The workshop meeting of the Great Meadows Regional Board of Education was held on Monday, July 26, 2004, 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, Robert Jones, Cynthia Russo, Steve Tierney, and Glenn Williams.

 

Absent: Joe Mahal.

 

There were 2 members of the public in attendance.

 

Dr. Tracey Severns, Superintendent’s Report:

 

In response to suggestions made by members of the public, a request was made to solicit the assistance of volunteers who could help unpack boxes and check in supply orders.  To date, there are several people who answered the call.  I would like to express a heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Freiden, Mrs. Russo, Mrs. Newmann, Mrs. Cullen, and four children who graciously dedicated several hours of their time to assist me with this work.  Together, we have been able to process most of the orders that have been delivered to Central School and the Middle School.  However, there is a great deal of work yet to be done.  Anyone who is willing to offer their services is asked to contact me by calling the board office at 637-6576. 

 

I regret to inform you that a student at Hackettstown High School died in a car crash during the rainstorm on Wednesday, June 14th.  He hit a tree after he veered off the road when navigating the curves on Route 46 while traveling from Mt. Olive toward Hackettstown.  He died instantly from head trauma.  Although he was not a Great Meadows student, we are deeply saddened by his loss.  We have sent a sympathy card to the family on behalf of the Board and the District. 

 

Public comment on agenda items:

 

Bill Vonder Haar, Liberty resident, stated his feelings in regard to Earth Spec taking over our bus routes and suggested that because he feels since the bus stops are within the scope of the Superintendent’s position, shouldn’t we lower her compensation based on lessening her duties? Dr. Severns asked if should she then be compensated for the work she performs for the district that are not within her scope of duties?

 

Mr. Vonder Haar also stated the savings for the bus routes should be returned to the taxpayers at budget time. He also asked if Earth Spec could be put out to bid? He also asked about the budget and supporting documents being posted to the Website. He was told the Board already lists other information to the Website that they deem appropriate.

 

Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, motion by Steve Tierney, seconded by Peggy Faulborn, to approve the following personnel effective September 1, 2004, through June 30, 2005 including medical, dental and prescription benefits and in the event that their teacher certification is not received by September 1, 2004, they will begin teaching as substitute teachers at the daily rate of $80 until their certification is received.

 

Israel Marmolejos - F/T Spanish Teacher -

Step 1 BS at the annual salary of $38,959

 

Elsa Calderon  - F/T Spanish Teacher - 

     Step 1 BS at the annual salary of $38,959

 

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, motion by Bob Jones, seconded by Steve Tierney, to approve William Nutt as 7th Grade Language Arts teacher at the Middle School at Step 3 MA at the annual salary of $41,319 including medical, dental and prescription benefits.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, motion by Bob Jones, seconded by Steve Tierney, to approve the following cafeteria aides effective September 1, 2004, thru June 30, 2005 for two hours per day at the rate of $8.50 per hour without benefits: 

 

Liberty School               

Suzanne Mahler      ($8.50 x 2 = $17 per day x 168 days = $2,856.00)

                                            

Central School

Christine Fortunato ($8.50 x 2 = $17 per day x 168 days = $2,856.00)

Mary Herkenham      ($8.50 x 2 = $17 per day x 168 days = $2,856.00)

 

Middle School

Terri Paterson      ($8.50 x 2 = $17 per day x 171 days = $2,907.00)

Joann Sullivan                  ($8.50 x 2 = $17 per day x 171 days = $2,907.00)

 

Motion carried in a voice vote – unanimous.

 

Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, motion by Bob Jones, seconded by Amy Dieteman, to accept the resignation of Jennifer Szemborski, who was appointed Gifted and Talented teacher at the June 28, 2004 Board Meeting.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Bob Jones, seconded by Amy Dieteman, to approve Ken Yudichak as Wastewater Operator effective July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005 at the annual salary of $7,500.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Bob Jones, seconded by Peggy Faulborn, to contract with Earth Spec for transportation services for our regular in-district bus routes, in-district special education bus routes, and out-of-district special ed bus routes effective July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005 at the annual rate of $14,970.00 to be paid $1,247.50 per month.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Three quotes were received for radon remediation:

 

Radata - $12,585 if done less intrusively and $11,500 if done

         most easily

Obar - $7,837 – eliminated because they do not pay prevailing

        wage

Alpha Concepts - $3,400 to do testing first, then they

        estimate another $20,000 to do the job.

 

Motion by Peggy Faulborn, seconded by Susan Cullen, to contract with Radata to conduct the radon remediation at a cost of $11,500.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Peggy Faulborn, seconded by Helene Armstrong, to approve the 2nd reading and adoption of the following ByLaws:

 

     ByLaw #0155 – Board Committees

     ByLaw #0156 – Board Committee Meetings (as amended)

     ByLaw #0157 – Board of Education Website

 

Motion carried in a voice vote – motion carried.

(Cullen – opposed)

 

The 2nd reading and adoption of the following policies and regulations were tabled.

 

Policy #3142 – Non-Renewal of a Non-Tenured Teaching

               Staff Member

     Regulation #3142 – Non-Renewal of Non-Tenured Teaching

                    Staff Members

     Policy #4146 – Non-renewal of Non-Tenured Support Staff

                    Member

     Policy #4438 – Jury Duty

 

Motion by Peggy Faulborn, seconded by Bob Jones, to approve the 1st reading of the following Policies and Regulations:

 

Policy #1530 – Equal Employment Opportunity

     Policy #3281 – Inappropriate Staff Conduct

     Policy #4281 – Inappropriate Support Staff Conduct

     Policy #4352 – Sexual Harassment

     Policy #4434 – Holidays

Policy #5330 – Administration of Medicine

     Policy #5331 – Anaphylaxis to Food

     Policy #5620 – Expulsion

Policy #7422 – School Integrated Pest Management Plan

     Policy #8140 – Pupil Enrollment

     Policy #8431 – Preparedness for Toxic Hazard

     Policy #8451 – Control of Communicable Disease

     Policy #8453 – HIV/AIDS

     Policy #8462 – Child Abuse and/or Neglect

     Policy #8465 – Hate Crimes and Bias-Related Acts

     Regulation #1530 – Equal Employment Opportunity Complaint

                   Procedure

     Regulation #3281 – Inappropriate Conduct – Teaching Staff

                        Members

     Regulation #3362 – Sexual Harassment of Teaching Staff

                        Members Complain Procedure

Regulation #4281 – Inappropriate Staff Conduct

     Regulation #4352 – Sexual Harassment of Support Staff

                        Members Complain Procedure

     Regulation #5330 – Administration of Medicine

     Regulation #5620 – Expulsion Procedures

     Regulation #7422 – School Integrated Pest Management Plan

     Regulation #8140 – Enrollment Accounting

     Regulation #8462 – Child Abuse and/or Neglect

     Regulation #8465 – Hate Crimes and Bias-Related Acts

 

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Bob Jones, seconded by Helene Armstrong, to approve the purchase of Delta Science Modules III for grades kindergarten through 5th for the 2004-2005 school year.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Bob Jones, to approve the purchase of the Holt Middle School Math Series for grades 6 through 8 for the 2004-2005 school year.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Bob Jones, seconded by Peggy Faulborn, to adjourn at 10:35 PM.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Amy Dieteman, Board Vice-President

for Christina Sharkey, Board Secretary