BOARD OF EDUCATION
Newton, NJ
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 10, 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, Mr. Clark, Ms. Cooke, Mr. Heckman ROLL CALL
Mr. Jackson, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Mistry, Mrs. VanAuken and Mr. Miller.
Ms. Gianni arrived at 7:02 PM.
Members absent: None
Flag Salute
Cathie Sousa of NJ School Boards presented required Annual Ethics Training. Ms. Sousa also
clarified the concept and procedures relative to the board’s desire to operate as a board of the
whole in areas of personnel, buildings and grounds, policy and curriculum. Ms. Sousa also offered
information on surveys. The board discussed various issues until 8:30 PM.
There were no public comments on agenda resolutions. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no committee reports.
Ms. Gianni reported that the retirement dinner for Jerry Clymer was held. Ms. Gianni also SENDING DISTRICT
reported the Superintendent search is now down to two candidates. REPORTS
Ms. Cooke announced that Allamuchy invoked the 90 day clause on shared services and
Green Township BOE is now advertising for a part-time Superintendent.
Mr. Miller announced the Senior Awards Ceremony was held on Wednesday, 6/4/08 at the SUPT.’S REPORT/
Newton VFW. There were 95 awards given amounting to $157,000. ED. HIGHLIGHTS
Mr. Miller announced Kelly Churchill, Mike Galonski, Erin Henegen and Kevin Rheinheimer
qualified for the Group 2 Championship in Track. Kevin Rheinheimer won the state sections
and Group 2 in Javelin and competed in the Meet of Champions.
Mr. Miller announced the golf team was named Mugs Media Team of the Year, and is SCIL
Co-Champs with Jefferson, with a record of 19-2. The team also took 6th place in the Sectionals.
Pat Wilson won the State Sections and qualified for the Tournament of Champions. Mrs. Carr
stated Matt Krenz broke the school record.
Mr. Miller stated the softball team qualified for state playoffs and lost to Hawthorne in Sectional
Semi-Finals. Curt Pakutka was named Mugs Media Coach of the Year. Chelsea Homa set a school
record for strikeouts. Eight starters return for next season.
Mr. Miller congratulated the Halsted Middle School Band and Chorus, who, under the direction of
Ray Stocker and Donna Socha, participated in the High Note Music Festival on Friday, May 23, 2008
in Allentown, PA. Both groups were evaluated by two judges and both received superior ratings. The
choral group celebrated its 10th superior rating. After the festival, the band and chorus enjoyed the
remainder of the day at Dorney Park.
Mr. Miller stated the 4th and 5th grade band and chorus performed for over 350 people on 5/28/08 in the
gym at Merriam Avenue School. All the groups did a super job, thanks to Ray Stocker, Donna Socha,
and Jessica Mucilli.
Mr. Miller stated the 3rd and 4th grade classes visited the Newton Municipal Court, Police Station, and
Municipal Offices on 6/3/08. Judge Mulhern was great as the students watched real cases being
adjudicated.
Mr. Miller announced the Halsted Middle School solar sprint team, Treuchet, a four person team,
qualified to compete regionally in Morristown on 6/2/08. They moved on to the East Coast Regional
Race in Springfield, MA and competed against 10 teams.
Mrs. Snyder announced she and Jim Tasker attended a seminar on Current Law Update, travel SBA/BD. SEC.’S
regulations, and recent ethics cases at Strauss Esmay on Friday, June 6, 2008. REPORT
Mrs. Snyder stated the business office is closing the current financial year, opening the new,
and that the following financial issues will be on the next agenda:
Student Accident Insurance-The renewal increase is 40% as we had claims of more
than four times our premium. The broker and the school business administrator will
be evaluating the losses to see what steps might be taken towards cost containment.
Food Service Agreement with Andover-The agreement will be on the next agenda.
Minor changes have been made to the agreement.
Tuition Contracts With Andover and Green-The current agreement goes through
2009-2010. The 2008-2009 tuition contracts will be based on numbers agreed to by
all parties during the budget process.
Tuition Reserve-Our auditors will be coming in to confirm a reserve for three years from
now for the sending/receiving tuition calculation.
Mrs. Snyder asked for a meeting of non-conflicted board members following the board meeting
so a recommendation regarding negotiations can be made to the full board.
Motion made by Mrs. Carr, seconded by Ms. Cooke that the 11 member board approves the PROGRAM
following:
A. Approve the following Newton High School students on homebound
instruction, in accordance with N.J.A.C.6:14:
Student ID# 989864 Grade 10 Administrative
Student ID#1038100 Grade 10 Administrative
B. Approve the abolishment of Director of Pupil Personnel Services position at
Newton High School.
C. Approve the establishment of Coordinator of Pupil Personnel Services position at
Newton High School.
D. Approve the job description of Coordinator of Pupil Personnel Services.
Carried unanimously by a roll call vote of the 11 member board.
Motion made by Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Kelly that the 9 member approve the PERSONNEL
following:
Based upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the following
personnel resolutions are presented for approval:
A. Approve an additional 40 hours for Marion Fucito as Even Start Clerical Assistant,
at $15/hr.
B. Approve Kathleen Thurston at $30/hour, not to exceed 18 hours, to develop a
Title I program for Merriam Avenue School students.
Carried unanimously by a roll call vote of the 9 member board.
