The regular meeting of the Great Meadows Regional Board of Education was held on Monday, January 22, 2007, at the Great Meadows Middle School, Independence Township.  The meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM by Robert Jones, President.  A statement was read that adequate notice of the meeting had been given in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act.

 

Flag Salute.

 

ROLL CALL:

 

Present: Helene Armstrong, Maryann Citro, Peggy Faulborn (arrived 7:30 PM), Robert Jones, Bernie O’Hara, and William Vonder Haar.

 

Absent: Jennifer Cassini, Susan Cullen, and Joe Mahal.

 

There were 5 members of the public in attendance.

 

Motion by Bernie O’Hara, seconded by William Vonder Haar, to approve the minutes from November 13, 2006.

Motion carried in a unanimous voice vote with Citro abstaining.

 

Motion by Helene Armstrong, seconded by Maryann Citro, to approve the minutes from November 27, 2006.

Motion carried in a unanimous voice vote.

 

Motion by Maryann Citro, seconded by Bernie O’Hara, to approve the minutes from December 11, 2006.

Motion carried in a unanimous voice vote.

 

Motion by Bernie O’Hara, seconded by Helene Armstrong, to approve the executive session minutes from November 13, 2006.

Motion carried in a unanimous voice vote with Citro abstaining.

 

Motion by Helene Armstrong, seconded by Maryann Citro, to approve the executive session minutes from November 27, 2006.

Motion carried in a unanimous voice.

 

Motion by Maryann Citro, seconded by Helene Armstrong, to approve the executive session minutes from December 11, 2006.

Motion carried in a unanimous voice vote.

 

Motion by Maryann Citro, seconded by Bernie O’Hara, to accept the Financial Report of the Secretary and Treasurer for the months ending November 30, 2006, and December 31, 2006, as per copies attached and to certify that as of November 30, 2006 and December 31, 2006, after review of the Secretary’s monthly financial reports (appropriations section) and upon consultation with the appropriate district officials, that to the best of my knowledge, no major account or fund has been over expended in violation of NJAC 6:20-2.12(e) and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district’s financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Motion carried in a unanimous voice vote.

 

Motion by Helene Armstrong, seconded by Bernie O’Hara, to approve the bills from November 28, 2006 through January 22, 2007 in the amount of $2,805,047.30.

Motion carried in a unanimous voice vote.

 

Motion by Bernie O’Hara, seconded by William Vonder Haar, to approve the cafeteria bills from November 28, 2006 through January 22, 2007 in the amount of $38,491.22.

Motion carried in a unanimous voice vote.

 

Jason Bing, Superintendent’s Update.

 

Jason Bing gave the Curriculum Update.

 

Helene Armstrong asked that the Curriculum Update be available to the district parents. Jason Bing answered that it could possibly be posted on the website.

 

Public Comment:  None

 

14.1    Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, motion by Helene Armstrong, seconded by Maryann Citro, to    approve the following Personnel & Buildings/Grounds/Transportation items 14.1.1 to 14.1.18.

 

Motion carried in a unanimous roll call vote.

 

14.1.1                  Approve movement on the salary guide for Jennifer Hypes from Step 4 BS to Step 4 BS+15 at an annual salary of $43,190.00 pro-rated to $21,595.00 effective February 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007.

 

14.1.2                  Approve movement on the salary guide for Kristine Doty from Step 4 BS+15 to Step 4 BS+30 at an annual salary of $44,065.00 pro-rated to $22,032.50 effective February 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007.

14.1.3                  Approve movement on the salary guide for Gina Pagliaro from Step 4 BS to Step 4 BS+15 at an annual salary of $43,190.00 pro-rated to $21,595.00 effective February 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007.

 

14.1.4                  Approve a stipend of $360.00 to Stephanie Conway, Great Meadows Regional School District Psychologist, for I&RS work done October 2006, through December 2006, at the rate of $30 per hour for a total of 12 hours.

