The regular meeting of the Great Meadows Regional Board of Education was held on Monday, October 11, 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, Joe Mahal, Cynthia Russo, Steve Tierney, and Glenn Williams.

 

Absent: Robert Jones.

 

There were 75 members of the public in attendance.

 

Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Peggy Faulborn, to approve the minutes for September 13, 2004 and September 27, 2004.

Motion carried in a voice vote – motion carried.

 

Motion by Peggy Faulborn, seconded by Amy Dieteman, to accept the Financial Report of the Secretary and Treasurer for the month ending September 30, 2004, as per copies attached and to certify that as of September 30, 2004, after review of the Secretary=s monthly financial report (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 6A:23-2.11(e)4 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, Mahal, Russo, Tierney, Williams.

No: None

 

Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Susan Cullen, to approve the bills from September 10, 2004 through October 7, 2004 in the amount of $988,535.78.

Motion carried in a voice vote – unanimous.

 

Dr. Tracey Severns, Superintendent’s Update:

 

Tonight we have the exciting opportunity to meet and congratulate three local heroes.  On September 24, 2004, these three students noticed that their bus driver, Barbara Adamson, became seriously ill while she was transporting them home from school.  In response to this situation, the students immediately called 911 to obtain the medical attention that their driver desperately needed.  On behalf of the Great Meadows Regional Board of Education, I would like to commend Daniel S., Ashley L. and Stephen S. for their quick thinking and responsible action in the face of a dire circumstance.  We are all very proud of you.

 

Dr. Severns presented the three students with awards.

 

Morris Scott of Scott Bus also said a few words to the students.

 

I am pleased to report that our fourth and final Back to School Night was successfully conducted on October 5, 2004.  Although unofficial, it appears that all three schools enjoyed record high levels of parent participation.  I would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the principals, teachers and parents who made each night such a positive and productive experience.

 

On a more somber note, I have decided to resign from my position as Superintendent.  I assure you that my decision to leave was not an easy one.  In order to share with you the reason for my decision, I will share with you an excerpt from a letter that I wrote to the outstanding faculty of the Great Meadows Regional School District.

 

After careful thought and introspection, I have come to the realization that this job is not the right one for me, and I am not the right person for this job.  I have worked hard to be an effective superintendent and have tried even harder to enjoy it, yet I realize that at this point in my career, my calling is to work with students and teachers. 

 

I believe that my leaving will be good for me and for the District.  The District deserves someone whose passion is being a superintendent.  My passion is being a principal.

 

According to contract, my employment with the District will terminate one hundred twenty days following the provision of this notice.  As such, my last day of service will be February 1, 2005, unless I am granted an earlier release date.  While I understand that this will be a difficult time for us, please be assured that I remain committed to supporting the staff and serving the District throughout the duration of my employment.  

In closing, I would like to say that my experience in Great Meadows has been both personally and professionally rewarding. I have met many wonderful people who care deeply about the quality of education that is provided to the District’s youth. The District is fortunate to have outstanding teachers, secretaries and support staff who share this dedication and remain loyal in the face of considerable challenges.  I wish you all the best in the years ahead.  Please do not hesitate to call me if I may be of assistance in the future.

 

Dr. Severns, Superintendent, spoke to the public and made comment on why she is leaving the district.

 

Public Comment:

 

Diane Bourland, Independence resident, read a letter written by Heather Dunham regarding her thoughts on the Superintendent’s resignation.

 

Phil Freidan, Independence resident, stated he was sad to hear the news of the resignation of the Superintendent.  He stated Dr. Severns was one of the hardest working Superintendents he’s seen. He felt that the questions the public asked in the past were valid questions and didn’t mean harm.

 

Steve Wexler, Independence resident, stated he has confidence in the Board of Education.  Three vacancies were filled, money was saved.  He stated he has talked to many people and they are outraged that a handful of people have tried to micro-manage the district and that taxpayers have a right to ask questions, but these money questions are causing mistrust and costing the district. He stated he would like the momentum to continue and adopt a resolution that requests for information be funneled through the Board President.

 

Linda McClune, Liberty resident and Guidance Counselor at Great Meadows Middle School, stated we have lost principals and so many good people. She stated she is afraid we are going to lose more good people. It’s a frightening place to be. If you say something, you may be targeted. Please trust and care.

 

Bob Pace, Independence resident, stated he didn’t like that IMaST was rammed down their throats! He is here to defend the people that were aggravated with wasteful spending.

