The regular meeting of the Great Meadows Regional Board of Education was held on Monday, May 23, 2005, at Great Meadows Middle School, Independence Township.  The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by Glenn Williams, 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, Susan Cullen, Amy Dieteman, Peggy Faulborn (arrived 7:42 PM), Robert Jones, Cynthia Russo, Steve Tierney (arrived 7:40 PM), and Glenn Williams.

 

Absent: Joe Mahal.

 

There were 50 members of the public in attendance.

 

Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Bob Jones, to approve the minutes from April 11, 2005, April 18, 2005 and April 20, 2005.

Motion carried in a voice vote.

(Dieteman and Mahal – abstained April 11, 2005 minutes)

(Faulborn, Jones, Mahal, Tierney, and Williams – abstained April 18, 2005 minutes)

 

Motion by Helene Armstrong, seconded by Susan Cullen, to approve the executive session minutes from April 11, 2005 and April 20, 2005.

Motion carried in a voice vote.

(Dieteman and Mahal – abstained April 11, 2005 minutes)

 

Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Bob Jones, to accept the Financial Report of the Secretary and Treasurer for the month ending April 30, 2005, as per copies attached and to certify that as of April 30, 2005, 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 overexpended 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.

 

Roll call vote - Yes: Armstrong, Cullen, Dieteman, Faulborn, Jones, Russo, Tierney, Williams.

No: None

 

Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Helene Armstrong, to approve the bills from April 20, 2005 to May 17, 2005 in the amount of $1,042,585.95

Motion carried in a voice vote – unanimous.

 

A note was read from the Alpizar family thanking the Board of Education Members for the floral arrangement and kindnesses extended to their family in the passing of Aurelia Alpizar.

 

A thank you note was read from the Great Meadows Regional Education Association thanking Mr. Alercia and the Board of Education Members for the gift received during Teacher Appreciation Week.

 

Steve Tierney arrived 7:40 PM.

 

Peggy Faulborn arrived 7:42 PM.

 

James Alercia, Interim Superintendent, gave the Superintendent’s Update.

 

The following presentations and awards were given for participation and achievement:

 

2nd grade NASA award winning research project presentation –

Mrs. Lois Spangler

Middle School Jazz Band recognition – Mr. Lee Nittel

Middle School 7/8 grade Band was awarded the Gold Rathing

(2nd Place) at the Hershey Park Music Festival – Mrs.

Claudia Revak

Warren County Battle of the Minds Sixth Grade Team

Competition (Middle School Students)

Warren County Forensic Team Competition (Liberty and Central

School Students)

Warren County Human Relations Commission  - Martin Luther

King Jr. Essay Contest Winner

Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award – Marcia Goralczyk

Warren County Human Relations Commission Educator’s Award –

     Jim Bechtel     Linda O’Connor     Joan Magliaro

Warren County School Counselor of the Year Award – Linda

McClune

 

Jason Bing’s Update:

 

1.            Changing Liberty/Central mascots to Jaguar, just like the GMMS.

2.            Adoption of Literacy Curriculum K-5.

3.            Approval for Jason Bing, Mark Ippolito, Kathy Koop, Ernest Batha to participate in the NJDOE CAPA project (Collaborative Assessment and Planning for Achievement).  We applied and were accepted into the CAPA project.  Acceptance into the project was based on education, experience in the field, and state assessment district scores.  Our CAPA team will do an on-site evaluation of schools deemed “in need of improvement.”

4.            Character Education Institute 2005 – GMR Team selected from over 35 applicant schools.

 

John Skodocek and Mary Ann Gatyas, teachers at Great Meadows Regional, presented Christina Sharkey, Business Administrator, with a gift on behalf of the Great Meadows Regional Education Association thanking her for the years of service to the school district.

 

Jen Cassini, Liberty resident, stated her concerns regarding the KinderCare Program moving to the Middle School.

 

12.1              Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Peggy Faulborn, to approve the following Business Services agenda items 12.1.1 through 12.1.9 and 12.1.11

 

      Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

 

12.1.1      Approve acceptance of $1,000 grant from Walmart for Marcia Goralczyk, Teacher of the year.

 

12.1.2      Approve renewal of insurance coverage through the School Alliance Insurance Fund for the 2005-2005 school year.

 

12.1.3      Approve acceptance of 2005 NCLB Grants as follows: Title I $39,852, Title II Part A $26,450, Title II Part D $1,019, Title IV $3,003, Title V $3,412.

