BOARD OF EDUCATION
Newton, NJ
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2008
Mr. Heckman, Board President, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the Board OPENING
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 13, 2008 and appropriately posted. The notice requirements of the
Open Public Meetings Act have been satisfied.
Members Present: Ms. Brown, Mr. Caffrey, Mrs. Carr, Ms. Cooke, Mr. Heckman, Ms. Gianni, ROLL CALL
Mr. Jackson, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Mistry, Mrs. VanAuken, and Mr. Doherty.
Members absent: Mr. Clark
Flag Salute
Mrs. Thomas stated she was sorry to see Ms. Maragulia retiring. Ms. Thomas also asked which PUBLIC COMMENTS
school the water treatment from State Chemical is for.
Mrs. Lawler spoke in support of the senior class trip.
Mr. Caffrey reported that the Negotiations Committee met to discuss the start of negotiations. COMMITTEE RPTS.
Mr. Heckman reported that the Tri-District Consortium met 9/8/08 at Long Pond School in
Andover. The next meeting is scheduled for 10/20/08 at the Newton Board of Education office.
Mr. Doherty reported there was a tri-district articulation meeting last Friday on social studies.
Ms. Cooke reported Barry Worman has been appointed Interim Superintendent at Green Twp. SENDING DIST. RPT.
Mr. Caffrey explained how he compiled the summary of staff input on superintendent SUPT. SEARCH RPT.
characteristics.
Mr. Heckman reported Diane Morris will be leading the board in goal setting and criteria
for superintendent search at a special meeting to be held at Halsted Middle School on
October 30, 2008 at 7:00 PM.
Erin Jackson reported on Market Day and other activities at Halsted Middle School. SUPT. REPORT/
EDU. HIGHLIGHTS
Chelsea Pavelchak, Newton High School student council representative, stated student
council has 300 new members. Next week is Spirit Week and Homecoming.
Mr. Doherty reported the QSAC log is complete and that drafts of the District Performance
Review sheets will be distributed.
Mr. Rivlin has been working on the 5-year Pre-School Expansion Plan program and presented
information on the state’s requirements and district options.
Second Day School Redesign Initiative – Mr. Tasker will be presenting proposed curricular
changes to address this new requirement.
School Crisis Plans have been updated and reviewed with staff.
Mrs. Snyder noted the following changes to this agenda: SBA/BA REPORT
Add to: Personnel Item G-Jean Perrier from D11, $65,285 + $300 Longevity
Personnel Item N-Substitute Bus Driver - Eugene M. Timmons
Delete: Personnel Item C (Gewecke Art Club)
Add: Travel Log –Approve a golf clinic/workshop on 10/10/08 for Rich Lepes
at a cost of $160 and mileage (85) for a total of $245.50.
SEMI-Change benchmark to 90%
Mrs. Snyder discussed the following items:
1. Bus driver situation and the need to advertise
2. Board Self Evaluation-Forms sent through e-mail and paper copies at board member
seats tonight. Mrs. Snyder stated that the sooner the form is returned, the sooner
it can be summarized.
3. Hertz Furniture-Mrs. Snyder reported that Hertz Furniture has provided excellent
service to the district. They were notified of a problem with cafeteria chairs. They
not only provided us with gliders, but also replaced 118 chairs. It is great
to work with vendors who will stand behind their products.
Motion made by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Ms. Gianni that the 11 member board approve BOARD BUSINESS
the following:
A. Approve the minutes of the following meeting:
Worksession of August 18, 2008
Executive Session of August 18, 2008
Regular Meeting of August 26, 2008
First Executive Session of August 26, 2008
Second Executive Session of August 26, 2008
B. Authorize the secretary to pay bills and warrants Nos. 029240 to 029428
as per bill list dated 9/23/08in the amount of $1,387,953.14, as per
Attachment A.
C. Approve the pre-audit financial reports from the Board Secretary and the
Treasurer of School Monies for the month of August, 2008 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 August 30, 2008 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 August 30, 2008, 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.
G. Approve the establishment of a checking account at Lakeland Bank for
the After Care Program at Merriam Avenue School and authorize the
following persons as signatories on the account:
Steve Rivlin Karen Perez Donna C. Snyder
Carried unanimously by a roll call vote of the 11 member board with the following exceptions:
Mr. Caffrey abstained on Item B.
Motion made by Mrs. Carr, seconded by Mrs. VanAuken that the 9 member board approve PROGRAM
the following:
A. Approve an overnight trip to Springfield, MA for the Halsted Middle School East
Coast Regional Solar Sprint Race in May 2009 from a Saturday to a Sunday.
B. Approve the acceptance of a grade 2 homeless student (ID#1901950) to attend Merriam
Avenue School for the 2008-09 school year. Hamburg Borough has agreed to pay tuition.
C. Approve the acceptance of a grade 3 homeless student (ID#1801013) to attend Merriam
Avenue School for the 2008-09 school year. Stillwater Twp. has agreed to pay tuition.
