BOARD OF EDUCATION
Newton, NJ
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 24, 2009
Mr. Heckman, Board President, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the Board
Office at 57 Trinity Street, Newton, NJ, noting in the opening statement that the notice
of this meeting was sent to the New Jersey Herald, the Star Ledger, and the Town Clerk
of Newton on May 29, 2009 and appropriately posted. The notice requirements of the
Open Public Meetings Act have been satisfied.
OPENING
Members Present: Mr. Caffrey, Mrs. Carr, Ms. Cooke, Ms. Egner, Ms. Gianni, Mr. Heckman,
Mr. Mistry, Mr. Morris, and Dr. Greene
ROLL CALL
Members absent: Mr. Jackson, Mr. Kelly, and Mrs. VanAuken
Mr. Flaherty asked the board to continue supporting the Robotics group.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mrs. Thomas expressed her appreciation for all the donations on the agenda and suggested a
wish list be made public.
Mrs. Thomas asked about Business Item D; Dr. Green explained it is part of the partnership with
Picatinny.
There were no committee reports.
Ms. Gianni reported Andover BOE approved the curriculum consultant.
SENDING DIST. RPT.
Ms. Cooke reported Green Twp. BOE approved the curriculum consultant, and also stated the
board was happy to host the Tri-district meeting.
Dave Pede gave a presentation on the FFA program at Newton High School and reported the
Ag program has existed since 1924. He thanked the board for their support. He introduced
the officers of Newton FFA. Each of the officers discussed the accomplishments
and experiences of attending the National Conference.
SUPT. REPORT/
ED. HIGHLIGHTS
Dr. Greene reported on the November 16th Tri-district meeting. New business included the
County Superintendent’s mandatory report on consolidation and regionalization.
Dr. Greene reviewed the Action Plan for District Goals and stated we are on schedule.
Dr. Greene updated the board on the agreement between the Town Council and Thorlabs.
Dr. Greene stated the Student Council representative could not be present and reported on
Homecoming and community service for Project Self-sufficiency. A lock-in will be held later
this year.
Dr. Greene reported on the many educational offerings at the NJSBA Convention.
Ms. Snyder stated that Senator Codey introduced a transition bill that would delay the State
Budget message to around March 16, 2010.
SBA/BS’s REPORT
Ms. Snyder reported on the Accountability Regulation training she attended, and reported that
although the legislation passed a year ago, the 215 pages of regulations are being audited and
enforced even though they are still in draft mode and changing periodically.
Ms. Snyder reported she met with the Town Manager, CFO, and their auditor to discuss
extending our formal and informal shared services. We are awaiting clarification of regulations
from the DCA and will continue the discussion at the next liaison meeting on December 14, 2009
at 5:00 PM.
Ms. Snyder presented information on the Newton Public Schools Standard Operating Procedures
and Internal Control Manual.
Ms. Snyder stated that while she was at the convention she was able to speak to many vendors about
topics including health insurance and cleaning supplies.
Motion made by Mrs. Carr, seconded by Ms. Gianni that the 11 member board approve the
following:
A.
Approve the minutes of the following meeting:
Goal Setting Meeting of July 16, 2009
Regular Meeting of October 13, 2009
Executive Session of October 13, 2009
BD. BUSINESS
B.
Authorize the secretary to pay bills and warrants Nos. 031634 to 031879
as per bill list dated November 24, 2009 in the amount of $3,332,256.09,
as per Attachment A.
C.
Approve the financial reports from the Board Secretary and the Treasurer
of School Monies for the month of October, 2009 as on file in the Business
Office.
D.
Accept the Board Secretary’s certification, as attached, (pursuant to NJAC
6:20-2.12(d)) that as of October 31, 2009 no budgetary line item account has
obligations and payments (contractual orders) which in total exceed the
amount appropriated by the Board of Education pursuant to NJSA
18A-22-8 & 18A-22-8.1.
E.
Pursuant to NJAC 6:23-2.11, certify that as of October 31, 2009 after review
of the secretary’s financial report (appropriations section) and upon
consultation with the appropriate district officials, to the best of our
knowledge, no major account or fund has been overexpended in
violation of NJAC 6:20-2.12(a) and that sufficient funds are available to
meet the district’s financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year.