Motion made by Ms. Brown, seconded by Ms. Gianni that the 11 member board approve the
following:
C. Approve Karen Vealey as Title I Summer Secretary for 200 hours at $15/hr., not to
exceed $3,000.
D. Approve an unpaid leave of absence for Mary Licata on May 27, May 29 and
May 30, 2008.
E. Approve the appointments and salaries for Summer Maintenance, pending completion
of working papers if applicable, as per Attachment A.
F. Approve the district summer staff appointments as per Attachment B.
G. Approve the resignation of Megan Scacci, special education teacher at Newton
High School effective June 30, 2008.
H. Approve the following staff to teach a sixth period assignment for the 2008-09
school year:
Petra Hannig-Eisenberger -- World Language
Michael Grifone -- Special Education
Nancy VanHorn -- Special Education
Joseph DiMinico -- Music
Michael Bussow -- Science
Elizabeth Elvidge -- World Language
James Rabbitt -- History
Eric Bollette -- History
Bambi Steele-- Physical Education
Michael Muller -- Physical Education
Carried unanimously by a roll call vote of the 11 member board with the following exception:
Mr. Heckman abstained on Item F.
Motion made by Mrs. VanAuken, seconded by Mrs. Carr that the 11 member board approves BUSINESS
the following:
A. Approve the following district purchases:
District Description Amount
East Mountain Youth Svcs. Tuition Adj. 05/06 $ 2,463
Showboat Casino Hotel Board Convention $ 2,160
Nisivoccia & Company Interim Audit $ 2,968
Grants
Lego Title I Supplies $ 3,495
E-Instruction Corporation Teaching Supplies $ 6,376
Gateway Laptops $ 9,240
B. Approve the application for additional Even Start Family Literacy Program
Grant funding in the amount of $13,409, effective 10/1/08-9/30/09.
C. Approve PEPCO Energy Services to provide natural gas as per Alliance
for Competitive Services (ACES) bid at the commodity cost plus an
up-charge of $2.0381.
Mr. Mistry asked for a definition of the up-charge in the PEPCO agreement.
D. Accept the donation of drums, symbols and foot pedal valued at $300 to Newton
High School from Mrs. Dawn Benko.
E. Approve the disposal of the following outdated Newton High School textbooks:
The Developing Child (1994 edition) 16 textbooks
Child and Adult Care Professional (1999 edition) 4 textbooks
Child and Adult Care Professional (1996 edition) 9 textbooks
F. Approve the disposal of World Book Encyclopedias, dated 1988 at Halsted
Middle School.
Mrs. Carr questioned why this is an 11 member vote. Mrs. Snyder replied that it should not be
but as there was not a 9 member it was included in the 11 member vote.
Carried unanimously by a roll call vote of the 11 member board.
Mr. Miller presented the names of two cases for board members to review regarding personnel OLD BOARD
files. BUSINESS
Mr. Mistry asked if Ms. Mikesell’s concerns regarding the honors classes at Halsted Middle
School were going to be addressed. Mr. Miller responded that it would stay on the chain of
command.
Mr. Mistry asked for clarification on a response to Ms. Mikesell’s question.
Mrs. Gianni asked what the proposed timeline is for GRANNE, the tri-district group, to meet.
Mr. Miller replied he would contact the other two superintendents
Mr. Mistry asked the status on the search for Vice-Principal. Mr. Miller responded Mr. Tasker
is interviewing. Mr. Tasker stated that 11 candidates out of 86 would be interviewed.
Mr. Mistry stated that if there is a morale problem we need to take action. After discussion,
the consensus was that the board goal setting meeting would be a good start.
Mr. Miller announced he had closed school early yesterday and today (6/9 & 6/10) due to
excessive heat conditions. Mr. Mistry asked if we had ever considered A/C in the buildings.
Ms. Snyder replied some areas were reviewed during the referendum planning in 2000-2001.
Mr. Kelly said members of the community approached him and asked if the tour company had NEW BOARD
approached us about refunding payment for the 8th grade trip. Mr. Miller referred the question BUSINESS
to Mr. Fleming. Mr. Fleming stated a meeting is being scheduled. He will report to the board.
Mr. Mistry asked questions regarding the lunch cost, and Mr. Heckman asked parents to contact
Mr. Fleming with their concerns.
Mr. Miller stated that many students at Halsted Middle School received the Presidential Physical
Fitness Award.
President’s Statement PUBLIC COMMENTS
This public session is designed for members of the public to speak on issues for Board
consideration. By law, the Board of Education is under no obligation to respond to
public comment. If the Board of Education chooses to respond, it does not waive
it’s right thereafter not to respond. Please identify yourself and spell your last name.
Ms. Hu suggested that Mr. Fleming send a letter to the 8th grade parents stating that they
are trying to resolve the issue.
Ms. Homa was on the 8th grade trip and stated the students were wonderful while the matter
was being resolved.
Mrs. Thomas thanked Mr. Miller for closing school during the heat wave.
Ms. Mikesell stated that some of the students who received awards were upset because their
names weren’t known. Ms. Mikesell also expressed concern about communication at Halsted
Middle School.
Mr. Petry asked how processing a refund on the 8th grade trip would be handled.
Motion made by Ms. Cook, seconded by Mrs. Carr that the 11 member board adjourn to
executive session at 9:11 PM to discuss negotiations, not to reconvene. Said discussion may
be disclosed to the public when appropriate.
Carried unanimously by a vote of the 11 member board.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Snyder
School Business Administrator/
Board Secretary