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Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes,

May 13, 2010

WESTWOOD REGIONAL BOARD OF EDUCATION

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, NEW JERSEY

MINUTES OF PUBLIC HEARING AND REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 13, 2010

Present:President Liddy, Vice PresidentMountain, Trustees Blundo, Hanlon, Koch, Mandeville, Superintendent Geoffrey W. Zoeller, and Board Secretary Keith A. Rosado. Also present Student Representatives Samantha Frazza and Kevin Restivo.

Absent:Trustees Gregory, Mosolino, Schaadt

The hearing was called to order at 7:00 P.M. in the Hurley Theatre, Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School, by Superintendent Zoeller to discuss the proposed contract of the Business Administrator. The discussion on the proposed contract was tabled to a later date due to the approval from the Executive County Superintendent’s office has not been received yet.

PUBLIC FORUM:Started: 7:00 P.M.

Ended: 7:03 P.M.

No one chose to speak.

The Board then went back into Executive Session in the Board Conference Room.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. in the Hurley Theatre, Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School, by President Liddy who led the salute to the flag and read the New Jersey Open Public Meeting Law statement.

Mrs. Hanlon, seconded by Mrs. Mountain, that approval be given to the April 15, 2010 Regular and Executive Session Minutes, the April 30, 2010 Organization Meeting Minutes, and the April 30, 2010 Regular and Executive Session Minutes.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: 6-0

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Zoeller:

  • Dr. Zoeller stated that by law the district is required to turn off all boilers on April 15th as an efficiency measure.
  • Dr. Zoeller introduced Robert Hanlon who presented the Cardinal Cup to the High School Senior Class for their hard work and effort during spirit weeks and class competitions.

President’s Report

Mr. Liddy:

  • None

Business Administrator’s Report

Mr. Rosado:

  • Mr. Rosadostated that the Board will be approving the last three referendum projects for this school year at tonight’s meeting. The district will have a total of ten projects going on over the summer, most of them funded by the referendum and three projects funded from Capital Reserve and Federal grant monies.

Student Representative’s Report

Kevin Restivo reported:

  • Warren Saunders, 11th grade student, received the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Outstanding Leadership of Character which was presented to him at the United StatesMilitaryAcademy at West Point.
  • Kaila Fasano, 11th grade student, pole vaulted 10 feet, setting a new school record for Westwood.
  • Varsity golf competed in the BCSL tournament on May 6th at the Rockleigh Golf course. The boys took 4th place and the girls took 3rd place. Christian Sontag led all players with an 18-hole score of 90.

Samantha Frazza reported:

  • At a recent baseball game, the Cardinals beat River Dell 5-4, giving Coach Yurko his 300th win. The team also won their first county game today.
  • Friday, May 14th, is the Junior Class Semi-Formal and over 150 students are attending.

OLD BUSINESS

  • None

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Mrs. Mountain, seconded by Mrs. Hanlon, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the following resolution be adopted:

WHEREAS the Westwood Regional Senior High School would like to recognize Michael Mucci, twelfth grade student, for being selected as the student of the month for April, 2010.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Westwood Regional Board of Education hereby congratulates Michael Mucci for this accomplishment, directs the Secretary to include this Resolution in the official minutes of the Board of Education, and directs the Superintendent of Schools to present the student with a suitable certificate of recognition.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: 6-0

Mr. Blundo, seconded by Mrs. Hanlon, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the following resolution be adopted:

WHEREAS the WestwoodRegionalJunior High School would like to recognize Rachel Fischer, eighth grade student, for being selected as the student of the month for April, 2010.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Westwood Regional Board of Education hereby congratulates Rachel Fischer for this accomplishment, directs the Secretary to include this Resolution in the official minutes of the Board of Education, and directs the Superintendent of Schools to present the student with a suitable certificate of recognition.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: 6-0

PUBLIC FORUM:

Started: 7:45 P.M.

Ended: 8:54 P.M.

  • Barry Albert, O’Toole Street, Westwood, congratulated everyone involved on passing the budget and congratulated Mr. Koch and Mrs. Hanlon as returning Board members and Mr. Blundo as a new Board member. He stated he will miss Mr. Scocco and Mr. Morrow when they retire in June. He stated there would be a “Save our Schools” rally on June 3, 2010 from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. at BergenCommunity College and invited all to attend. Mr. Albert spoke regarding Mr. Pena’s contributions to the Jr./Sr. High music department over the years and his transfer to the WestwoodMiddle School for the upcoming school year. He asked the Board members to table the vote on 13M(d) and reconsider this transfer.