F.
Approve the line item transfers and 10% report as per Attachment B.
Carried unanimously by a roll call vote of the 11 member board with the following exceptions:
Mrs. Carr, Ms. Gianni and Mr. Morris abstained on the minutes of the Regular
and Executive Session meeting of October 13, 2009.
Motion made by Ms. Egner, seconded by Mr. Caffrey that the 9 member board approve the
following:
A.
Approve the receipt of a Sparta resident, grade 7, to attend the BD class at
Halsted Middle School, effective November 9, 2009, at a tuition rate of $13,931,
prorated.
B.
Approve a field trip for Newton Even Start to Pottery Pizazz.
C.
Approve the following Halsted Middle School field trips:
Class/Club
Chorale Group
8th Grade Class Trip
8th Grade Students
Purpose
Performance
Class Trip
Orientation
PROGRAM
Location
Sussex County Community College
Historic Philadelphia, PA
Newton High School
Carried unanimously by a roll call vote of the 9 member board.
Motion made by Ms. Cooke, seconded by Ms. Gianni that the 11 member board approve
the following:
D.
Approve the following Newton High School field trips:
Class/Club
Multicultural Club
French Club
FFA
Robotics Club
Senior Students
Chorus/Band
Senior Students
German Club
Art Students
Purpose
Service
Curriculum
Community Service
Competition
Class Trip
Performance
Guidance
Curriculum
Community Service
Location
Jane Addams High School, Bronx, NY
Prudential Center
Bristol Glen
NJIT, Area High Schools, NYC
NYC Theatre
Wallkill Valley Regional High School
Sussex County Technical School
NYC Marymount Manhattan College
Spring Street Store Fronts
Ms. Cooke asked about a field trip that did not have a signature. Dr. Greene state he will discuss
it with the principal.
E.
Approve the following students for homebound instruction in accordance with
N.J.A.C.6:14:
Student ID#S2714
Student ID#S1376
Student ID#S2716
Student ID# S1262
Grade 9
Grade 9
Grade 9
Grade 10
10/22/09
09/01/09
10/09/09
11/18/09
Student ID#S1085
Student ID#S1204
F.
Grade 12
Grade 12
10/27/09
09/01/09
Approve the following policies and regulations for second reading:
Policies
2428.1
3159
5320
5331
5460
5465
5512.01
8311
8760
9110
Standards-Based Instructional Priorities
Teaching Staff Member/School District Reporting Responsibilities
Immunization
Management of Life-Threatening Allergies in Schools
High School Graduation
Early Graduation
Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
Managing Electronic Mail
Pupil Accident Insurance
QAAR-ABOLISH
Regulations
5320
5331
5512
8420.7
Immunization
Management of Life-Threatening Allergies in Schools
Reporting Procedure-Hazing and/or Harassment, Intimidation
Lockdown Procedures
G.
Approve the Pandemic Influenza Plan as per Attachment C.
H.
Approve the continued participation of a home schooled student on the Newton
High School cross country and track teams.
I.
Approve the change in course titles from ASIP English to HSPA Prep English I, II,
III, IV at Newton High School. These are basic skills improvement courses which
do not fulfill Newton High School graduation requirements in English Language Arts.
J.
Approve the request of recently moved seniors to finish their education at Newton
High School and graduate with their class in June 2010:
Student # S1194 and S1043
Ms. Carr asked about the two students who are completing their senior year.
K.
Approve the establishment of an ad-hoc advisory committee to provide
recommendations to the Board on athletic facilities. The committee will include
members of the Newton, Andover Regional, and Green Township communities as
approved by the Superintendent with preliminary and final reports expected prior
to the close of the 2009-2010 school year.
Carried unanimously by a roll call vote of the 11 member board.
Motion made by Ms. Egner, seconded by Mrs. Carr that the 9 member board approve
the following:
PERSONNEL
Based upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the following
personnel resolutions are presented for approval:
A.
Accept with regrets, the retirement of Beth Jones, Merriam Avenue School
Librarian, effective January 1, 2010.