D. Approve the acceptance of a grade 1 homeless student (#2001611) and a grade 2 homeless
student (#1901850) to attend Merriam Avenue School for the 2008-09 school year.
Frankford Township has agreed to pay tuition.
E. Approve field trips for the 2008-09 school year as follows:
Merriam Avenue School Attachment C
Halsted Middle School Attachment D
F. Approve the School Level Objectives for the 2008-09 school year as follows:
Merriam Avenue School Attachment E
Halsted Middle School Attachment F
G. Approve the Crisis Handbooks for the 2008-09 school year as follows:
Merriam Avenue School Attachment G
Halsted Middle School Attachment H
H. Approve an agreement with Sussex County Community College to provide the Adult
Education Contract for the Newton Even Start Family Literacy Program (10/1/08-9/30/09)
at $26/hr, not to exceed $10,400.
Carried unanimously by a roll call vote of the 9 member board.
Motion made by Ms. Cooke, seconded by Mr. Jackson that the 11 member board approve
the following:
I. Approve an overnight trip for approximately 18 Newton High School wrestlers to attend
the Jack Welch Duals in Moorestown, NJ from January 30, 2009 to January 31, 2009.
J. Approve the field trips for Newton High School for the 2008-09 school year as per
Attachment I.
K. Approve the School Level Objectives for the 2008-09 school year for Newton High School
as per Attachment J.
L. Approve the Crisis Handbook for the 2008-09 school year for Newton High School as per
Attachment K.
M. Approve the following:
2008-09 School Nurse Plan
Substance Abuse Prevention Program for 2008-09 school year.
N. Approve the following new and updated policies for second reading:
0142.1 Nepotism
0174 Legal Services
0177 Professional Services
1570 Internal Controls
1620 Administrative Employment Contracts
6111 Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI) Program
6320 Purchases Subject to Bid
6360 Political Contributions
6362 Contributions to Board Members and Contract Awards
6423 Expenditures for Non-Employee Activities, Meals, and Refreshments
6470 Payment of Claims
6510 Payroll Authorization
6831 Withholding or Recovering State Aid
7410 Maintenance and Repair
7650 School Vehicle Assignment, Use, Tracking, Maintenance, and Accounting
9120 Public Relations Program
5512.01 Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (revised)
9541 Student Teachers/Interns (revised)
O. Approve the Special Education Medicaid Initiative Action Plan.
P. Approve the placement of the following students on homebound instruction
in accordance with N.J.A.C.6:14:
Student ID# 918625 Grade 12 09/12/08 Medical
Student ID# 812942 Grade 11 09/12/08 Medical
Student ID# 914310 Grade 12 09/12/08 Medical
Student ID# 1024610 Grade 10 09/16/08 Administrative
Q. Approve an overnight trip for the Class of 2009 to Disney World from April 15, 2009
to April 19, 2009. Cost to the board - 2 buses.
Ms. Cooke asked how the dates for the above trip were selected. Board members discussed the process.
Mrs. VanAuken said she would vote yes for this trip at any time.
Carried unanimously by a roll call vote of the 11 member board with the following exceptions:
Ms. Gianni voted no on Item Q.
Motion made by Ms. Brown, seconded by Mrs. VanAuken that the 9 member board PERSONNEL
approve the following:
Based upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the following
personnel resolutions are presented for approval:
A. Approve the following Newton Even Start positions effective October 1, 2008 to
September 30, 2009:
Lisa VanWyk Part-time Pre School Teacher $16,000
Holly Marenzana Part-time Pre School Paraprofessional $ 9,600
Kathy Wood Project Coordinator $15,600
Rose Lange PARS 21 Data Collector $ 1,300
Michael Stark Liaison Fiscal Consultant $ 1,200
Marion Fucito Clerical Assistant $ 1,200
Carole Wiley Part-time Project Director $19,000
B. Approve Joyce Roberts as a Literacy Program Subcontractor for the 2009 Even
Start Program (10/1/08-9/30/09) at $25/hr, not to exceed $12,000.
C. Approve the following paraprofessionals for the Merriam Avenue After School Care
Program @ $15 per hour:
Karen Vealey
Donna DeGarmo
D. Approve Mary Mester as After School Computer Club teacher at Merriam Avenue School
@ $30 per hour, not to exceed $960.
Mr. Jackson asked why the motion to rescind Mr. Gewecke was being deleted and Mrs. Snyder
responded that it will be on the next agenda.
Carried unanimously by a roll call vote of the 9 member board.
Motion made by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mrs. Carr that the 11 member board approve
the following:
E. Approve longevity in the amount of $33 for Petra Hannig-Eisenberger for Peer Leader Advisor.
F. Approve movement on guide for the following staff effective October 1, 2008:
Bollette, Eric - B-6 ($49,730) to C-6 ($54,150)
Bottoni, Kathy - A-4 ($46,170) to B-4 ($47,870)
Flores, Melissa - B-4 ($47,870) to C-4 ($52,290)
Mull, Jake - D-17 ($83,525 + $600 longevity = $84,125) to E-17
($85,310 + $600 longevity = $85,910).
