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Agenda:NOTICE OF MEETING: The Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 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
R-186-07 Letter of Retirement R-187-07 Accept and Appropriate Extraordinary Aid R-188-07 Tuition Contracts with Stepping Stone School R-189-07 Extraordinary Services Contract with Stepping Stone School R-190-07 Contract with Therapeutic Intervention, Inc. R-191-07 Tuition Contracts with Warren County Technical School R-192-07 Set Lunch and Milk Prices for 2007-2008 R-193-07 Approve 2007-2008 School Year Calendar R-194-07 Field Trip Approval R-195-07 Request for Use of Facilities R-196-07 Replace Exterior Doors R-197-07 Replace All-Purpose Room Doors R-198-07 Contract for Asbestos Abatement R-199-07 Contract for Tile Replacement R-200-07 Transfer of Uncommitted Funds R-201-07 Appointment of Methfessel & Werbel R-202-07 Agreement with North America Power Partners
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 June 12, 2007 at 7:31pm. Mrs. Barna 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 in the Express-Times. A copy of the agenda 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 (arrived at 8:24pm), Kurt Kessler, Judy Liptak, Greg McGann, and Bill Taggart. Absent: Frank Kish Others Present: Dr. Michael Rossi, Superintendent; Teresa E. Barna, Business Administrator/Board Secretary; Rosemary Kowalchuk, Principal; Matthew Eagleburger, Assistant Principal; JoAnn Murray, CST Director; and 15 members of the public and staff. Dr. Rossi read the District Mission Statement MINUTES Motion by Mr. Kessler, second by Mr. Edinger, that the minutes of the May 8, 2007 meeting be approved and filed. Motion carried on unanimous voice vote. BILL LIST Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. Edinger, that the bills submitted for the June 12, 2007 meeting, to include operating account and food service account, be approved for payment. Motion carried on unanimous voice vote. SECRETARY/TREASURER’S REPORTS Motion by Mr. Taggart, seconded by Mr. Drake, that the Secretary/Treasurer’s Reports submitted for the month ending April 30, 2007, which agree with each other and the bank, be approved and filed. Motion carried on unanimous voice vote. FINANCIAL REPORTS CERTIFICATION Motion by Mr. Edinger, seconded by Mr. 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 April 30, 2007, 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. Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. Edinger, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, accept the retirement of Jacqueline Gebhard effective July 1, 2007. Roll call vote: 7 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Dr. McGann, second by Mr. Kessler, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, accept 2006-2007 Extraordinary Aid in the amount of $8,695 and to appropriate these funds into account 11-230-100-610 entitled Basic Skills Supplies. Roll call vote: 7 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mrs. Liptak, second by Mr. Edinger, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the placement of 4 Lopatcong students at the Stepping Stone School for the 2007-2008 school year and to approve tuition contracts with the Stepping Stone School in the amount of $43,346.10 per student for a total of $173,384.40. Roll call vote: 7 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Kessler, second by Mr. Edinger, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve a contract for Extraordinary Services with the Stepping Stone School in the amount of $5,108.22 for the 2007 Extended Year Program for the purposes of providing a personal aide. Roll call vote: 7 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Edinger, second by Mr. Kessler, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve a contract with Therapeutic Intervention, Inc. to provide occupational therapy services for the 2007-2008 school year at the following rates:
The contract is a non-fair contract and is being awarded as a professional service contract in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A-18A et. seq. Roll call vote: 7 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Edinger, second by Mrs. Liptak, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve tuition contracts for the 2007-2008 school year with Warren County Technical School for 41 regular education students in the amount of $2,125 per student and 11 special education students in the amount of $3,250 per students for a total of $124,925.00. Roll call vote: 7 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Drake, second by Mrs. Liptak, 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 2007-2008 school year as follows:
Roll call vote: 7 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. Drake, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the 2007-2008 school year calendar as presented and attached to these minutes. Vote: 7 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Dr. McGann, second by Mr. Kessler, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the following field trips:
Vote: 7 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mrs. Liptak, second by Mr. Drake, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve a request for use of facilities as follows:
Vote: 7 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Kessler, second by Mr. Edinger, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, award a contract to Adam’s Glass and Aluminum for the replacement of exterior doors at the Elementary School in the amount of $24,450.00. This is a non-fair contract awarded based on quotations. Roll call vote: 7 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Edinger, second by Mr. Drake, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, award a contract to Adam’s Glass and Aluminum in the amount of $11,900 for the replacement of windows in the elementary school all purpose room. Roll call vote: 7 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Drake, second by Mr. Edinger, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, award a contract to Lilich Corporation in the amount of $28,700 for the abatement of asbestos at the Lopatcong Elementary School. This is a non-fair contract awarded based on quotations. Roll call vote: 7 – 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, award a contract to Select Source, LLC in the amount of $25,216.32 for the placement of vinyl composition tile at the Lopatcong Elementary School. This is a non-fair contact awarded based on quotations. Roll call vote: 7 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Dr. McGann, second by Mr. Drake, 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 $41,693.50 as presented and attached to these minutes. Roll call vote: 7 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mrs. Liptak, second by Mr. Edinger, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, appoint Mr. Eric Harrison of Methfessel and Werbel to represent the district in a due process hearing at a rate of $150 per