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Board of Education
Upper Saddle River, New Jersey
Regular Session
Monday, December 21, 2015, 8:00 p.m.
Minutes
This Regular 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
Mr. Prisco made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Pittman to convene into Executive Session at 7:30 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.
Mrs. Fusaro made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Smiechowski to adjourn Executive Session at 7:55 p.m.
Mrs. Pittman made a motion, seconded by Mr. Prisco to convene into Regular Session at 8:00 p.m.
OPENING STATEMENT:
Mrs. Johnston
Mrs. Johnston welcomed the public to the meeting.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:
Honor Catherine (Katy) Smiechowski
Dr. Browne
Dr. Browne addressed the Board and visitors in honor of Katy Smiechowski:
“Tonight, I would like to take the opportunity to honor one of our Board members who will be leaving us this evening after
over six years of dedicated service. Katy is our longest serving, active Board of Education member and has made many
contributions to the continued success of our schools.”
On behalf of the entire BOE, staff and students, Dr. Browne thanked Katy for her leadership and commitment to our
students.
She said, “It has been an honor to work with Katy over the last six (almost seven) years. I have enjoyed getting to know you
as a Board member, parent, educator and citizen. Please know that our students are receiving a better educational
experience thanks to your efforts. You will be missed.”
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COMMENTS:


In response to Dr. Browne’s statement, Mrs. Smiechowski said, “The honor was mine.” She thanked Dr. Browne
and said that everything that was done was a team effort.
Mrs. Johnston said that this is a huge loss for the Board. Mrs. Smiechowski has always been a moral compass
for the Board of Education, with strong ethics and a genuine concern for all of the students in Upper Saddle River.
BOARD SECRETARY’S REPORT: None
Mrs. Imbasciani
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT: None
Mrs. Johnston
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Committee Chairpersons
School Boards Liaison
Dr. Verducci
Dr. Verducci presented his NJSBA Liaison Report to the Board. Highlights included:


Attended a dozen meeting so far
Delegate Assembly, November 21:
o Focus - Public schools should be held harmless against funding changes at the State Department
 Accountability Task Force:
o 349 pages of financial regulations, 22 subchapters set to sunset this year
o Task Force is reviewing regulations with a fine tooth comb. Final recommendations by June 2016
o Committee’s Charge:
 Analyze current regulations
 Consult with experts on school district financial operations
 Collect data from school districts
 Develop a plan to advocate for new/revised regulations
 Professional Development Opportunities:
o New online governance training
o New and updated webinars
o Board member certification programs
 Resources & Programs:
o New NJSBA website (January/February 2016)
o Three new programs
 www.StandUp4PublicSchools.org
 www.SustainableJerseySchools.com
 www.njsba.org/resources/A-Plus-Programs-and-Practices
COMMENT:

Mrs. Johnston thanked Dr. Verducci for going to Trenton every two weeks and keeping his finger on the
pulse of everything going on at the state level.
PTO REPORT: None
USREF Report: None
Mrs. Layne/Mrs. Mazzola
Mrs. Esposito
PRESENTATIONS:
1.
From the Book to the Big Screen: Literary Characters Become Movie Stars
Mr. Kaplan/Ms. Meier/
Ms. Whitman
Mrs. Whitman, Ms. Meier, and two of their students gave a presentation on how they have integrated
technology into the 4th grade character study unit. The presentation began with a brief overview of the unit
and then the teachers and students demonstrated the use of the iPads and iMovie app to make movie trailers
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that told the story of the characters in the book. The presentation concluded with a video overview of the
Bogert Character Awards ceremony for parents.
COMMENTS:

Mrs. Johnston thanked the students for joining us this evening. She told them they are amazing public
speakers. She said it is fantastic to see what teachers are doing with iPads in the classrooms and wished
that the PTO and USREF were here to see this presentation.


Mrs. Pittman said she loves that they are able to merge their love of reading with technology.
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Dr. Verducci said that he wants to go back to 4 Grade!
2.
PARCC Results: Year One
Ms. D’Ambola
Ms. D’Ambola reported on the District’s performance on last year’s PARCC assessment. New Jersey adopted
the PARCC to replace the NJ ASK for both English Language Arts and Mathematics in Grades 3 – 11. This
assessment has five performance levels:
1 – not yet meeting grade level expectations
2 – partially meeting grade level expectations
3 – approaching grade level expectations
4 – meeting grade level expectations
5 – exceeding grade level expectations
The data was presented by grade level for both English Language Arts and Mathematics. A high focus was
placed on the percentage of students scoring at or above a level 4 Upper Saddle River consistently outperformed
both the state and the PARCC states using this metric.
Future data will provide a much more detailed assessment of our students’ performance. We look forward to
using disaggregated data by subgroups, an item analysis and an individual student level analysis to identify areas
of improvement and guide our professional development.
COMMENTS:


