1 Board of Education Upper Saddle River, New Jersey Regular Session Monday, September 8, 2015, 8:00 p.m. Minutes This Work Session of the Upper Saddle River Board of Education was held in the Cavallini School Media Center of the Upper Saddle River Schools beginning at 8:00 p.m. Mrs. Johnston opened the meeting and stated that the meeting was being held in compliance with PL 1975, Chapter 232 and appropriate notice had been provided to the designated newspapers, the Borough Clerk and all interested parties requesting such notification. Members present: Mrs. Johnston, Mr. Amano, Mrs. Fusaro, Mrs. Pittman, Mr. Prisco, Mrs. Smiechowski, Dr. Verducci Members absent: None Also present: Dr. Browne, Mrs. Imbasciani CONFIDENTIAL SESSION Mrs. Fusaro made a motion, seconded by Dr. Verducci to convene into Executive Session at 7:05 p.m. Mrs. Johnston then read the following statement: WHEREAS, the members of the Upper Saddle River Board of Education deem necessary to discuss personnel and legal matters, and WHEREAS, the topics to be discussed are within the exemptions which are permitted to be discussed and acted upon in confidential session pursuant to PL 1975, Chapter 231, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting will be made public when the need for privacy no longer exists. Action may be taken. Mr. Prisco made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Smiechowski to adjourn Executive Session at 7:58 p.m. Mr. Prisco made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Pittman to convene into Work Session at 8:00 p.m. OPENING STATEMENT: Mrs. Johnston Mrs. Johnston welcomed the public to the meeting. PRESENTATION: Introduction of New Staff Dr. Browne introduced the new staff to the Board. They included New Hires: Eileen Artinger, Cavallini Paraprofessional Maria Bevia, Cavallini Spanish Teacher Michelle Bohlke, Cavallini 8th Grade English Teacher Dr. Browne 2 Cassandra Clapsaddle, leave replacement, Reynolds Kindergarten Teacher Amy D’Ambola, District Curriculum Coordinator Melissa DiBartolo, District School Psychologist Lisa Herbst, leave replacement, Reynolds 1st Grade Teacher Melba Hernandez, part-time Reynolds Spanish Teacher Krystal Lima, Reynolds 1st Grade Teacher Nicole Mascetti, Cavallini 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher Catherine Mende, Reynolds 1st Grade Teacher Elizabeth Samimi, Bogert School 3rd Grade Teacher Samantha Smith, Cavallini 7th Grade Mathematics Teacher Joseph Sussman, Cavallini Special Education Teacher Emily Viola, Cavallini Physical Education and Health Teacher Jason Weinstein, Bogert Instrumental Music Teacher Alyssa Willner, Cavallini 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher Mid-Year Hires: Michelle Carrucci, Reynolds Paraprofessional Paul Gomez, Quad-District Network Specialist Eric Lindorff, Computer/Network Technician Ann McGovern, Accounts Payable/Confidential Secretary Robert Sobel, Bogert Paraprofessional RECOGNITION OF VISITORS: None ADMINISTRATION: Dr. Browne At the request of the parents’ attorney, Mr. Prisco made a motion to table Item A. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Pittman and approved by all in attendance. A. BE IT RESOLVED that the Board affirms the Superintendent’s decision that investigation @***052015001 is not an incident as defined under HIB Policy # 5512. The Board Secretary/ Business Administrator shall notify the parents and/or guardians of the Board’s decision in in writing in accordance with Board Policy and N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15(e). TABLED A motion was made by Mrs. Fusaro and seconded by Dr. Verducci to approve Administration Consent Agenda Items B and C and was approved by all in attendance. B. BE IT RESOLVED that the Board affirms the Superintendent’s decision that investigation @***060215001 is not an incident as defined under HIB Policy # 5512. The Board Secretary/ Business Administrator shall notify the parents and/or guardians of the Board’s decision in writing in accordance with Board Policy and N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15(e). C. Approve the 2015/16 District Goals as follows: Administration & Curriculum 1. Continue the implementation of the Marshall Program for teacher/principal evaluations and analyze the data from the first two years to make recommendations for the future. 