87,371
NORTHERN VALLEY REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
BOARD OF EDUCATION
DEMAREST, NEW JERSEY 07627
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING: Monday, October 17, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Demarest High School Cafeteria, 150 Knickerbocker Road, Demarest, NJ
THE BOARD OF EDUCATION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MEET IN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS PERSONNEL, NEGOTIATIONS AND/OR LITIGATIONS.
The meeting is opened by the Board President.
Pledge of Allegiance
ROLL CALL: Mr. Louis DeLisio, President
Mr. Joseph Argenziano, Vice President Arrived at 8:55 p.m.
Mrs. Melissa Driscoll
Mr. Dan Eller Arrived at 6:50 p.m.
Ms. Tiffany Kaplan
Dr. George Kipel
Mr. Peter Micera
Mr. John Schettino
Mr. Ghanshyam C. Vaghasia
ALSO PRESENT: Dr. Geoff Gordon, Interim Superintendent of Schools Joanette Femia, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary
“THE NEW JERSEY OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW WAS ENACTED TO INSURE THE RIGHT TO THE PUBLIC TO HAVE ADVANCE NOTICE OF AND TO ATTEND THE MEETINGS OF PUBLIC BODIES AT WHICH ANY BUSINESS AFFECTING THEIR INTEREST IS DISCUSSED OR ACTED UPON.”
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT, THE NORTHERN VALLEY REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION HAS CAUSED NOTICE OF THIS MEETING TO BE PUBLICIZED BY HAVING THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE THEREOF POSTED AND FILED IN THE BOROUGH HALL OF EACH CONSTITUENT BOROUGH IN THE DISTRICT AND SENT TO THREE NEWSPAPERS CIRCULATING IN THE DISTRICT.
THIS MEETING WILL BE TAPE RECORDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY.
THE BOARD PRESIDENT WILL OPEN THE MEETING FOR PUBLIC COMMENT AT THE REQUEST OF THE BOARD. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE ALLOWED FIVE MINUTES TO PRESENT INFORMATION TO THE BOARD.
Regular Meeting – October 17, 2016 87,372
The Board Meeting was Open at 6:30 p.m. and on motion by Mr. Micera, seconded by Dr. Kipel and approved by the Board recessed to Executive Session.
The Board discussed policy as discussed by the attorney, student issues in regard to athletics and NVAA Negotiations.
No Action was taken.
At 7:35 p.m. on motion by Mr. Micera, seconded by Mr. Eller and approved by the Board the Meeting return to Open Session.
Mrs. Kaplan led the flag salute.
In attendance were 33 members of the Public, 7 Staff members and 1 member of the Press.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Gordon reported that tonight we will recognize our student scholars. Dr. Gordon reported that last year the District added 7 AP classes and also adjusted the student schedule so that they could elect to take 8 courses a year instead of 7. Dr. Gordon noted that we were very pleased to see the number of students who took advantage of the new offerings. Dr. Gordon noted this is a reflection of the wonderful students at NVRHS. Dr. Gordon referenced articles in local papers, notably one that referred to PE and the standards required by the State. Dr. Gordon stated that the results that we see tonight are reflective of an enormous amount of work done by the Administration. Tonight we will recognize student who have achieved the premiere academic recognition.
The Board recognized National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Students.
Dr. Gordon turned the meeting over to the Board President, Lou DeLisio to hand out the certificates.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT CONTINUED
Dr. Gordon reported that the District is working very hard to assist the students to make responsible choices. Dr. Gordon reviewed an article in The Record which reflected that substance abuse in the High Schools showed a 20% decline. Dr. Gordon noted that even with this report there is a problem and we have seen a spike in pre-game parties that have become dangerous. The District will not ignore that and encourage the students and parents to take it seriously. Fortunately, since we have seen a problem at the early Football games of the season, we have seen our students make better choices. Dr. Gordon reported that the District has had 2 non HIBS 1 at each school building.
Regular Meeting – October 17, 2016 87,373
President, Lou DeLisio asked for the Student Representatives to provide their monthly report.
Ariel Deljanin, NVOT Representative presented her report on various presentations made available to the students such as Coach Randy's Program. Ariel Deljanin reported on various athletic, academic, co-curricular activities and accomplishments. She reported on 8th Grade Parent Orientation and National Merit Finalist Recognitions. She reported on the annual coalition’s Trunk or Treat that will take place next week and on various fundraisers. Ariel Deljanin also reported that she has seen an increase in students making better choices as Dr. Gordon reported and noted that the letter from Dr. Sabatini had an impact on the students. She is excited about building school spirit and community. She reported that she is part of the new mentor program, and feels it will make a difference. It is more than teaching them how to get to class and open a locker. She feels the program is better for the mentors and the students being mentored.