 

Lisa Thomas, Liberty resident, stated teachers have been our first line of defense.  Thank goodness for the teachers in spite of everything that has happened. Either give them an incentive to stay, or give them an incentive to go.

 

Jen Cassini, Liberty resident, stated she doesn’t like that taxes have gone up, but the education of the children is at risk. She stated we should have so much more...these are children, not dollars. . .support the board of education. . .put the children first!

 

Dawn Hull, Independence resident, stated she is sorry Dr. Severns is leaving. She stated Dr. Severns could do so much. How can we work together? Where do we differ? How can we come together? There has to be a compromise.

 

Bill Vonder Haar, Liberty resident, stated he would like to comment on all that has been said.  He stated he wants an open discussion about education.

 

Vicki Budzinski, Independence resident, stated there have been great ideas. She has expressed her opinions.

 

Kathy Nichols, Liberty resident, stated she’s been here for informational sessions where no one showed up!  She thanked Dr. Severns for addressing so many issues and thanked her for her energy and the time she took explaining the school budget.

 

Susan Egan, Liberty resident, stated this was her first time attending a meeting.  She said it was a wake up call and had no idea what was going on. She stated she is sorry she didn’t get to more meetings. People need to be more involved.

 

Desiree Cougle, Independence resident, stated she was sorry to see Dr. Severns go and that Dr. Severns has been the best thing she has ever seen! There’s so much animosity in this room. Take a look at how we are all being treated, listen to one another and see how we’re speaking to one another!

 

The Quality Annual Assurance Report was presented by Dr. Tracey Severns, Superintendent.

 

Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Peggy Faulborn, to affirm the following budget transfers effective September 1, 2004:

 

From Account:                            To Account:                                Amount       

11-110-100-101-000-000 Kdg. salary        11-000-222-100-000-000 Library salary $    500.00

Reason: salary adjustments

11-120-100-101-000-000 Gr.1-5 salary       11-130-100-101-000-000 Gr. 6-8 salary    108,730.00  

Reason: salary adjustments

11-000-240-103-000-000 Principals sal.   11-130-100-101-000-000 Gr. 6-8 salary     15,977.00

Reason: salary adjustments

11-000-217-320-000-000 PC aide cont.       11-130-100-101-000-000 Gr. 6-8 salary      6,951.00

Reason: salary adjustments

11-000-217-320-000-000 PC aide cont.       11-213-100-101-000-000 ResCtr salary   15,024.00

Reason: salary adjustments

11-000-217-320-000-000 PC aide cont.       11-000-219-105-000-000 CST sec.               25.00

Reason: salary adjustments

11-000-291-270-111-000 Medical             11-000-219-105-000-000 CST sec.            2,007.00

Reason: salary adjustments

11-000-291-270-111-000 Medical             11-000-261-100-000-000 Mainten. Sal.    2,400.00

Reason: salary adjustments

11-000-291-270-111-000 Medical             11-000-262-100-000-110 Lunchroom aides    14,382.00

Reason: salary adjustments

11-000-240-500-000-000 PurchSrv/mile11-000-230-585-000-000 BOE purch. Srvs.     2,500.00

Reason: Oct. board workshop                          Total                      $168,496.00

                                             

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Peggy Faulborn, to accept the New Jersey Character Education Partnership Grant in the amount of $4,000, which will be used to offset the stipends paid to teachers for the REBEL II program, as well as to support character education programs in our elementary and middle schools.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Susan Cullen, to approve the REBEL II program for the 2004-2005 school year and to approve a stipend of $600 per person to Jan Romanczyk, 7th Grade Teacher, and Cindy Case, Instructional Aide.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Susan Cullen, to accept the New Jersey Child Assault Prevention (CAP) grant as follows: 

 

K-6 Program

          NJ CAP Grant Award          $1,132.

          District Responsibility     $1,132.

          Total Amount              $2,264.

 

Teen CAP Program

          NJ CAP Grant Award          $  511.

          District Responsibility     $  510.

          Total Amount              $1,021.