3 2. Provide staff with the support and training necessary to successfully implement research-based strategies surrounding the Reading and Writing Workshops in grades K-8. 3. Provide staff with the support and training necessary to successfully implement the revised programs in Mathematics in grades K-8. 4. Provide staff with the support and training necessary to successfully implement the Next Generation Science Standards in grades K-8. 5. Review and update the Spanish Curriculum in grades K-8. Student Achievement and Wellbeing 1. Identify and support children in Mathematics and Language Arts in grades 3-8 who need specific instruction in order to continue to meet the Progress Targets set by the New Jersey Department of Education. 2. Identify and support children in grades K-2 who need specific instruction to meet locally developed grade level benchmarks. 3. Identify and implement programs and interventions designed to support the overall wellbeing of our students. This motion will be one motion that encompasses items A through D and will be voted on at the September 21, 2015 meeting. This motion has been recommended for approval by the Superintendent. A. Approve the revised Uniform State Memorandum of Agreement Between Education and Law Enforcement Officials for the 2015/16 school year B. Approve the Nursing Services Plans for the 2015/16 school year. C. Approve the following Resolution: RESOLUTION Submission of Comprehensive Maintenance Plan WHEREAS, the Department of Education requires New Jersey School Districts to submit three-year maintenance plans documenting “required” maintenance activities for each of its public school facilities; and WHEREAS, the required maintenance activities as listed in the attached document for the various school facilities of the Upper Saddle River School District are consistent with these requirements; and WHEREAS, all past and planned activities are reasonable to keep school facilities open and safe for use or in their original condition and to keep their system warranties valid; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Upper Saddle River Schools hereby authorizes the school business administrator to submit the attached Comprehensive Maintenance Plan for the Upper Saddle River School District in compliance with Department of Education requirements. 4 D. Approve the following Board Resolution: The District’s required maintenance activities are reasonable to keep a school facility open and safe for use in its original condition in order to maintain the validity of their warranties. PERSONNEL: Dr. Browne A motion was made by Mrs. Fusaro and seconded by Mrs. Smiechowski to approve Personnel Consent Agenda Items A through H and was approved by all in attendance. A. B. Create/Abolish 1. Abolish one .7 Cavallini Basic Skills Instructor Language Arts Teacher position. 2. Abolish one .3 Cavallini Basic Skills Instructor Mathematics Teacher position. 3. Create one .5 Cavallini Basic Skills Instructor Language Arts Teacher position and one .5 Cavallini Language Arts Classroom Teacher position. 4. Create one .5 Reynolds Title 1 Basic Skills Instructor position. 5. Create one .5 Bogert Title 1 Basic Skills Instructor position. Resignations 1. Accept the resignation of Elizabeth Cunningham, Reynolds Lunch Aide, effective September 1, 2015. 2. Accept the resignation of Darlene DelVecchio, Cavallini Mathematics Basic Skills Instructor, effective September 1, 2015. 3. Accept the resignation of Samantha C. Judge, Special Education Teacher, effective July 1, 2015. 4. Accept the resignation of Michelle Marci, Cavallini Mathematics Teacher, effective September 1, 2015. 5. Accept the resignation of Jennifer McKeown, Cavallini Paraprofessional, effective September 1, 2015. 6. Accept the resignation of Ileana Sing, 1st Grade Teacher, effective August 11, 2015. 7. Accept the resignation of Colin E. White, 6th Grade Social Studies and Language Arts Teacher, effective July 1, 2015. 8. Accept the resignation of Kenneth Russo, Cavallini Language Arts Teacher, effective September 1, 2015. 9. Rescind the appointment of Matthew J. Rossi to the position of Bogert Music Teacher, effective September 1, 2015. 