Idil Tuysuzoglu, Student Representative for NVD wanted to thank the Board for the opportunity to serve on the Board as this is her last meeting. She reported on various programs made available to the students such as Coach Randy and reported on various athletic and academic accomplishments. Idil reported on various fundraisers. She reported that she is excited about early decision coming in the next 2 weeks, so it is a stressful time and she echoed the remark that she has also seen the increase of students making smart choices. One thing she likes about Principal Santana is he is always open to student’s ideas and his door is always open.
PRESENTATION
Matt Spatz reported on Advance Placement Testing
At 8:38 p.m. the Board President Opened to the Public for comments on the Presentation.
Ann Baretz of Harrington Park asked a question in regard to the AP Testing process which includes an assignment before the test and if it causes student to be more stressed.
At 8:45 p.m. on motion by Mr. Micera, seconded by Mr. Eller and approved by the Board the Meeting was Open to the Public for agenda and non-agenda items.
Kathy Fable of Old Tappan inquired about the Acclaim inventory.
Julie Gleason of Harrington Park inquired when Ellen Alias was coming and when we would be doing the surveys.
At 8:47 p.m. on motion by Mr. Micera, seconded by Mr. Eller and approved by the Board the Meeting was Closed to the Public for agenda and non-agenda items.
Regular Meeting – October 17, 2016 87,374
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Melissa Driscoll reported for the Technology Committee and discussed the survey given to other Districts in our area. Differentiated model, Dino Software that teachers can use in the classroom to interact with students. Mrs. Driscoll discussed the SHI schedule. She discussed professional days for Tech, putting together an improvement plan. There will be a lot of data collection which will help determine the improvements needed. Melissa reported on the comments made by SHI last week. SHI noted that they were very surprised by the plans and network and received everything they asked for. They were impressed by the diagrams which they have received similar drawings on a napkin. Mr. Vaghasia also noted how impressed he was with George and Dave and how they worked with SHI. We look forward to seeing their report which will help the Committee build an improvement plan.
RESOLUTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION (Addenda “A”)
On motion by Mr. Eller, seconded by Mrs. Driscoll and approved by the Board F1-F10 were unanimously approved.
FINANCE Daniel Eller, Chairperson
George Kipel
Peter Micera
F1. District Monthly Reports/Bills
That the Board of Education approves the bills of the Northern Valley Regional High School District for the period of September 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016 for General, Debt Service, Special Revenue, Enterprise Fund and NV Technical Services be approved and payment made through Columbia or Valley National Bank from funds in the appropriate accounts as follows:
Payroll $ 4,671,133.33
Fund (10, 13, 20, 40, 50, 53, 54, 58) $ 6,252,168.87 Fund (30) $ 874,101.26 Fund (59) $ 62,737.87
Fund (51) $ 0 Total $11,860,141.33
That the Board of Education approves the report of the following funds and accounts as of September 30, 2016 be approved and detailed reports are available in the Business Office:
Petty Cash (Demarest) $ 73.15
Petty Cash (Old Tappan) $ 500.00
September Student Activity Fund (Demarest) $ 308,626.14
September Student Activity Fund (Old Tappan) $ 216,845.78
Regular Meeting – October 17, 2016 87,375
Scholarship Fund $ 66,628.00
Note: Student Fund Reports are available in the Business Office.
F2. Investment of Funds/District
That the Board of Education approves in accordance with previously adopted directives and agreements with the below institution, the following investments made by the Secretary during September 2016 be approved:
Beginning Balance Net Changes Current Balance
MBIA $ -0- $ -0- $ -0-
Bank of America $ -0- $ -0- $ -0-
*Valley National Bank .25% and Columbia .25% general checking accounts.
F3. Regional Programs Reports/Bills
That the Board of Education approves the bills of the Regional Programs administered by Northern Valley Regional High School District for the period of Septembert 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016 for General, Debt Service, Special Revenue, and Enterprise Fund, be approved and payment made through Colombia Bank from funds in the appropriate accounts as follows:
Payroll $ 1,082,013.83 Funds (55, 56, 57) $ 1,913,146.76 Total $ 2,995,160.59
F4. Investment of Funds/Regional Programs
That the Board of Education approves in accordance with previously adopted directives and agreements with the below institution, the following Regional Programs investments made by the Secretary during September 2016, be approved:
9/30/16 Balance
$0
**Columbia checking interest rate is .25% and Valley National Bank .25%
F5. Transfer of Funds
That the Board of Education approves the Board Secretary be authorized to make transfers in the 2016-2017 Budget of the NVRHSD. (Addenda “B”)
F6. Secretary/Treasurer Reports
That the Northern Valley Regional High School District Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Report of the Treasurer and Report of the Secretary for the month ending September 30, 2016; and
Further, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-16.10(c)3, I certify that as of September 30, 2016, no line item account has encumbrances and expenditures, which total exceed the line item appropriation in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-16.10(a).