hour. Roll call vote: 7 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Kessler, second by Mr. Liptak, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, authorizes the district administration to enter into an agreement with North American Power Partners to take part in their Pennsylvania-Jersey-Maryland Demand Response Program to generate additional revenue as a member of their program and to reduce energy costs. Roll call vote: 7 – Yes. Motion carried. FACILITIES UPDATE BY RON MARINELLI Mr. Marinelli shared with the Board and the public that the district is recycling about 1,500 pounds of white paper at the middle school annually. The elementary school will be participating in this program in the fall. Mr. Marinelli also described the program with North American Power Partners that will be a revenue generating program in which we are on a list to get called when energy demand is high. The call will be to reduce our energy usage for 30 minutes in each building. Just to participate in this program could potentially gain the district $10,000 in revenue. Mr. Marinelli also explained to the Board the efforts that he has made to reduce our energy consumption by scheduling equipment to come on and off on a set schedule as not to show a surge of energy on the grid at the power company. This keeps our rates lower for the entire day. The district invested in a Building Automation System upgrade totaling about $2,500. This upgrade gives us more flexibility and control over the units that are running and we are able to schedule the usage with the building usage. We have already seen the return on our electric bills. Dr. Rossi reported that the staff is working diligently at assessing each student to provide the parents with a current DRA, math and writing assessment. This will also be the pre-assessment for the next school year. Dr. Rossi reported that he continues to update and review the district curriculum. Over the summer, the board can expect to see Gifted and Talented K-8 curriculum, Health and PE K-8 curriculum, Spanish 5-8 and Music K-4 curriculum for adoption. Teacher observations and Personal Improvement Plans are being completed. Dr. Rossi reported on Starlab which is an interactive portable planetarium. Starlab is being used as part of the science curriculum The Teacher of the Year at the elementary school is Trish Steele and the Teacher of the Year at the middle school is Julie Duffy. Both teachers will attend a ceremony at Centenary College at which the middle school jazz band performed and was outstanding. The Technology Director has hit the ground running. Students need to be assessed by the end of the year. Mr. Shea has researched and found an on-line assessment with real time results that the eighth grade students and the staff will be taking in order to report the results to the State of New Jersey as required. Dr. Rossi is helping the Technology Director form a plan of attack for next year. Mr. Shea is also working on the wireless networks in both buildings and the keyless entry system. Dr. Rossi informed the Board that the state has developed a new reporting program called QSAC. It seems that the state requirements and reports only get bigger. Each district must score an 80% or better in each of five categories in order not to be deemed a school in need of improvement. Mrs. Liptak reported that in regards to QSAC, New Jersey School Boards Association recommends that Board hold a retreat with a NJSBA representative to prepare district goals. OTHER ITEMS OF EMERGENT NATURE Mr. Drake gave an update on the progress of the Ad-Hoc Committee in it’s process to consider a before and after school program in the schools. The committee came to a consensus to direct Dr. Rossi to contact outside groups to bring recommendations. No timeline will be set as to when the committee will make its recommendation to the entire board. Comments on this topic should be directed only to the board and not to other individual members of the public during the meeting. Both committee reports have been posted on the board of education website. Mr. Glennon arrived at 8:24pm. Mrs. Barna made an announcement that the Board will hold a public hearing on the Business Administrator’s contract at the June 26th meeting. Russa Noldstadt – When will the generator run? Mrs. Barna explained that the generator is on a schedule to run under load once a week and that takes place on Tuesday mornings. Gail Secalaris – Which classrooms are being abated for asbestos and where will the ESY Program be held? Mrs. Barna responded that there is only one classroom that is being abated and that is classroom 102, Mrs. Koppenhaver’s room and that the ESY Program will be held in the fourth grade pod. At this time a lengthy public comment period took place regarding the Before and After School Program. Concerns for area dare care business were raised as well as the participation of students is extra-curricular activities. Russa Noldstadt – The Thursday SOS meeting is being held to discuss the plans moving forward in lieu of the rally in Trenton being cancelled. There is a meeting scheduled with the Greenwich Superintendent and Board President to plan for future. Dr. Rossi would like to see Phillipsburg take a more active roll. It is their high school. Phillipsburg is the disappointment right now. Lee Rozycki – When will QSAC start? Dr. Rossi replied that for some districts, October 2007. Official training will be held in August and due November 15, 2007. Lopatcong is in the 2009-2010 phase-in period. PTA - Lee Rozycki stated that at the June 4, 2007 PTA Executive Board Meeting, the officers decided to donate $10,000 towards district security measures for the PTA President’s gift. Mrs. Secalaris – What is the asbestos abatement schedule? The asbestos abatement is scheduled to take place immediately after school is over and will take about one week. Air samples will be taken and results will be obtained prior to the start of the summer school program. Mrs. Petti – What is Extraordinary Aide? Mrs. Barna responded that Extraordinary Aide is state aid received from an application process that the Child Study Team Office and the Board Office complete for the cost of educating special education students over $40,000. 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 legal 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 8:55pm to discuss the above mentioned matters 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. Taggart, second by Mr. Edinger, that the Board of Education return to regular session at 11:21pm. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Hearing no further business, the board adjourned at 11:21pm on a motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. Edinger. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 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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Last Modified: Sunday, February 10, 2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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