Mr. Prisco asked if anything stands out from the test results that the district needs to work on/improve.
Mrs. Johnston said that the Curriculum Committee will spend much time analyzing the data and seeing
what can be done to improve student performance in the future.
RECOGNITION OF VISITORS: None
PERSONNEL:
Dr. Browne
A motion was made by Mrs. Fusaro and seconded by Mr. Amano to approve Personnel Consent Agenda items A
through G and was approved by all in attendance.
A.
Create/Abolish (not applicable)
B.
Job Descriptions
1.
Approve the revised job description for Certified School Nurse.
2.
Approve the revised job description for Registered Nurse.
C.
Resignations (not applicable)
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D.
E.
Leaves
1.
Approve paid disability and statutory leave for Sheila Barry, L.D.T.C., effective on or about
May 2, 2016 through approximately November 11, 2016.
2.
Approve paid disability and statutory leave for Jacqueline King, 1 Grade Teacher, effective
on or about April 18, 2016 through June 30, 2016.
3.
Approve paid and unpaid medical leave for Jeanna Martini, Lunch Aide, effective December 2,
2015 through approximately January 13, 2016.
4.
Approve unpaid statutory leave for Ronald Hadley, Night Custodian, effective on or about
December 21, 2015 through approximately February 19, 2016.
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Appointments
1.
Appoint the Affirmative Action Team for the 2015/16 school year as follows:
Carmela Whalen
James McCusker
Michael Alberta
Melissa DeBoer
Marci Titunick
*
2.
Appoint Kathryn Ralston to the position of long-term per diem leave replacement Special
Education Teacher, BA, Step 1, effective on or about February 15, 2016 through approximately
June 15, 2016, subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history records check
required by law and receipt of Students with Disabilities Teaching Certificate.
3.
Appoint Stacy A. Schiff to the position of Special Education Preschool Teacher, BA, Step 2-3,
effective on or about January 4, 2016, subject to the satisfactory completion of the
criminal history records check required by law.
4.
Approve Alicia Giammanco, 5 Grade Teacher, as a Principal Intern and School Administrator
Intern for the 2015/16 school year.
5.
Approve Helaine Kleinman, Cavallini Paraprofessional, to assist with a student during an after
school activity on December 1, 2015.
6.
Appoint Tracy M. Kirsch to the position of Campus Aide, effective on or about January 4,
2016, subject to the satisfactory completion of the criminal history records check required
by law.
7.
Appoint Victoria Balzano as a Basketball Coach for the 2015/16 school year.
8.
Approve Mary Levine as a LEAP Co-Coordinator for the 2016 Winter Session, as per the
graduated fee structure for LEAP based on student enrollment.
9.
Approve Anne Marie Silverman as a LEAP Co-Coordinator for the 2016 Winter Session, as per
the graduated fee structure for LEAP based on student enrollment.
10.
Approve Dora Dillman as a LEAP teacher, Pottery Barn Jr. (Wednesday) and Pottery Barn, Jr.
(Thursday) - two courses.
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$1,100.00
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11.
Approve Josephine Griffith as a LEAP teacher, Baker’s Delight, (Wednesday).
(This will be increased by $10/student if there are more than 20 students.)
$600.00
12.
Approve Josephine Griffith as a LEAP teacher, Baker’s Delight, (Thursday).
(This will be increased by $10/student if there are more than 20 students.)
$600.00
13.
Approve Danielle Hoffman as a LEAP teacher, Baker’s Delight, (Wednesday).
(This will be increased to $550 if there are 14 or more students.)
$275.00
14.
Approve Elaina Reinke as a LEAP teacher, Baker’s Delight, (Wednesday).
(This position is needed only if there are more than 24 students.)
$275.00
15.
Approve Danielle Hoffman as a LEAP teacher, Baker’s Delight, (Thursday).
(This will be increased to $550 if there are 14 or more students.)
$275.00
16.
Approve Elaina Reinke as a LEAP teacher, Baker’s Delight, (Thursday).
(This position is needed only if there are more than 24 students.