Dr. Greene stated Ms. Jones has been in the district since 1979 and thanked her for her years
of service to the district.
B.
Approve the following to fill vacancies caused by worker’s comp, effective
11/16/09:
Frank Fasalo as temporary night foreman at Halsted Middle School, $1,000,
prorated.
Tim Hartman as temporary head custodian at Halsted Middle School, $1,200,
prorated.
C.
Approve the following temporary custodial transfers effective November 16, 2009:
Sue Syme, day custodian at Merriam Avenue School, to night custodian at Halsted
Middle School.
Anthony Garriety, summer building and grounds to Merriam Avenue School, pending
criminal history review.
D.
Approve the following co-curricular and coaching appointments at Halsted Middle School:
Brian Bitondo
Laura Filan
Margaret Penny
Melissa Flores
Catherine Pasculli
Keith Dwyer
Boys Basketball Coach, Step 4, $3,739
Girls Basketball Coach, Step 1, $3,220
Dramatics Director, Step 1, $1,340 (pending sub. certification)
Dramatics Assistant, Step 1, $1,005
Musical Director, Step 1, $1,005
Art Club Advisor, $30 per hour
E.
Rescind the appointment for Keith Dwyer as Art Club Advisor, Step 1, $1,159 and
approve as Art Decorations Advisor, Step l, $1,159.
F.
Rescind the appointment of Linda Salerno as Post Office advisor and approve Susanna
Oelschlager as Post Office advisor, $30 per hour.
G.
Approve an unpaid family leave absence for Irene Joubert, teacher assistant at Merriam
Avenue School from November 4, 2009 to November 13, 2009.
H.
Approve Karen Macko as an After Care tutor at Merriam Avenue School at $30 per hour.
I.
Approve the following Title I Extended Day appointments at Halsted Middle School,
$30 per hour, not to exceed $5,000 cumulatively:
Kathy Bottoni
Jill Rosenthal
Carried unanimously by a roll call vote of the 9 member board.
Motion made by Ms. Gianni, seconded by Mrs. Carr that the 11 member board approve the
following:
J.
Approve Glenda Kinney-Perna as part-time foodservice worker, $8.35/hr,
effective 11/25/09.
K.
Approve the following winter weight room supervisors, 60 days cumulative,
not to exceed $3,000:
Michael Grifone
Richard Petersen
Chris St. Genis (alternate)
L.
Approve the following full-time custodians at Newton High School. Effective
date and prorated salary is pending criminal history review.
Michael DePue, Step 2, $28,984
Peter Kazmierski, Step 1, $25,484
M.
Approve the following Action Alliance staff to chaperone Freshman Volleyball
Games @ $25/hr., not to exceed $300 cumulatively:
Lisa Bechtel
Jack Choma
Mike Grifone
N.
Petra Hannig-Eisenberger
Mary Licata
Nancy Vanhorn
Approve the following co-curricular and coaching appointments at Newton High School:
Jill Aquino
Jesse Clark
Ella Gaal
Sarah Kuhns
Ken Aulicino
Susan Desautels
R.E.B.E.L. Advisor. $1,000
Mock Trial, Step 1, $670
Mock Trial, Step 1, $670
Dramatics Musical, Step 2, $1,413
Dramatics Stage Set, Step 1, $670 (pending criminal history review)
Volunteer Assistant Girls Basketball Coach
O.
Approve Brian Bollette as a Newton High School Wrestling Paraprofessional.
P.
Approve the following parents as Art Club volunteers at Newton High School:
Amy Ehrenberg
Daniela Covell
Sue Tatin
Q.
Approve a payment increase for the following PSAT positions. These services are
paid for by fees as charged by the College Board not from district funds.
Associate Supervisor/Proctors
Testing Coordinator
Hall Proctors (if needed)
R.
$100
$275
$85
Approve the following substitutes for the remainder of the 2009-2010 school year:
Substitute Teachers
Binski, Meghan
Croft, Clark
Ferreira, Carmen
Jaekel, Kristine, pending criminal history review
Mello, Deborah
Moormann, Alecia, pending criminal history review
Paparella, Tracy
Roberts, Thomas
Rosenblum, Jessica, pending criminal history review
Stanek, Brian, pending criminal history review
Vogel, Tamarih
Wawzyanick, Erika
Wermuth, Elizabeth, pending criminal history review
Substitute Custodian
Garriety, Anthony, pending criminal history review
Carried unanimously by a roll call vote of the 11 member board with the following exception:
Ms. Cooke abstained on Item R.