5 C. Leaves 1. D. Approve a paid disability leave and unpaid statutory leave for Ronald Hadley, Custodian, from August 5, 2015 through approximately September 7, 2015. Appointments 1. Appoint Eileen Artinger to the position of Paraprofessional at Cavallini, Step 2, effective on or about September 1, 2015, subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history records check required by law. 2. Appoint Zeljko Belasic to the position of Grounds Maintenance Custodian, Step 3, Step 3, effective on or about August 17, 2015, subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history records check required by law and attainment of a Black Seal License. 3. Appoint Michelle Bohlke to the position of Cavallini Language Arts Teacher, MA, Step 1, effective September 1, 2015, subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history records check required by law. 4. Appoint Cassandra L. Clapsaddle to the position of long-term per diem leave replacement Kindergarten Teacher, BA, Step 1, effective on or about September 1, 2015 through approximately January 11, 2016, subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history records check required by law. 5. Appoint Eric Daley to the position of Computer/Network Technicial (Level II – Quad) effective on or about July 1, 2015, subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history records check required by law. 6. Appoint Amy L. D’Ambola to the position of Curriculum Coordinator, effective on or about August 1, 2015, subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history records check required by law. 7. Appoint Lisa M. Herbst to the position of long-term per diem leave replacement 1st Grade Teacher, BA, Step 1, effective on or about October 15, 2015 through approximately January 11, 2016, subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history record check required by law. 8. Appoint Joyce R. Kim to the position of Cavallini .5 Language Arts Basic Skills Instructor and .5 Language Arts Teacher, MA, Step 1, effective September 1,2015, subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history records check required by law. 9. Appoint Krystal Lima to the position of 1st Grade Teacher, BA, Step 2-3, effective September 1, 2015, subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history records check required by law. 10. Appoint Nicole M. Mascetti to the position of Cavallini Social Studies Teacher, BA, Step 2-3, effective September 1, 2015, subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history records check required by law. 6 E. F. 11. Appoint Catherine A. Mende to the position of 1st Grade Teacher, BA, Step 2-3, September 1, 2015, subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history records check required by law. 12. Appoint Elizabeth M. Samimi to the position of long-term per diem leave replacement 3rd Grade Teacher, BA, Step 1, effective September1, 2015 through approximately November 24, 2015, subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history records check required by law. 13. Appoint Samantha Smith to the position of Cavallini Mathematics Teacher, BA, Step 2-3, effective September 1, 2015, subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history records check required by law. 14. Appoint Joseph M. Sussman to the position of Cavallini Special Education Teacher. MA, Step 3, effective September 1, 2015, subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history records check required by law and receipt of additional required teaching certificate. 15. Appoint Jason Weinstein to the position of Bogert Music Teacher, BA, Step 1, effective September 1, 2015, subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history records check required by law. Lateral Guide Moves 1. Approve a lateral guide move for Lyndsey A. Campana, 8th Grade Science Teacher, from BA, Step 2-3 to MA, Step 2-3, effective September 1, 2015. 2. Approve a lateral guide move for Karen Hunter, Physical Therapist, from BA, Step 19 to BA + 30, Step 19, effective September 1, 2015. 