 

14.1.5                  Approve a stipend of $450.00 to Israel Marmolejos, Jr., Great Meadows Middle School World Language teacher, for Home Instruction beginning November 3, 2006 through December 20, 2006 at the rate of $30 per hour for a total of 15 hours.

 

14.1.6                  Approve the extension of Katie Martin as Maternity Leave Replacement for Kara Feulner through the end of the 2006-2007 school year.

 

14.1.7                  Accept, with regret, the resignation of Terry Smith, CST secretary, effective February 28, 2007.

 

14.1.8                  Approve a stipend of $75.00 to Joann Coppola, 2nd grade teacher at Central School, for her participation in Halloween Math Night at Great Meadows Middle School for 2½ hours at the rate of $30 per hour.

 

14.1.9                  Approve a stipend of $75.00 to Rachel Crane, 2nd grade teacher at Central School, for her participation in Halloween Math Night at Great Meadows Middle School for 2½ hours at the rate of $30 per hour.

 

14.1.10             Approve a second stipend of $1,000.00 to Jan Romanczyk, 7th grade teacher, for the second half of the REBEL2 grant to be paid in June of 2007.

 

14.1.11             Approve Joe D’Agostino, student at College of Saint Elizabeth, to complete his student teaching with Gayle Evans, 1st grade teacher at Central School, from January 16, 2007 through May 4, 2007.

 

14.1.12             Approve the Board of Education goals/action steps.

 

Motion by Williams Vonder Haar, seconded by Helene Armstrong, to amend item 14.1.12 to read Approve the Board of Education and District goals/action steps as attached.

Motion carried in a unanimous voice vote.

 

14.1.13             Approve a Transportation Contract for the MD 2 Route with First Student for the 2006-2007 school year at a cost of $39,522.40.  The original approval on July 24, 2006 was for $28,805.24.

 

14.1.14             Approve a new Transportation Contract for the FS-0607-1 Route with First Student for the 2006-2007 school year at a cost of $39,585.60.  The original approval on July 25, 2006 was for a “renewal”.  The cost remains the same.

 

14.1.15             Approve a transportation jointure with Hackettstown for the 2006-2007 extended school year to share the cost of the following routes for a total annual contract cost of $3,868.00.   The Q-Spr. with Snyder was originally costed at $1,014.00 on July 24, 2006.

 

Joiner                Route                Contractor         Total Cost         Host      Joiner      Joiner Cost

Hackettstown     Q-Mid              A.M. Scott        $5,520.00              1           1         $1,840.00

Hackettstown     Q-Spr.               Snyder              $5,070.00              2          2          $2,028.00

 

14.1.16             Accept the resignation of Robert Simmons, custodian at Liberty School, effective January 31, 2007.

 

14.1.17             Approve the employment of Leigh Reiter, Jr., as evening custodian at Liberty School, effective February 1, 2007 at an annual salary of $24,965.00 pro-rated to $10,402.10.

 

Motion by William Vonder Haar, seconded by Helene Armstrong, to amend item 14.1.17 to read Approve the employment of Leigh Reiter, Jr., as evening custodian at Liberty School, effective February 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007 at an annual salary of $24,965.00 pro-rated to $10,402.10.

     Motion carried in a unanimous voice vote.

 

14.1.18             Approve Linda Dill, Centenary College student, to observe six hours in resource/special education, grades 3-5, at Central School and Liberty School.

 

14.2    Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, motion by Bernie O’Hara, seconded by Helene Armstrong, to approve the following Finance/Policy items 14.2.1 through 14.2.15.

 

Motion carried in a unanimous roll call vote.

 

14.2.1                  Accept Fiscal Year 2006-2007 No Child Left Behind Grant funds as listed below:

 

Title I            $ 37,105

Title II Part A    $ 27,260

Title II Part D    $    162

Title III          $    629

Title IV           $  2,402

Title V            $  1,336

Total              $ 68,894

 

14.2.2                  Accept Fiscal Year 2006-2007 IDEIA Grant as listed:

 

Basic              $271,262

Pre-school         $  6,566

 

14.2.3                  Approve a contract between Great Meadows Regional School District and the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired to provide services to one student effective September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007 for a cost of $1,300.00.