 

12.1.4      Approve acceptance of 2005 IDEA-B Grants as follows: Basic $274,540, Pre-school $8,260.

 

12.1.5      Approve the following teacher’s stipends:

Jessica Toussaint - Wilson Reading Program

17 hours @ $30 per hour = $510.00

Jessica Toussaint - Gifted & Talented Curriculum – 2005 Summer hours.

15 hours @ $30 per hour = $450.00

 

Anita Holochwost – Literacy/Language Arts

Curriculum mapping

2 hours @ $30 per hour = $60.00

 

Lisa Baatz – Wellness Curriculum Writing

3.5 hours @ $30 per hour = $105.00

 

Jim Bechtel - Wellness Curriculum Writing

3.5 hours @ $30 per hour = $105.00

 

Betsy Hart - Wellness Curriculum Writing

3.5 hours @ $30 per hour = $105.00

 

Marie Consentino – Social Studies

Curriculum mapping

5 hours @ $30 per hour = $150.00

 

Deb Exley – Curriculum Mapping - 8th Grade Math & Developed a weekly “Test Prep Program”

9 hours @ $30 per hour = $270.00

 

Deb Lockwood – Language Arts

Curriculum mapping

3 hours @ $30 per hour = $90.00

 

William Nutt - Language Arts

Curriculum mapping

3 hours @ $30 per hour = $90.00

 

Barbara Miller – BSI Program

3 hours @ $30 per hour = $90.00

 

Eric Shuler – Curriculum mapping

Science

6 hours @ $30 per hour = $180.00

 

12.1.6      Affirm the following budget transfers as of April

1, 2005:

 

From Account:                                                                   To Account:                                              

11-000-270-511-000-000  Reg Transp Cont                          11-000-230-820-000-000  Judgments

Amount:  $12,366.00                                                         Reason:                 Judgments

11-000-270-513-000-000  VoTech Join                        11-000-230-820-000-000  Judgments             

Amount:  $  2,130.00                                              Reason:                 Judgments

11-000-262-620-000-000  Heat/Electric                          11-000-230-820-000-000  Judgments

 Amount:  $28,576.00                                                         Reason:                 Judgments

11-000-291-270-111-000  Medical                                11-000-291-250-000-000  Unemp Cont

Amount:  $13,496.00                                                         Reason:                 Bd share unem  contr.

11-000-291-270-333-000  Prescription                           11-000-230-820-000-000  Judgments

Amount:  $  4,335.00                                              Reason:                 Judgments

11-000-291-270-111-000  Medical                                11-000-230-820-000-000  Judgments             

Amount:  $  1,411.00                                              Reason:                 Judgments

11-000-270-515-000-000  Spec Ed Trans                      11-000-230-820-000-000  Judgments

Amount:  $18,282.00                                                         Reason:                 Judgments

10-000-100-561-000-000  Charter  Sch tuition               11-190-320-000-000-000  OT reg students

Amount:  $  1,380.00                                              Reason:                 Child Assault Program

10-000-100-561-000-000  Charter  Sch tuition               11-000-261-420-000-003  MS Mtn Contract Amount:  $  6,620.00                                              Reason:                 MS stage doors & other

11-000-230-331-000-000  Adm legal serv                11-190-100-610-000-001  Gen Supplies         

Amount:  $  2,000.00                                              Reason:                 Classroom furniture

11-000-230-331-000-000  Adm legal serv                11-190-100-610-000-002  Gen Supplies

Amount:  $  9,000.00                                              Reason:                 Classroom furniture

11-000-230-331-000-000  Adm legal serv                11-190-100-610-000-003  Gen Supplies

Amount:  $  9,000.00                                              Reason:                 Classroom furniture

Total :    $108,596.00

 

20-270-100-610-000-000  Tea Recruit Supplies               20-270-100-320-000-000  Title IIA Purch Srv

Amount:  $  8,368.00                                              Reason:                 Teachers wksp 5/5, 5/6

20-270-100-610-000-000  Tea Recruit Supplies               20-270-100-101-000-000

Amount:  $  1,440.00                                              Reason:                 Teachers wksp 5/5, 5/6

Total:         $  9,808.00

 

12.1.7      Approve acceptance of low quote of $3,590 from Hobbie heat for replacement of expansion tank at Central School.

 

12.1.8      Approve Bus Route Renewals as attached.

 

12.1.9      Approve jointure for cooperative pricing for #2 fuel oil with Hunterdon County Education Services Commission, lead agency for the bidding and purchase, Petroleum Traders, Ft. Wayne, IN at their low bid margin of .0724.