3. Approve a lateral guide move for Kasie L. Meier, 4th Grade Teacher, from BA, Step 2-3 to MA, Step 2-3, effective September 1, 2015. Change in Assignment 1. G. Approve the transfer of Erik Tyson from 1st Grade Teacher to the position of .5 Title 1 Basic Skills Instructor at Reynolds School and .5 Title I Basic Skills Instructor at Bogert School, effective September 1, 2015. Substitutes/Consultants 1. Approve Cassandra Clapsaddle as a substitute teacher/paraprofessional for the 2015/16 school year subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history records check required by law, NJ CEAS in Elementary Education, K-6. 2. Approve Lisa M. Herbst as a substitute teacher/paraprofessional for the 2015/16 school year, NJ Standard Certificate, Elementary School Teacher, Grades K-6. 7 H. 3. Approve Carissa Iannantuano as a substitute teacher/paraprofessional for the 2015/16 school year subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history records check as required by law and receipt of NJ Teacher’s Certificate. 4. Approve Catherine Mende as a substitute teacher/paraprofessional for the 2015/16 school year subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history records check as required by law, NJ Certification in Elementary Education, K-6. 5. Approve Candace Ramdath as a substitute teacher/paraprofessional for the 2015/16 school year, NJ Standard Certificate, Elementary School Teacher, Grades K-5. 6. Approve Elizabeth Samimi as a substitute teacher/paraprofessional for the 2015/16 school year, NJ CEAS, Elementary School Teacher, Grades K-5. 7. Approve Christopher Ward as a substitute custodian for the 2015/16 school year, subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history records check required by law. Other 1. Approve the Superintendent’s 2015/16 Merit Goals as follows: Goal # 1 Quantitative Childcare: The population of Upper Saddle River has evolved to one where many families require child care for pre-school age children on a daily basis. The Superintendent will investigate the feasibility of initiating a daycare center on district property run by district employees by: reviewing the current research and practices in the industry, visiting five existing programs (in public and private settings) and creating a report to be presented to the Board of Education by June 30, 2016. 3.3% Goal # 2 Quantitative Student Wellness: During the strategic planning process, representatives from the staff and community reflected on the recent suicides of area youth while attending universities around the country. In response to this concern, the Superintendent will create a Steering Committee on Student Wellness including teachers and administrators. Together, they will review current innovative practices; research and meet with three agencies supportive of issues common to children and adolescents; and plan for programs to be implemented in our schools. On or before June 30, 2016, at least three events will have taken place designed to promote student wellness across the district. 3.3% Goal # 3 Quantititive Technology/Parent Engagement: The use of technology for instructional purposes has become an integral part of the educational process in the Upper Saddle River Schools. The staff and students use technology on a daily basis to participate in the instructional process but parents need to be better informed about the new strategies for learning that are impacting their children. By June 30, 2016, the Superintendent will lead a group of 8 administrators, teachers and students in creating a Community Technology Program in which parents will be invited to participate in three hands-on sessions, taught by staff and/or students, highlighting the use of technology in our schools. 3.3% Goal # 4 Qualitative Innovation Book Club: The Superintendent will convene and facilitate an Administrative Book Club to develop conversation, empowerment and vision for promoting the teaching of innovation across the district. A minimum of two books will be read and discussed by June 30, 2016. 2.5% Goal # 5 Qualitative New Teacher Induction: The participants who just completed the First Year Mentoring program will be surveyed to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the experience. The Superintendent will convene a new committee comprised of administrators and veteran teachers to review the results of the survey, meet throughout the year a minimum of three times and make at least two new recommendations to the Board of Education to improve the program for implementation during the 2016/17 school year by June 30, 2016. 