Motion made by Ms. Egner, seconded by Ms. Gianni that the 11 member board approve
the following:
A.
Approve the following district purchases:
District
Description
Daytop Prep School
Ed. Svcs. (5) Students-Sept.
Daytop Prep School
Ed. Svcs. (5) Students-Oct/Nov
Nisivoccia & Co.
Auditing & Related Services
D & E Service Ctr.
#3 Repair & Preventive Maint.
D & E Service Ctr.
#8 Repair & Preventive Maint.
Hamburg Plumbing
HMS Water heater/Bd. Office
J&B Occupational
OT Services for 504 Students
JA Sexauer
Plumbing Supplies
Grants
Sussex Ct. Ed. Svcs.
Chapter 192/193 Services
Newton BOE
08/09 ES/Title I & II Benefits
Keyboard Consultants Smartboards & Lamps-HMS
Hertz Furniture
Computer Tables/Chair Title I
Newton High School
Wenger Corporation
4-Step Risers
B & H Photo
Camcorder & Supplies
Halsted Middle School
CDWG, Inc
Laptops & Cart
Merriam Avenue School
Wright Group
Textbooks
Capstone Press
Teaching Supplies
The Booksource
Teaching Supplies
NHS Athletics
Athletic Department
Official’s Fees
Athletic Department
Official’s Fees
Schutt/Circle Division Sports Supplies
Schutt/Circle Division Sports Supplies
School Health Corp
Health Supplies for Trainers
Sussex Cty. Reg. Coop Transportation for Athletics
Amount
$ 7,020
$11,016
$33,325
$ 2,771
$ 2,561
$ 5,770
$15,000
$ 5,596
$79,951
$ 4,695
$ 4,765
$ 3,259
$12,680
$ 2,601
$ 8,430
$ 2,833
$ 3,045
$ 2,640
$10,000
$ 5,000
$ 4,973
$ 4,350
$ 3,472
$18,000
B.
Approve district travel expenses as per Attachment D.
C.
Approve the following School Bus Emergency Evacuation Drill Reports
as required by NJAC 6A:27-11.2 as follows:
10/28/09
10/29/09
D.
Sussex Tech
Merriam Avenue School
FT-AM
JB-1
7:20 AM
8:45 AM
Approve the acceptance of team registration and parts kit, valued at $6,000
from the Department of Defense NDEP program.
BUSINESS
Ms. Cooke thanked everyone for their donations.
E.
Approve the acceptance of the FY2010 Carl D. Perkins Secondary Grant
funds for Newton High School and as a consortium with Belvidere for a total of
$22,652, effective July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010.
F.
Accept the donation of a file cabinet and fax machine from Mrs. Nanette Thomas.
G.
Accept the donation of a smartboard, valued at $2,500 from Agilix for Newton
High School.
H.
Accept the donation of a camera and printer for Mrs. Raynor’s class at Merriam
Avenue School from the Women’s Club of Newton.
I.
Accept a First Lego League donation of $771.54.
J.
Accept a $2,000 donation from Thor Labs to be used for the Robotics Program.
K.
Accept the donation of $1,000 of decorator fabric from Curtain Emporium to Mrs.
Sund’s Fiber Trends class at Newton High School.
L.
Accept the donation of $100 to Halsted Middle School for Mrs. Zetterstrom’s class
that she won in a summer drawing at NJEA Summer Leadership.
M.
Accept the donation of $500 to Halsted Middle School’s Technology/Robotic
Program from an anonymous parent.
N.
Accept the donation of replacement wrestling mats for Newton High School from
several individual benefactors and the Wrestling Booster Club at a purchase price
of $9,656.
O.
Approve the disposal of the following at Newton High School:
Contemporary Living textbooks - Copyright 1987, Goodheart-Willcox, 24 copies
Wrestling mats - 2400 square feet
P.