Perrier, Jean D-11 $65,285 + $300 longevity = $65,585 to E-11 $67,070
+ $300 longevity = $67,370
Pokrywa, Kristen - B-5 ($48,475) to C-5 ($52,895)
Stanton, Kevin - C-6 ($54,150) to D-6 ($55,935)
Torppey, Leesha - A-14 ($65,600 + $600 longevity = $66,200) to C-14
($71,720 + $600 longevity = $72,320).
G. Approve the resignation for purposes of retirement of Dodi Maragulia, Supervisor of
Special Services, effective December 1, 2008.
H. Rescind the appointment of Yvonne LaForge as S.A.V.E. advisor (.33) at Step 1,
$218 and Elizabeth Stapleton as S.A.V.E. advisor (.33) at Step 3, $241 and approve
Yvonne LaForge as S.A.V.E. advisor, Step 2, $696.
I. Rescind the 6th period assignment for Nancy VanHorn
J. Approve Savannah Bayer as a field hockey paraprofessional.
K. Accept the resignation of Virginia Raftery as Treasurer for the Newton Board of
Education effective September 30, 2008.
L. Approve Dawn Babcock as Treasurer for the Newton Board of Education effective
October 1, 2008 at a prorated salary of $5,500
M. Approve the following substitute teachers and custodians for the 2008-09 school year:
Teachers
Bond, Jean, pending criminal history review
Mazaryk, Martyn
Mulligan, Lauryn, pending criminal history review
Satter, Mary Ann
Savacool, Patricia, pending criminal history review
Custodians
Bond, Jeffrey, pending criminal history review
Wilkos, James
Bus Driver
Eugene Timmons, pending archive of criminal history at $15/hr.
Carried unanimously by a roll call vote of the 11 member board with the following exceptions:
Mr. Caffrey abstained on Item I;
Mrs. VanAuken abstained on Item N.
Motion made by Ms. Brown, seconded by Ms. Gianni that the 11 member board approve the BUSINESS
following:
A. Approve the following district purchases:
District Description Amount
State Chemical Mfg. Water Treatment Pump $ 3,936
High Point School of Bergen Tuition (1) Student 08/09 $41,366
Woods Services Tuition (1) Student 08/09 $54,750
Woods Services Tuition (1) Student 08/09 $54,750
Lakeland Andover School Tuition (1) Student 08/09 $44,100
Lakeland Andover School Tuition (1) Student 08/09 $44,100
Lakeland Andover School Tuition Adjustment 05/06 $ 4,410
Daytop Preparatory School Tuition Adjustment 06/07 $ 2,679
Kentwood Academy Tuition Adjustment 06/07 $ 3,889
Calais School Tuition Adjustment 06/07 $ 2,552
Willowglen Academy Tuition (1) Student 08/09 $73,865
Willowglen Academy Tuition (1) Student 08/09 $52,790
Windsor Learning Center Tuition (1) Student 08/09 $44,975
Sussex Cty. Regional Coop Est. Non-Pub Transportation $67,484
Sussex Cty. Regional Coop Est. Special Ed. Transportation $66,391
Sussex Cty. Regional Coop Special Ed. Tran. for Summer $ 6,401
Treasurer, State of NJ Reimb. For Even Start/TPAF $ 3,427
J & B Occupational Therapy Occ. Therapy at Calais School $ 6,308
J & B Occupational Therapy Occ. Ther. 18 hrs/wk 38 wks. $34,973
Gabrielle Heller Phys. Ther. 13hrs/wk 38 wks. $41,990
Brian Doherty Interim Supt. 8/26-9/15/08 $ 5,500
Bob Viersma & Sons Aeration at NHS Field $ 4,800
Andover Regional BOE Return Tuition Credit $ 3,938
Grants
Treasurer, State of NJ Reimb. For Even Start/TPAF $11,060
J & B Occupational Therapy Occ. Ther. 18 hrs/wk 38 wks. $21,799
Merriam Avenue School
Corporate Express Paper Order 08/09 $ 2,899
Halsted Middle School
Corporate Express Paper Order 08/09 $ 5,117
Newton High School
J.W. Pepper Chorus Supplies/Music $ 1,954
Henry Schein, Inc. First Aid Supplies $ 8,582
Nasco Teaching Supplies $ 3,228
Newton High School Athletics
Varsity Spirit Fashions Athletic Uniform Supplies $ 2,326
B. Approve district travel expenses as per Attachment L.
C. Approve the disposal of a Skutt Electric Kiln, Model 818-240, Serial #027439-8
at Newton High School.
D. Approve the Even Start Family Literacy Program Grant in the amount of $116,659
beginning 10/1/08 and ending on 9/30/09.
Carried unanimously by a roll call vote of the 11 member board with the following exception:
Mrs. VanAuken abstained on Item A.
Mr. Caffrey asked about the traffic signal and if we had heard any further news. The response OLD BD. BUSINESS
was no.
Mr. Mistry asked if the board self-evaluation should be completed with Mr. Miller or NEW BD. BUSINESS
Mr. Doherty. The consensus was that it is for the last 12 months.