2.5% This motion will be one motion that encompasses items A through G and will be voted on at the September 21, 2015 meeting. This motion has been recommended for approval by the Superintendent. A. Create/Abolish 1. Abolish one 1.0 Cavallini Language Arts Classroom Teacher. 2. Create one .5 Cavallini Basic Skills Instructor Language Arts Teacher position and one .5 Cavallini Language Arts Classroom Teacher position. 3. Create one 1.0 Cavallini Hall Duty stipend position. B. Job Descriptions (not applicable) C. Resignations (not applicable) D. Leaves (not applicable) F. Change in Position (not applicable) G. Substitutes/Consultants/Volunteers 1. Approve Eileen Artinger as a substitute teacher/paraprofessional for the 2015/16 school year, NJ Substitute Teacher Certificate. 2. Appoint Michelle Weinberg as a Home Instructor for a student whose name is on file in the Board Office. 9 3. Approve the following consultants to the position of Campus Aide as per the Interlocal Service Agreement with the Borough: Patrick Donahue Stephen Pink Ellen Hillman Rich Vanderwall Grace Karvellas Elaine Vercellone FINANCE: Mrs. Imbasciani A motion was made by Mr. Prisco and seconded by Mrs. Pittman to formalize this item at this meeting. This item has been approved by the Superintendent as per the June 15, 2015 resolution authorizing “the Superintendent to make personnel decisions in consultation with the Board President during the summer for the 2015/16 school year. A. Approve the following Travel Expenses: Program Name Paramus Institute of Reading Paramus, NJ Paramus Institute of Reading Paramus, NJ Northern New Jersey Orff Schulwerk Association Workshop Series Paterson, NJ Date July 13 – 16, 2015 July 27 – 31, 2015 September 19, 2015 October 17, 2015 November 21, 2015 January 30, 2016 March 5, 2016 April 9, 2016 (all dates are Saturdays) Employee Catherine Mende Joseph Sussman Joseph Sussman Registration Fees $425.00 $425.00 $425.00 Travel Cost $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Susan Jarvis $120.00 $0.00 COMMENT: Dr. Browne explained that some new hires wanted to receive Professional Development over the summer. She thanked Mrs. Johnston for authorizing this. A motion was made by Mr. Prisco and seconded by Mrs. Fusaro to approve Finance Consent Agenda Items A through P and was approved by all except Dr. Verducci who abstained from Item P. A. Approve the following Resolution: BE IT RESOLVED by the Upper Saddle River Board of Education (hereinafter referred to as the “Board”) that the terms, stipulations and conditions as established in the Settlement Agreement and Release between the Board and a former employee, which is annexed to this Resolution, are hereby adopted and approved by the Board. The Board President and Business Administrator/Board Secretary are hereby authorized and directed to execute the Settlement Agreement and Release, and any other documents necessary to effectuate the settlement. B. Approve the following Resolution: RESOLUTION INCREASING THE BID THRESHOLD – QUALIFIED PURCHASING AGENT WHEREAS, Dana Imbasciani, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary possesses a qualified purchasing (QPA) certificate; 10 WHEREAS, the Governor, in consultation with the State Treasurer and pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-3(b), on July 1, 2015 has increased the bid threshold amount for school districts with purchasing agents who possess qualified purchasing agent certificates, from $36,000 to $40,000; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Upper Saddle River Board of Education, pursuant to N.J.S.A.. 18A:18A-3(a) and N.J.A.C. 5:34-5.4, establishes and sets the bid threshold amount of $40,000 for the Board of Education and further authorizes Dana Imbasciani to award contracts, in full accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-3(a), for those purchases that do not exceed in the aggregate of the newly established bid threshold amount. C. Accept FY15 Extraordinary Aid in the amount of $348,525. D. Accept FY15 Non-Public Transportation in the amount of $10,440. E. Accept funding for FY16 NCLB Grant as follows: Title I Part A Title IIA $80,609 $22,405 F. Refuse FY16 NCLB Title III monies. G. Approve the submission of the FY16 NCLB Grant Application. H. Accept funding for the FY16 IDEA Grant as follows: IDEA Basic IDEA Preschool $249,656 $ 12,514 I. Approve the submission of the FY16 IDEA Basic and IDEA Preschool Grant applications. J. Approve FY16 IDEA Grant expenditures for salaries as follows: 1. 