$275.00
17.
Approve Anna Richter as a LEAP teacher, Pottery Barn.
$550.00
18.
Approve Anna Richter as a LEAP teacher, Finding Picasso.
$550.00
19.
Approve Susan Jarvis as a LEAP teacher, Acting Up!!
$550.00
20.
Approve Susan Jarvis as a LEAP teacher, Barred Instruments.
$550.00
21.
Approve Julie Spirko as a LEAP teacher, iMake iMovie.
$550.00
22.
Approve Christina Cucci as a LEAP teacher, Computer Coding (Wednesday).
$550.00
23.
Approve Julie Spirko as a LEAP teacher, Computer Coding (Thursday).
$550.00
24.
Approve Kelli Panuska as a LEAP teacher, Acrylic Painting Class.
$550.00
25.
Approve Susan Deniz as a LEAP teacher, Become a Jewelry Designer.
$550.00
26.
Approve Susan Deniz as a LEAP teacher, Frozen Art and Science.
$550.00
27.
Approve Laurie Guerra as a LEAP teacher, Tennis.
$550.00
28.
Approve Heather Walker as a LEAP teacher, Going Unplugged.
$550.00
29.
Approve Peter Petrow as a LEAP teacher, Health and Fitness.
$550.00
30.
Approve Fashion Camp NJ, as a LEAP vendor, Crafting Couture, per student rate:
$120/student
Vivian Burns
31.
Approve Cyber Robotics, as a LEAP vendor, Intro to Robotics, per student rate:
Rosanna Azrak
$128/student
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32.
Approve Cyber Robotics, as a LEAP vendor, Science and Technology, per student rate:
$128/student
Rosanna Azrak
Anria Chacko
33.
Approve Joe Fischer Magic, LEAP vendor, Secrets of Magic, per student rate:
$120/student
Joe Fischer
34.
Approve Outragehisss Pets, as a LEAP vendor, per student rate:
$110/student
Nicole Smith
F.
G.
35.
Approve Robyn Ranges as LEAP Nurse.
36.
Approve Heather Balji as a LEAP Teacher’s Assistant.
$16.00/hour
37.
Approve Susan Deniz as a LEAP Teacher’s Assistant.
$16.00/hour
38.
Approve Andrea Leshinsky as a LEAP Teacher’s Assistant.
$16.00/hour
39.
Approve Catherine Merritt as a LEAP Teacher’s Assistant.
$16.00/hour
40.
Approve Kyle Miskowski as a LEAP Teacher’s Assistant.
$16.00/hour
41.
Approve Jaclyn Vinciguerra as a LEAP Teacher’s Assistant.
$16.00/hour
42.
Approve Donna Bach as a Volunteer LEAP Teacher’s Assistant.
Substitutes/Consultants
1.
Approve Victoria Stephan as a substitute nurse/teacher/paraprofessional for the 2015/16
school year subject to the receipt of a New Jersey Substitute Nurse/Teacher Certificate.
2.
Approve Matthew Bernaducci as a substitute teacher/paraprofessional for the 2015/16
school year, New Jersey Elementary School Teacher’s Certificate.
3.
Approve Joshua Chiavaro as a substitute teacher/paraprofessional for the 2015/16 school
year, New Jersey Substitute Teacher’s Certificate.
4.
Approve Beth Kovar as a substitute teacher/paraprofessional for the 2015/16 school year,
New Jersey Elementary School Teacher’s Certificate.
5.
Approve George Maroules as a substitute teacher/paraprofessional for the 2015/16 school
year, New Jersey Teacher of Social Studies Certificate.
6.
Approve Marilyn Shrout 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 and receipt of New Jersey Substitute Teacher’s Certificate.
7.
Approve Danielle Traynor as a substitute teacher/paraprofessional for the 2015/16 school
year, New Jersey Substitute Teacher’s Certificate.
Lateral Guide Move (not applicable)
$700.00
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FINANCE:
Mrs. Imbasciani
A motion was made by Mrs. Fusaro and seconded by Dr. Verducci to approve Finance Consent Agenda items A
through K was approved by all in attendance.
A.
Approve the Minutes of Board Meetings:
November 2 and November 16, 2015
B.
Approve the Bills List for November 2015 as follows:
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11
12
20
50
60
General Current Expense
General Current Expense
Capital Outlay
Special Revenue Funds
Milk
Trust Fund
Total
$67,580.02
$1,881,902.99
$6,910.00
$33,932.36
$673.25
$28,088.48
$2,019,087.10
C.
Approve the Transfers for November 2015.
D.
Approve the Board Secretary and Treasurer’s Reports dated June, July, August, September, October and
November 2015 and to certify that after review of these reports and upon consultation with appropriate
district officials, as to the best of our knowledge, no major account or fund has been over expended in
