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Agenda:NOTICE OF MEETING: The Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at 7:30pm at Lopatcong Township Middle School located at 321 Stonehenge Drive. The meeting will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room. To gain admittance, please use the entrance at Stonehenge Drive. The meeting will be open to the public at 7:30pm. AGENDA
Roll Call Correspondence Minutes of September 12, 2006 and Bill Lists; August 2006 Secretary/Treasurer Reports; Certify Financials Public Hearing on the Violence and Vandalism Report Public Comment on Agenda Items New Business - Action Items R-046-07 Violence and Vandalism Report R-047-07 Substitute Approval R-048-07 School Volunteers for 2006-2007 R-049-07 Physical Therapy Services R-050-07 Tuition Contract with Warren County Special Services District R-051-07 Three-Year Comprehensive Maintenance Plan R-052-07 Ski Club R-053-07 Transfer of Uncommitted Funds R-054-07 Field Trip Approvals R-055-07 Request for Use of Facilities R-056-07 Individuals with Disabilities Educational Improvement Act Grant FY07 R-057-07 No Child Left Behind Grant FY07 R-058-07 Staff for After-School Homework Program R-059-07 Tuition Contract with Warren County Technical School District R-060-07 Speech Therapy Services R-061-07 Speech Therapy Services R-062-07 Agreement with Warren County Health Department R-063-07 Lease Agreement with Commerce Commercial Leasing
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 your understanding.
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Minutes:MINUTES OF THE LOPATCONG TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION President Gallant called the meeting to order on October 10, 2006 at 7:32pm. Mrs. Barna read the following opening statement, “I would like to announce and have placed in the minutes that adequate notice of this special 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 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, Robert Edinger, Ernie Gallant, Terry Glennon, Kurt Kessler, Frank Kish, Jesse Rozycki (arrived at 7:39pm) and Bill Taggart. Absent: Greg McGann Others Present: Dr. Michael Rossi, Superintendent; Teresa E. Barna, Business Administrator/Board Secretary; Rosemary Kowalchuk, Principal; Stephen Geisel, Assistant Principal; Matthew Eagleburger, Assistant Principal; and ten members of the public. MINUTES Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. Glennon, that the minutes of the September 12, 2006 meeting be approved and filed. Motion carried on unanimous voice vote. BILL LIST Motion by Mr. Taggart, seconded by Mr. Drake, that the bills submitted for September 12, 2006 meeting, to include operating account be approved for payment. Motion carried on unanimous voice vote. SECRETARY/TREASURER’S REPORTS Motion by Mr. Taggart, seconded by Mr. Kessler, that the Secretary/Treasurer’s Report submitted for the month ending August 31, 2006 which agree with each other and the bank be approved and filed. Motion carried on unanimous voice 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 August 31, 2006, 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 carried on unanimous voice vote. PUBLIC HEARING ON VIOLENCE AND VANDALISM REPORT Dr. Rossi, Superintendent of Schools reported that during the 2005-2006 school year there were nine total incidents of violence and or vandalism, two of which involved weapons. On three occasions, the police were notified and one occasion where the police were notified with a complaint. Other actions that were taken were 11 in-school suspensions, four out-of-school suspensions and one other disciplinary action. As far as offender information, 11 were regular education students and three were special education students. Victim information included five regular education students and two special education students. Eight incidents took place at the Middle School with one incident involving a weapon and one incident took place at the Elementary School with one incident involving a weapon. Questions: How does this report compare to other schools on Warren County? Dr. Rossi responded that our report was very consistent with other schools in Warren County. What type of weapons were involved with the incidents that involved weapons? B oth incidents involved knives. Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. Kish, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the 2005-2006 Violence and Vandalism Report as submitted to the State of New Jersey and attached to these minutes. Vote: 7 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Kish, second by Mr. Drake, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve substitutes for the remainder of the 2006-2007 school year as presented and attached to these minutes. Roll call vote: 7 – Yes. Motion carried. Mr. Rozycki arrived at 7:39pm. Motion by Mr. Edinger, second by Mr. Drake, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve a list of school volunteers for the 2006-2007 school year as presented. Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Glennon, second by Mr. Kessler, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve a contract with Petra Ford to provide physical therapy services for the 2006-2007 school year effective September 1, 2006 at a rate of $73 per hour. Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Kessler, second by Mr. Drake, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the placement of Lopatcong students at Warren County Special Services School District and to approve tuition contracts for such placements as follows:
Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Drake, second by Mr. Taggart, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the Three-Year Comprehensive Maintenance Plan as presented and attached to these minutes. Vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Rozycki, second by Mr. Taggart, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the establishment of the ski club for the 2006-2007 school year with all costs to be paid by the participants. Vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. Edinger, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the transfer of uncommitted funds within the 2006-2007 school year in the amount of $1,740.00 as presented and attached to these minutes. Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Kish, second by Mr. Edinger, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the following field trips:
Vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Mr. Glennon inquired about the approval process for field trips. Mrs. Kowalchuk responded by explaining the approval process. Motion by Mr. Edinger, second by Mr. Kish, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approves the following requests for use of facilities:
Vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Glennon, second by Mr. Rozycki, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the submission of the Fiscal Year 2007 Individuals with Disabilities Educational Improvement Act Grant (IDEA) to the County Office of Education and the State of New Jersey as follows:
Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Kessler, second by Mr. Kish, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the submission of the Fiscal Year 2007 No Child Left Behind Grant (NCLB) to the County Office of Education and the State of New Jersey as follows:
Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Drake, second by Mr. Kessler, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the following staff for the After-School Homework Program at the rate of $39 per hour:
Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Rozycki, second by Mr. Taggart, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve tuition contracts with the Warren County Technical School District for Lopatcong students enrolled for the 2006-2007 school year as follows:
Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. Kessler, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve Margaret Normile to provide speech therapy services for the 2006-2007 school year to cover a maternity leave at a rate of $75 per hour. Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Kish, second by Mr. Edinger, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve Linda Maffei to provide speech therapy services for the 2006-2007 school year to cover a maternity leave at a rate of $375 per day. Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Representatives of the Warren County Health Department explained to the Board, the need for possible use of the middle school. Mr. Mitchell indicated that the middle school facility would only be used in the case of a public health emergency. This facility was chosen because it is a secure facility and there is a nice traffic flow in and out of the parking areas. The purpose of using the building would be to rapidly distribute medication to well people to prevent illness. Some examples of possible need are in the case of an avian flu epidemic, anthrax or bio-terrorism. Motion by Mr. Edinger, second by Mr. Taggart, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent, Michael A. Rossi, to enter into an agreement with the Warren County Health Department for use of the middle school as a mass vaccination location in the vent of an emergency. Vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Glennon, second by Mr. Kish, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, authorizes the Business Administrator to enter into a three-year lease agreement with Commerce Commercial Leasing, LLC in the amount of $175,000 with an interest rate of 4.37% with annual principal and interest payments. Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Dr. Rossi reported that there have been several changes to the drop-off and pick-up procedures at the elementary school. Changes to this process seem to be quite beneficial. Articulation with the high school will begin shortly. The schools will be articulating on English/Language Arts. Consistencies in writing will be developed as well as streamlining the reading selections. Discussions on science may begin at the end of the year. The diversity initiative will begin in November. Diversity training will be conducted by Paula Fernandez. The administration will continue to use the Instant Alert System. A strong effort has been made to get parents to register. We will be prioritizing messages as they are sent out. In the area of school security, the district is moving forward to prepare, safeguard and practice tighter security in our buildings. We are continually reviewing and enhancing security measures. The district is moving forward in technology as well. Teachers have their own websites up and running. The fiber optic link between the schools is almost complete. We should be connected to the fiber optic line within the month. Dr. Rossi also announced that the Almost Anything Goes function sponsored by the student council raised $1,800 for the fire department. Mr. Gallant asked if there will be road signage along Stonehenge Drive? Mayor Steinhardt is working with the appropriate authorities to get approval for signage along Stonehenge. Mr. Gallant asked if there is a plan for an English/Literature Class at the high school for 8th grade students, similar to the algebra class that is offered? Dr. Rossi indicated that at this point he did not know if this would be a possibility, however, it seems to be more difficult to implement this type of class. Mr. Glennon asked if the police presence on Strykers Road is a permanent situation? It’s taking place currently and the administration hopes that it will be permanent. REPRESENTATIVE INFORMATION FROM PHILLIPSBURG Mr. Kish stated that he attended a Security Committee Meeting of which he is the chairman. A very detailed and elaborate security manual has been developed. This committee agreed that it would meet more often, about two times per month. Dr. Pethick is visiting area district board meetings. Mr. Kish requested that Dr. Rossi schedule Dr. Pethick to attend a Lopatcong meeting. Phillipsburg has reviewed and updated it’s Technology Use Policy. Mr. Rozycki suggested that a special flyer be sent home to parents to notify them of when Dr. Pethick would be attending our meeting. Mr. Glennon reported that New Jersey ranks in the nations best in 4th and 8th grade test scores. New Jersey is in the top five in math scores. New Jersey scores 86% in the aptitude test and the NJ SAT scores are increasing. Mr. Drake attended a Warren County School Boards Association Meeting. The topic of discussion was concerning shared services. Mr. Drake indicated that many of the suggestions that were given are already being done in Lopatcong Township. Katherine Kozar – When is the air conditioning at the elementary school being installed? And can the classroom doors be kept closed? Dr. Rossi responded that the air conditioning will be installed for the 2007-08 school year at the latest and that teachers will be told at an upcoming faculty meeting about keeping their classroom doors closed. Beth Beyer – Are security measures being discussed with the students? And drills such as evacuation drills and lock-down procedures need to be practiced. Security measures are only discussed with anyone to the extent that they can be discussed. To provide all the district’s security measures publicly would defeat the purpose. The administration will be scheduling evacuation and lock down drills in the near future. How are the students being grouped for the reading assessments? Dr. Rossi responded that it depends on the grade level. Grades 1 & 2 are using the Guided Reading program. This process is unfolding in grades 3 & 4. By next year, guided reading will be district wide. Mr. Gallant stated that he noticed that the canopies are up at the elementary school. Mrs. Barna announced that the November Board of Education meeting will be held at the elementary school. Motion by Mr. Taggart seconded by Mr. Edinger, 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, 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 8:51pm 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 Mr. Edinger, second by Mr. Taggart, that the Board of Education return to regular session at 10:15pm. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Hearing no further business, the Board adjourned at 10:15pm on a motion by Mr. Edinger, second by Mr. Kish. Respectfully submitted, Teresa E. Barna, RSBO Business Administrator/ Board Secretary
These minutes are provided as a convenience to the residents of Lopatcong Township and do not constitute the official minutes of the Lopatcong Township Board of Education which are maintained in the BOE Office in the Middle School.
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