Regular Meeting – October 17, 2016 87,376
F7. Donation – Demarest
That the Board of Education accepts the following donations from NVD Project Graduation:
$2,000 to NVD for the Freshman and Sophomore Class trips and the Faculty Room Update
(will be deposited directly into the School Improvement Fund)
$700 to the ACCESS Prom for the Class of 2017
F8. Donation – Demarest
That the Board of Education accepts the following donation from the Sakura Grant Program for Japanese Language Education:
$1200 to NVD for tea ceremony, taiko performance and instruction
F9. Donation – Old Tappan
That the Board of Education accepts a donation in the amount of $2,000 from the Golden Knights Athletic Association to be used towards the purchase of a scoreboard for the NVOT athletic field.
F10. Donation –GKAA
That the Board of Education recognizes $2999 to be paid by the Golden Knights Athletic Association to Agile Sports Technologies DBA for Online Video Editing/Analysis service.
On motion by Mr. Schettino, seconded by Mr. Micera and approved by the Board C1-C3 were unanimously approved.
CURRICULUM John Schettino, Chairperson
Melissa Driscoll
George Kipel
C1. Report of Classification and Student Assignment
Recommend ratification and approval of the September, 2016 Confidential List of Classification of Students and Student Assignments including Satellite and Bergen County Schools as authorized by the Superintendent. The lists will be placed in the Confidential Minutes File.
C2. Music Festival Trip
That the Board of Education approves the attached Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest and Old Tappan Choir and Instrumental Group Music Festival Trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from April 7 – April 9, 2017. (Addenda “C”)
C3. Demarest Softball Trip
That the Board of Education approves the attached Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest Softball Program Trip to Disney Orlando, Florida from March 10 – March 14, 2017. (Contingent on itinerary provided by end of week.) (Addenda “D”)
Regular Meeting – October 17, 2016 87,377
On motion by Mrs. Kaplan, seconded by Mr. Eller and approved by the Board B1-B4 were unanimously approved.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS Joseph Argenziano, Chairperson
Tiffany Kaplan
Peter Micera
B1. Vandalism
It will be necessary to accept the Report of the Principals on Vandalism for the month of September 2016, and direct same to be filed. (Addenda “E”)
B2. Use of Facilities
That the Board of Education approves the following Use of Facilities Requests:
Closter Lions Charitable Foundation 10/30/2016 Pancake Breakfast 6am-2pm Demarest
Vikings Soccer 10/9,16,23,30/2016 Youth Soccer 12pm-6pm Demarest
11/6,13,20/2016
B3. Change Orders – All Surface Asphalt Paving
That the Board of Education approves the attached change orders (#001 and #002) for All Surface Asphalt Paving as recommended by RSC Architects. (Addenda “F”)
B4. Change Order - Mathusek
That the Board of Education approves the attached change order (#001) for Mathusek as recommended by RSC Architects. (Addenda “G”)
On motion by Dr. Kipel, seconded by Mr. Micera and approved by the Board A1-A14 were unanimously approved.
On motion by Dr. Kipel, seconded by Mr. Eller and approved by the Board A15, Policy 6145/6145.1 was voted on separately and approved on a 6-2 vote.
Yeses: Mrs. Driscoll, Mr. Eller, Mr. Micera, Mr. Schettino, Mr. Vaghasia and Mr. DeLisio
Noes: Mrs. Kaplan and Dr. Kipel
Absent: Mr. Argenziano
On motion by Dr. Kipel, seconded by Mrs. Driscoll and approved by the Board all other Policies in A15 were approved on a 6-2 vote.
Yeses: Mrs. Driscoll, Mr. Eller, Dr. Kipel, Mr. Schettino, Mr. Vaghasia and Mr. DeLisio
Noes: Mrs. Kaplan and Mr. Micera
Absent: Mr. Argenziano
Regular Meeting – October 17, 2016 87,378
Following from 10/10/16 Meeting:
On motion by Mr. Vaghasia, seconded by Mr. Schettino and approved by the Board on a 6-2 vote the Board added revisions to Policy 6145 to Resolution A15 for First Reading.
Yeses: Mr. Argenziano, Mrs. Driscoll, Mr. Eller, Mr. Schettino, Mr. Vaghasia and Mr. DeLisio
Noes: Mrs. Kaplan and Mr. Micera
Absent:Dr. Kipel
ADMINISTRATION George Kipel, Chairperson
Melissa Driscoll
Daniel Eller
A1. Fire Drills/Security
It will be necessary to approve and file in the Minutes and place in the appropriate file, the Principal’s Report on Fire Drills and Security for the month of September, 2016. (Addenda “H”)
A2. HIB/Disciplinary Report
HIB/Update