 

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Susan Cullen, seconded by Amy Dieteman, to approve the following 2004-2005 out-of-district special education placements:

              

Student ID

#112583

#092885

#092189

#010187

#020788

#022088

#102785

#120486

#021588

#041686

#042196

#051788

Placement

Mt. Olive High School, Flanders     

Mt. Olive High School, Flanders    

Midland School, N. Branch

Morris Union Jointure, New Providence

Willow Glen Academy, Sparta

Spring Run School, Flemington

Spring Run School, Flemington

Hunterdon Learning Center, Califon

WCSSSD-MDJ- ARC Campus

WCSSSD-MDJ- ARC Campus

WCSSSD - BD - Franklin Twp.

West Morris Central HS, Chester

Tuition

$13,957

$13,957

$35,715

$72,776

$42,496

$39,690

$39,690

$32,130

$32,770

$32,770

$31,480

$18,500

 

 

 

#031987

#031888

Hyde School, Woodstock, CT

Bonnie Brae

$30,000

$60,000

 

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Susan Cullen, seconded by Helene Armstrong, to approve the 2004-2005 Great Meadows Regional School District’s bus routes as attached.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Susan Cullen, seconded by Amy Dieteman, to approve the submission of the FY2005 IDEA grant application as authored by Jason Bing in the following amounts:

 

IDEA - Basic $274,540

IDEA - Preschool     $  8,260

Total           $282,800

 

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Peggy Faulborn, seconded by Helene Armstrong, to approve the submission of the FY2005 No Child Left Behind (NCLB) grant application as authored by Jason Bing in the following amounts:

 

Title I $39,852

Title II A      $26,450

Title IID       $ 1,019

Title IV       $ 3,003

Title V         $ 3,412

Total           $73,736

 

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Peggy Faulborn, to approve the 1st reading of the following policies, regulations and by-laws:

 

Policies:

2200 – Curriculum Content

2230 – Course Guides

2270 – Religion in the Schools

2312 – Class Size

2360 – Use of Technology

2417 – Pupil Intervention and Referral Services

2466 – Public Labeling of Educationally Handicapped               Pupils

2467 – Surrogate Parents and Foster Parents

2481 – Home or Out-of-School Instruction for General                  Education Pupils

2622 – Pupil Assessment

2622 – Pupil Assessment

3431.1 – Family Leave

3439 – Jury Duty

4431.1- Family Leave

5533 – Smoking

5620 – Expulsion

5701 – Academic Dishonesty

9110 – Quality Assurance Annual Report

9560 – Administration of School Surveys

 

Regulations:

2200 – Curriculum Content

2312 – Class Size

2417 – Pupil Intervention and Referral Services

2460 – Special Education/Sending District

2460.5 – Special Education – Participation in State-wide               Testing

5620 – Expulsion Procedures

 

By-Laws:

0169 – Board Member Use of Electronic Mail/Internet

0168 – Recording Board Meetings

 

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Peggy Faulborn, seconded by Helene Armstrong, to approve payment to the parent/guardian of the following students for aid-in-lieu of transportation for the 2004-2005 school year at the cost of $771 per student:

 

     CK – Ridge and Valley Charter School

     AB – Sunrise School

     TD – Sunrise School

     CP – Tranquility Adventist School

     AR – Tranquility Adventist School

     JW – Tranquility Adventist School

     AW – Tranquility Adventist School

 

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Peggy Faulborn, seconded by Amy Dieteman, to approve the “Estimated Costs per Pupil for Tuition Purposes” for the 2004-2005 school year as follows:

 

          Kindergarten        $ 6,423

          Grades 1-5          $ 7,541

          Grades 6-8          $10,620

          PSD class               $12,737

          MD class               $10,086

 

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Peggy Faulborn, seconded by Amy Dieteman, to approve the following Teacher Stipends for County Wide In-Service Day October 11, 2004:

 

Presenters           Name of Workshop    

Dean Tshudy          Using Inspiration 7.0 

     1.5 hours + 1 hour prep = 2.5 hours @ $30 per hour = $75.00

 

Marcia Goralczyk       WebPages Design

3.5 hours + 1 hour prep = 4.5 hours @ $30 per hour = $135.00

 

Jacquie Lunden          Adult & Pediatric CPR

     5.5 hours + 1 hour prep = 6.5 hours @ $30 per hour = $195.00

 

Anne Latimer         Adult & Pediatric CPR

     5.5 hours + 1 hour prep = 6.5 hours @ $30 per hour = $195.00

 

Linda McClune         Discipline with Love and Logic

     1.5 hours + 1 hour prep = 2.5 hours @ $30 per hour = $75.00

 