violation of NJAC 6A:23-2.11 and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district’s financial obligation
for the remainder of the year.
E.
Approve a Shared Services Agreement with the Quad-District Boards of Education for the services of the
Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, with Northern Highlands Regional High School serving as
LEA for the period commencing July 1, 2015 for a period of ten (10) years; and in accordance with the
agreement, the cost of services for the 2015/16 school year shall be $77,081.86.
F.
Approve the Addendum to Quad Technology Department Shared Services Agreement Between the Upper
Saddle River Board of Education, the Northern Highlands Regional High School Board of Education, the
Ho-Ho-Kus Board of Education and the Allendale Board of Education.
G.
Approve the graduated fee structure for the LEAP after school enrichment program as follows:
Student Enrollment
161 – 180
181 – 200
201 – 220
221 – 240
241 – 260
261 – 280
281 – 300
Co-Coordinator Salary
$5,000.00
$5,350.00
$5,700.00
$6,050.00
$6,400.00
$6,750.00
$7,100.00
H.
Approve the out-of-district placement of a student whose name is on file in the Board Office at
Holmstead School, effective December 21, 2015.
I.
Approve the Application for Dual Use of Educational Space for Reynolds School room 95, for the 2015/16
school year.
J.
Approve Aspire Technology Partners to upgrade the hardware for the District's virtual infrastructure
at a total cost of $50,754.19. (Pricing based on EMC (Storage Array Network) WSCA Contract #A89968
and Cisco (Servers) WSCA Contract #87720)
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K.
Approve the following Travel Expenses:
Program Name
TC Workshop: Intersection of Guided
Reading & Book Clubs
New York, NY
NJECC Computer Conference
Montclair, NJ
Date
January 12, 2016
January 26, 2016
Employee
Marissa Hopson
Stephanie Pirsos
Registration
Fee
$400.00
$400.00
Travel
Cost
$109.30
$134.50
January 13, 2016
Revitalizing Your Library Space
Fairfield, NJ
101 Best Strategies to Enhance Your
World Language Classroom (Gr 4-12)
Piscataway, NJ
TC Workshop: Unpacking Two Upcoming
Reading Units: Readers Have Big Jobs
To Do & Meeting Characters and
Learning Lessions
New York, NY
How Student Mental Health Issues
Manifest in the Classroom
Mahwah, NJ
Executive Dysfunction: Strategies for
at Home and at School
Parsippany, NJ
Teaching Beginning Language and
Related Skills Utilizing Discrete Trial
Training
Oradell, NJ
2016 Statewide Preschool Nurses
Meeting
Neptune, NJ
TC Workshop: Upper Grades Need the
Secrets That Primary Grades Know
New York, NY
Creating the Canvas Workshop
Morristown, NJ
Teaching Students with Comprehension
Problems to Read Like Detectives
Garwood, NJ
NJSBGA Annual Conference
Atlantic City, NJ
Evolving Educators: Tomorrow's
Classrooms Today Conference
Lawrence Township, NJ
January 14, 2016
Daniel Cazes
Michael Padilla
Bruce Reicher
Julie Spirko
Elizabeth Ullrich
$110.00
$0.00
$110.00
$110.00
$239.00
$22.14
$22.14
$0.00
$18.86
$17.05
January 27, 2016
Rachel Friedman
$239.00
$29.79
January 27, 2016
Jacqueline King
$50.00
$0.00
January 28, 2016
Melissa DiBartolo
Sheryl Spencer
Carmela Whalen
Melissa DiBartolo
$80.00
$80.00
$80.00
$199.99
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
February 2, 2016
Carolyn Lane
Elaine Stern
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
February 3, 2016
Lisa LoPiccolo
$0.00
$55.50
February 5 & 6, 2016
Jessica Bollenbach
Heather Walker
$400.00
$400.00
$173.50
$0.00
February 12, 2016
Daniel Cazes
$0.00
$23.87
March 9, 2016
Sheila Barry
Janice Clare
$180.00
$205.00
$0.00
$0.00
March 14-16, 2016
Nijazi Leka
$125.00
$406.49
May 21, 2016
Jonathan Harvey
$35.00
$43.56
RECOGNITION OF VISITORS: None
January 29, 2016
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COMMENT:

Mr. Prisco said that he attended the Robotics Competition and it was quite an event. He gave special thanks
to Mr. Harvey and Mr. McCusker.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion to adjourn was made by Mrs. Smiechowski and seconded by Mr. Prisco at 9:02 p.m.
Sincerely,
Dana Imbasciani, Board Secretary
Mrs. Johnston