 

14.2.4                  Approve a Special Education Contract between Hackettstown Public Schools and Great Meadows Regional School District for one student attending Mt. Olive School District for the 2006-2007 school year at a cost of $120.78 per diem, for a total cost of $21,742.00.

 

14.2.5                  Approve an Employment Services Contract between Hackettstown Public Schools and Great Meadows Regional School District for two students attending Abilities of NW Jersey – Employment Pathways at an estimated cost of $5,000.

 

14.2.6                  Approve a Special Education Contract between Hackettstown Public Schools and Great Meadows Regional School District for one student attending the Midland School for the 2006-2007 school year at a cost of $192.80 per diem for 210 days, which comes to a total cost of $40,488.00.

 

14.2.7                  Approve a Special Education Contract between Hackettstown Public Schools and Great Meadows Regional School District for two students attending the Spring Run School for the 2006-2007 school year at a cost of $136.00 per diem for 210 days = $28,560 per student, which comes to a total cost of $57,120.00.

 

14.2.8                  Approve a Special Education Contract between Hackettstown Public Schools and Great Meadows Regional School District for one student attending Kidspeace for the 2006-2007 school year at a cost of $186.00 per diem for 220 days, which comes to a total cost of $40,920.00.

 

14.2.9                  Approve a Special Education Contract between Hackettstown Public Schools and Great Meadows Regional School District for one student attending Shawnee Academy for the 2006-2007 school year at a cost of $120 per diem, for a total cost of $ 21,600.

 

14.2.10             Approve a Special Education Contract between Hackettstown Public Schools and Great Meadows Regional School District for one student attending Hunterdon County ESC for the 2006-2007 school year at a cost of $150.00 per diem, for a total cost of $27,000.00.

 

14.2.11             Approve a Special Education Contract between Hackettstown Public Schools and Great Meadows Regional School District for one student attending The Craig Upper School for the 2006-2007 school year at a cost of $172.50 per diem, for a total cost of $31,050.00.

 

14.2.12             Approve a Special Education Contract between Hackettstown Public Schools and Great Meadows Regional School District for one student attending Hopatcong High School for the 2006-2007 school year at a cost of $160.47 per diem, for a total cost of $28,843.50.

 

14.2.13             Approve a Therapy Services Contract between Hackettstown Public Schools and Great Meadows Regional School District for one student attending SCARC for the 2006-2007 school year at an estimated cost of $5,000.00.

 

14.2.14             Approve a Tuition Contract between ECLC/Chatham of New Jersey and Great Meadows Regional School District for one student from January 2, 2007 through June 30, 2007 at a cost of $169.30 per diem, which is estimated to cost $20,316.00.

 

14.2.15             Approve the Addendum to the Tuition Contract Agreement with Warren County Technical School District for the 2006-2007 School Year as attached.

 

Motion by Helene Armstrong, seconded by Maryann Citro, whereas, the Board must consider matters involving litigation, the deliberation of such matters may be held in private under the Open Public Meeting Act NJSA 10:4-6, the Board will adjourn to Executive Session at 8:20 PM to discuss the above mentioned matter, to the exclusion of all others.  If any action results, it will be taken following the re-entry into regular session.

Motion carried in a unanimous voice vote.

 

Peggy Faulborn arrived at 8:30 PM.

 

Motion by Peggy Faulborn, seconded by Maryann Citro, to re-enter regular session at 8:45 PM.

Motion carried in a unanimous voice vote.

 

Motion by Peggy Faulborn, seconded by Maryann Citro, to authorize the Superintendent and Board President to accept the Settlement Agreement and other documents necessary to effect said Settlement between Great Meadows Regional School District and RB and CB.

Motion carried in a roll call vote – 5 yeas, 1 nays.

 

Motion by Helene Armstrong, seconded by Peggy Faulborn, to adjourn at 9:02 PM.

Motion carried in unanimous voice vote.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Julie Mumaw

Board Secretary