2. Pre-school Handicapped Zumbano 71% $12,514 Part B Basic Aufiero Balji Blaikie Dalton Hoffman Holder Koppenaal LiPuma Macri Martino O’Connor Radicke Reinke Shah 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 94% $19,155 $16,655 $19,655 $17,655 $17,655 $19,155 $17,655 $17,655 $17,655 $17,655 $16,655 $19,655 $19,655 $15,141 11 K. Approve the Annual Contract for Hospital Instruction with Bergen County Special Services School District (BCSS) for the 2015/16 school year. L. Approve the renewal of IEP Direct and Support Services for the 2015/16 school year with Centris Group in the amount of $10,865.80. M. Accept the donation of $21,485 from the USR PTO to purchase TV monitors with display capabilities for the Reynolds main lobby and gym and 20 iPads for classrooms. N. Accept the donation of $20,000 from the USR PTO to purchase new chairs for the Bogert Media Center and pavers, landscaping and two picnic tables for the patio along the blacktop at Bogert. O. Accept the donation of $4,056 from the USR PTO to purchase audio/video equipment for the Cavallini Middle School Auditorium. P. Approve the following Travel Expenses: Program Name Affordable Care Act Reporting Rockaway, NJ Makerspace Online Training Sessions – Weekly Virtual Sessions BCASA Fall Leadership Institute Paramus, NJ BCASA/BCEA Workshop: “School Related Updates from The Bergen County Prosecutor” Wood-Ridge, NJ A Basic Guide to I&RS Workshop Monroe Township, NJ NJAAP School Health Conference Somerset, NJ NJSBA 2015 Workshop Empowering the 21st Century Student Atlantic City, NJ Hot Topics in Special Education Law Monroe, NJ Legal Issues in Student Health North Hunterdon, NJ Date September 10, 2015 Employee Dana Imbasciani Registration Cost $50.00 Travel Cost $25.35 September 14-October 15, 2015 Christina Cucci $231.62 $0.00 September 18, 2015 Monica Browne $0.00 $6.00 September 21, 2015 Monica Browne Heather Walker $0.00 $0.00 $11.12 $0.00 October 9, 2015 Lauren Malaney Jessica O’Rorke Sara Senger Donna Antoniello Lisa LoPiccolo David Verducci $149.00 $149.00 $149.00 $195.00 $195.00 $250.00 $0.00 $38.00 $47.16 $43.71 $40.59 $250.00 October 14, 2015 October 27-29, 2015 (approved 6/15/15) November 9, 2015 Carmela Whalen $150.00 $0.00 November 13, 2015 Carmela Whalen $150.00 $0.00 COMMENT: Dr. Browne thanked the USR PTO for the generous donations to the schools. 12 This motion will be one motion that encompasses items A through F and will be voted on at the September 21, 2015 meeting. This motion has been recommended for approval by the Superintendent. A. Approve the Minutes of Board Meetings: June 1, 2015, June 15, 2015 and June 16, 2015 (Board Retreat) B. Approve the Bills List for June 2015 as follows: 10 11 12 20 40 50 60 General Current Expense General Current Expense Capital Outlay Special Revenue Funds Debt Service Funds Milk Trust Fund Total C. Approve the Bills List for July 2015 as follows: 10 11 12 40 50 60 General Current Expense General Current Expense Capital Outlay Debt Service Funds Milk Trust Fund Total D. $70,174.24 $2,291,153.76 $57,800.97 $35,430.50 $66,735.76 $629.80 $28,565.37 $2,550,490.40 $8,357.78 $1m150,909.64 $7,000.00 $385,850.00 $426.85 $25,564.88 $1,577,109.15 Approve the Bills List for August 2015 as follows: 10 11 12 60 General Current Expense General Current Expense Capital Outlay Trust Fund Total $7,179.77 $1,007,366.21 $5,949.65 $25,564.88 $1,046,060.51 E. Approve the Transfers for June, July and August 2015. F. Approve the purchase of PaperCut Fast Release licenses, hardware kits, and five year's worth of support for the district laser jet printers from Atlantic Tomorrow's Office in the amount of $5,529.00. (Pricing based on NJ State Contract # A51464) RECOGNITION OF VISITORS: None ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn was made by Mrs. Smiechowski and seconded by Mrs. Fusaro at 8:30 p.m. Sincerely, Dana Imbasciani, Board Secretary Mrs. Johnston