reading as computer instructor at BA, Locator CC for the 2005-2006 school year.

Motion unanimous on roll call vote.

Motion by Mr. McGuinness, second by Mr. Kish, that be it

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lopatcong Township Board of Education acknowledges Albert V. Purdy’s many years of dedicated service to the citizens, parents and most importantly to the children of the Lopatcong Township and do hereby dedicate and re-name the library at the Lopatcong Elementary School as the Albert V. Purdy Media Center.

Vote:  9 - Yes.  Motion carried.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Superintendent Purdy reported on his recommendation to hire a school psychologist and speech therapist and the impact on the 2005-06 budget.   Additionally, he indicated that he and Mr. Taggart had interviewed six candidates for the Computer Technician/Systems Administrators position and a recommendation will appear on this agenda.  He also reported on requests by various day care providers for use of the building.

REPRESENTATIVE INFORMATION FROM PHILLIPSBURG

Mr. Kish reported  that Mary Jane Deutsch has been appointed to the position of Principal at Phillipsburg. She has been serving as interim principal for the district.  Official notification from the N. J. School Construction Corporation has been received to begin work at Phillipsburg.  The 2005-2006 high school calendar was distributed.  Mr. Kish shared a brochure of the proposed building program at Phillipsburg HS distributed by the architects.  The recent years’ GEPA scores have increased by 2% indicating that the new initiatives are having a positive effect.  Language has increased by 6.1% and math by 15.1%.  The emphasis is to provide more time on task for core subjects.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Mr. Taggart reported to the board the particulars of the “New Model School Nutrition Policy” that will be implemented in September, 2007 and will apply to all schools.  Also, all bills proposed to provide some relief from S1701 have died for lack of action.

OTHER ITEMS OF EMERGENT NATURE

None.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Martin Swim of 110 Puddingstone Way asked if there is any oversight on videos being shown in school.

Mr. Purdy responded that teachers make selections with administrative approval or titles appear on an approved list similar to the district’s textbook list.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion by Mr. Taggart, seconded by Mr. McGuinness

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 issues related to the Superintendent Search, the disclosure of which could constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy; now

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education adjourn to executive session at 9:25pm 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:  9 - Yes. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. Kish, that the Board of Education return to open session at 10:25pm.   Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. McGuinness, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent approve salaries for all non-union personnel as follows:

Rosemary Kowalchuk, Principal

Matt Eagleburger, Assistant Principal

JoAnn Murray, Child Study Team Director

Pat Seymore, Assistant to the Business Administrator

Teri Fogt, Administrative Secretary

Terry Lynch, Secretary

Jennie Secula, Secretary (plus Substitute Caller Stipend)

Laura Ruggiero, Secretary

Mary Alice Zito, Child Study Team Secretary

Paula Hatch, Treasurer

ADJOURNMENT

Hearing no further business, the Board adjourned at 10:35pm on a motion by Mr. McGuinness, second by Mr. Taggart.  Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Respectfully Submitted,

Frances Tolley

Interim Business Administrator/

Board Secretary

Last Modified:  Saturday, May 06, 2006

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