Approve the re-adoption of the Uniform State Memorandum of Agreement between
Education and Law Enforcement Officials and authorize the submission of same to the
County Superintendent, County Prosecutor and Law Enforcement Officials.
Q.
Approve the Even Start Family Literacy Program Grant in the amount of $103,250
beginning 10/1/09 and ending on 9/30/10.
R.
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11(5) authorizes contracting units to establish a Cooperative
Pricing System and to enter into Cooperative Pricing Agreements for its administration; and
WHEREAS, the Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission, hereinafter referred
to as the “Lead Agency " has offered voluntary participation in a Cooperative Pricing System
for the purchase of goods and services;
WHEREAS, on November 24, 2009 the governing body of the Newton Board of
Education, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey duly considered participation in a
Cooperative Pricing System for the provision and performance of goods and services;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED as follows:
This RESOLUTION shall be known and may be cited as a Cooperative Pricing
Resolution of the Newton Board of Education;
Pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11(5), the School Business
Administrator/Qualified Purchasing Agent is hereby authorized to enter into a
Cooperative Pricing Agreement with the Lead Agency.
The Lead Agency shall be responsible for complying with the provisions of the Local
Public Contracts Law (N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq.) and all other provisions of the revised
statutes of the State of New Jersey.
This resolution shall take effect immediately upon passage.
Mr. Mistry asked for an explanation of the above resolution.
S.
WHEREAS Newton, Andover, and Green have decided that all three districts
need curriculum articulation services and;
WHEREAS the districts jointly advertised in an attempt to hire an employee with
appropriate qualifications and;
WHEREAS there was not a response from a qualifying employee, and;
WHEREAS the Newton Board of Education then solicited responses from
consultants;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Newton Board of Education
approves a contract with Janice Mezier LLC to provide services, and;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Newton’s share of the cost will not exceed
$10,000 for the 2009-2010 school year.
Carried unanimously by a roll call vote of the 11 member board.
Mr. Mistry asked for an update on the energy audit.
OLD BD. BUSINESS
Ms. Gianni stated she attended the Foreign Language Program. She explained how the German
student’s visit impacted host students, their families and other students.
NEW BD. BUSINESS
Ms. Gianni reported she attended the Open House and it was the best she has ever attended.
Mr. Caffrey reported he attended the Festival of Lights and enjoyed the Madrigals. He thanked
everyone for their support and said that is part of the reason our district is so special.
Dr. Greene stated our band will be marching in the town’s Santa parade.
Mr. Morris asked if Impact Testing could be expanded to all athletes.
President’s Statement
This public session is designed for members of the public to speak on issues for Board
consideration. By law, the Board of Education is under no obligation to respond to
public comment. If the Board of Education chooses to respond, it does not waive
its right thereafter not to respond. Please identify yourself and spell your last name.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ms. Nancy Cannon introduced her daughter to explain her schedule and grade issues.
Ms. Thomas made suggestions relating to steps involved in applying to a college, the
senior class trip, and yearbooks purchased with money received through fundraising.
Ms. Gianni asked if the new trip form could include the cost per student.
Committee of the Whole – This public committee meeting is designed for the board of education
to discuss issues that may appear on future board agendas. Please consider that an individual
employee’s terms and conditions of employment cannot be discussed prior to that employee
being given proper notice.
The board discussed consideration of the following textbook at Newton High School for
Calculus Honors/AP for the school year 2010-2011:
CURRICULUM
COMMITTEE
Calculus Early Transcendentals Single Variable
Mrs. Carr asked why they need a new book. Dr. Greene explained that the A/P progress is changing.
Ms. Mazier stated the A/P board has to approve the curriculum.
The board discussed the Standard Operating Procedures/Internal Controls Manual.
Paul Breda, NJSBA, discussed Board Self-Evaluation and set an improvement plan.
Motion made by Ms. Egner, seconded by Ms. Cooke that the board adjourn at 9:18 PM.
Carried unanimously by a roll call vote of the 11 member board.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Snyder
School Business Administrator/ Board Secretary
FINANCE
COMMITTEE
GOVERNANCE
COMMITTEE