 

12.1.10  No vote. (Maschio’s Food Service)

 

12.1.11  Approve a contract to Dean Equipment & Furniture for $8,300 and one to Nesbitt Company, Inc. for $18,300 for new sinks, cabinets and open shelving to be replaced when the floor is removed in the 1960 wing of Central School.

 

12.2              Motion by Peggy Faulborn, seconded by Helene Armstrong, to approve the following Administrative agenda items 12.2.1, and 12.2.3 through 12.2.8

 

Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. (Dieteman abstaining on item 12.2.5 and 12.2.6)

 

12.2.1      Approve the 2005-2006 school year calendar as attached.

 

12.2.2      No vote. (New Jersey School Boards – Superintendent Search)

 

12.2.3      Approve Sara Adamaitis, Monmouth University student, to perform her student teaching beginning September 6, 2005 through December 16, 2005 at Liberty School.

 

12.2.4      Approve Brandi Hills and Bernadette Sissick as substitute teachers for the 2004-2005 school year.

 

12.2.5      Approve Diane Francis-DeMarco as cafeteria aide in the Middle School beginning May 5, 2005 through June 9, 2005.

 

12.2.6      Approve relocating the BeforeCare, KinderCare and AfterCare Programs to the Middle School for the 2005-2006 school year.

 

12.2.7      Approve the resignation of Kristy Whittle, Middle School Principal Secretary and Guidance Secretary, with regret, immediately.

 

12.2.8      Approve the retirement of Lois Spangler, 2nd grade teacher at Central School, with deep regret, effective July 1, 2005.

 

Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Peggy Faulborn, whereas, the Board must consider matters involving personnel and 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 8:35 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 voice vote - unanimous.

 

Steve Tierney left the meeting at 10:30 PM.

Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Peggy Faulborn, to re-enter regular session at 11:10 PM.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

12.3              Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Peggy Faulborn, to approve the following Personnel agenda items 12.3.1 through 12.3.3 and 12.3.5 through 12.3.6

 

Motion by Cindy Russo, seconded by Susan Cullen, to table agenda item 12.3.6 – Russo withdrew motion.

 

Motion by Peggy Faulborn, seconded by Amy Dietmen, to table the last section “Principals/ Admin.” of agenda item 12.3.6.

 

Motion carried in a voice vote.

(Williams – abstained item 12.3.5)

 

12.3.1                Approve Ruth Fanjoy as Business Administrator/Board Secretary for the 2005-2006 school year effective August 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006 at an annual salary of $80,000 pro-rated to $73,333.33 with full medical, dental and prescription benefits.

 

12.3.2                Approve Ruth Fanjoy as Interim Business Administrator effective July 1, 2005 through July 31, 2005 at a per diem rate of $333.33.

 

12.3.3                Approve Christina Sharkey as Interim Business Administrator effective May 25, 2005 through June 30, 2005 at the rate of $55 per hour.

 

12.3.4                No vote. (Sally Van Syckle, Liberty Cafeteria Employee)

 

12.3.5                Approve rehiring the following staff for the 2005-2006 school year.

 

Ten-month tenured teachers from September 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006:

 

Evans, Gayle          O’Connor, Linda     Holochwost, Anita    

Broadhurst, Isabel     Scott, Marcheta     Long, Jamie

Skodocek, John      Fancher, Amy        Buechle, Susan

Cole, Nancy          Broxton, Amy        Romagnoli, Eileen

Consentino, Marie     Motzenbecker, R.     Wauhop, Adella

Lund, Karen          Pezzato, Phyllis     Miller, Kim

Lockwood, Deb       Williams, Judy      Myrthil, Karl

Cole, Myra          Magliaro, Joan      O’Hara, Steven

Gatyas, Maryann     Kohl, Christine     Horsey, Maggie

Tshudy, Dean      Hornyak, Tracy      Bechtel, James

Miller, Barbara     Lunden, Jackie      Leavy, Maureen

Sliver, Charlotte     Revak, Claudia      Arnold, Judy

Gibson, Carol          Hart, Elizabeth     DeLorenzo, Jen

Romanczyk, Jan       Castainien, Sheila     Gulini, Ellen

Palestri, Helene     Washburn, Laurie     Redus, Mary

Lisk, Anne          Davis, Lois         Coppola, Joanne

Kosiorek, Marilyn     Caufield, Chris     Ritchie, Tina