Ro Kumma             Discipline with Love and Logic

     1.5 hours + 1 hour prep = 2.5 hours @ $30 per hour = $75.00                          

Linda O’Connor        Best Books for Middle School (County wide)      1.5 hours + 1 hour prep = 2.5 hours @ $30 per hour = $75.00

 

Jan Romanczyk       Best Books for Middle School (County wide)      1.5 hours + 1 hour prep = 2.5 hours @ $30 per hour = $75.00

 

Marilyn Kosiorek        PowerPoint & Beyond      

2 hours + 1 hour prep = 3 hours @ $30 per hour = $90.00

 

Dr. Tracey Severns      How to Tame the Homework Monster

     2 hours + 1 hour prep = 3 hours

 

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

                 

Motion by Peggy Faulborn, seconded by Joe Mahal, to approve the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan which has been submitted in the Quality Assurance Annual Report.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Peggy Faulborn, seconded by Joe Mahal, to approve the annual Violence and Vandalism report for the 2003-2004 school year as presented by Dr. Tracey Severns which has been submitted in the Quality Assurance Annual Report.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Peggy Faulborn, to approve the Statement of Assurance and Intent, which assures that the district’s preliminary mentoring program meets the established requirements.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Peggy Faulborn, seconded by Amy Dieteman, to approve the School Objectives for the 2004-2005 school year for the Great Meadows Regional School District as attached.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, motion by Susan Cullen, seconded by Steve Tierney, to approve Erin Daly, Resource Teacher at the Great Meadows Middle School, to provide in-class support services for students in a 5th grade class at Central School for 45 minutes each day for the 2004-2005 school year at the rate of $25.97 per hour.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, motion by Helene Armstrong, seconded by Steve Tierney, to approve Robin Morris-Marano and Rachel Crane as substitute teachers for the Great Meadows Regional School District for the 2004-2005 school year.

Motion carried in a voice vote – motion carried.

(Dieteman - abstained)

 

Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Peggy Faulborn, to approve a maternity leave for Kristy Whittle, Great Meadows Middle School Secretary to Principal and Guidance Counselor, beginning January 3, 2005.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Peggy Faulborn, to accept, with regret, the resignation of Virginia Brenner, Cafeteria Worker, effective September 3, 2004.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Peggy Faulborn, to accept, with sincere regret, the resignation of Dr. Tracey Severns, Superintendent, effective February 1, 2005, unless granted an earlier release date.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Peggy Faulborn, to approve Terri Paterson to change her position as Great Meadows Middle School Lunchroom Aide to Liberty School Cafeteria Worker effective October 1, 2004 at the same rate of $8.50 per hour.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Susan Cullen, seconded by Helene Armstrong, to approve Amanda Quattrociochi, Centenary College student, to observe a class/classes at Central Elementary School for a total of ten hours.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Peggy Faulborn, seconded by Amy Dieteman, to approve the job description for Cafeteria Aide.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Helene Armstrong, to approve Jennifer Strouse as Child Care Aide at Liberty School effective October 6, 2004 through June 30, 2005 at the annual rate of $10,643.00 pro-rated to $9,160.50.

Motion carried in a voice vote – motion carried.

(Dieteman – abstained)

 

Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded Helene Armstrong, to authorize the district to submit applications for emergency hiring and applicant’s attestation that he/she has not been convicted of any disqualifying crime pursuant to the provisions of NJSA 18:6-7.1 et. seq. for the following new employees:

 

Rachel Crane, Robin Morris-Marano, & Jennifer Strouse.

 

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

No:  None

 

Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Peggy Faulborn, to petition the County Superintendent to waive the bid law requirement 18A:18A for the repair of the central school septic system due to the emergent nature.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

New Business:

 

Lisa Thomas, Liberty resident, asked if people would shy away from moving to this area because Liberty Township Committee is pursuing de-regionalization?

 

Marie Bilik, New Jersey School Boards Representative, stated she was asked about an incident on the Board that may have been an ethics violation and will review the confidentiality of executive session. She discussed the parameters of the exceptions and about filing ethics charges.

 

Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Peggy Faulborn, whereas, the Board must consider matters involving potential 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 9:50 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.

 

Motion by Joe Mahal, seconded by Helene Armstrong, to re-enter regular session at 10:28 PM.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Motion by Joe Mahal, seconded by Helene Armstrong, to adjourn at 10:30 PM.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Christina Sharkey

Board Secretary