The following spoke regarding a transfer of personnel:

  • John Heffernan, Kinderkamack Road, Westwood
  • Steve Kalish, Honeysuckle Drive, Twp. of Washington
  • Katie Kalish, Honeysuckle Drive, Twp. of Washington
  • Michael Spinella, Somers Avenue, Bergenfield
  • Daniel Pena, Llewellyn Avenue,Bloomfield
  • Alexandra Spezial, Washington Avenue, Twp. of Washington
  • Julier Fernandez, Lyons Place, Westwood
  • Kenneth Malvasi, Bergen Street, Westwood
  • Nicholas Wager, Howard Street, Twp. of Washington
  • Betsy Beckman, William Street, Westwood
  • MaggieWimmer, Westervelt Place, Westwood
  • Camilla Gonzalez, Ridgewood Road, Twp. of Washington
  • Amanda Sproviero, Colonial Boulevard, Twp. of Washington
  • Brian Trager, Dogwood Court. Westwood
  • James Meier, Kaufman Drive, Westwood

Trustee Schaadt returned to the meeting at 7:52 P.M.

Comments:

  • Dr. Zoeller stated the transfers were determined based on what is best for the entire district.
  • Dr. Zoeller stated the Board will consider tabling Motion 13M(d) which is the transfer of Mr. Pena. He further stated he will have the relevant administration meet with the Board’s Personnel Committee for the purpose of reevaluating and looking at all the variables.

PERSONNEL/NEGOTIATIONS:

Mrs. Mountain, seconded by Mrs. Hanlon, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, Motion 13M(d) be tabled from tonight’s agenda.

BOARD POLLED AND MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: 7:0

Mrs. Mountain, seconded by Mrs. Schaadt, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the resignation for the purpose of retirement be accepted for Thomas Scocco, Teacher of Industrial Arts, Jr./Sr. High School, effective July 1, 2010, and the following resolution be accepted:

WHEREAS, Thomas Scocco has tendered his resignation as a Teacher in the Westwood Regional School District to become effective July 1, 2010, after having completed forty years of service, all of which were spent in dedicated and faithful service to the Westwood Regional School District, and

WHEREAS, during his many years in our school system he has imparted hisknowledge and understanding of the educational needs of the students of the WestwoodRegionalSchool District, and

WHEREAS, he has influenced the lives of many boys and girls with his deepunderstanding and has earned their love and respect as well as that of their parentsand his colleagues, and

WHEREAS, he has given unselfishly of his time and effort in the interest and welfareof the children of our school district,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Westwood Regional Board ofEducation hereby recognizes Mr. Scocco’s contribution to the district and expresses its appreciation of his dedicated services

and directs that this resolution be included in the minutes of this Board and that a copy be presented to Mr. Scocco as a token of its esteem.

Comments:

  • Board membersand Dr. Zoeller shared anecdotal comments, thanked Mr. Scocco for his dedication and service to the district, and wished him well in his retirement.

BOARD POLLED AND MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: 7:0

Mrs. Hanlon, seconded by Mrs. Schaadt, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the resignation forthe purpose of retirement be accepted for William Morrow, Teacher ofHealth and Physical Education, Jr./Sr. High School, effective July 1, 2010,and the following resolution be accepted:

WHEREAS, William Morrow has tendered his resignation as a Teacher in the Westwood Regional School District to become effective July 1, 2010, after having completed thirty-six years and seven months of service, of which thirty-six years were spent in dedicated and faithful service to the Westwood Regional School District, and

WHEREAS, during his many years in our school system he has imparted his knowledge and understanding of the educational needs of the students of the WestwoodRegionalSchool District, and

WHEREAS, he has influenced the lives of many boys and girls with his deep understanding and has earned their love and respect as well as that of their parents and his colleagues, and

WHEREAS, he has given unselfishly of his time and effort in the interest and welfare of the children of our school district,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Westwood Regional Board of Education hereby recognizes Mr. Morrow’s contribution to the district and expresses its appreciation of his dedicated services and directs that this resolution be included in the minutes of this Board and that a copy be presented to Mr. Morrow as a token of its esteem.

Comments:

  • Board membersand Dr. Zoeller shared anecdotal comments, thanked Mr. Morrow for his dedication and service to the district, and wished him well in his retirement.

BOARD POLLED AND MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: 7:0

Mrs. Hanlon, seconded by Mrs. Mountain, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the following motions be accepted:

  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the resignation of James Cooney, Supervisor of Child Study Team Services, SullivanCenter, effective July 1, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of Kurt Zimmermann, Teacher of Music, Middle School, for the 2010-11 school year, per the list dated May 11, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of James Lawrence, Teacher of Music, Jr./Sr. High School, for the 2010-11 school year, per the list dated May 11, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of Sean Quirk, Teacher of Art, Jr./Sr. High School, for the 2010-11 school year, per the list dated May 11, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of certificated staff as per the Westwood Education Association’s negotiated agreement for the 2010-11 school year, per the list dated May 11, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of certificated staff as per the agreement with the Westwood Administrators Association and the Westwood Regional Board of Education, per the list dated May 11, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of Building and Grounds staff as per the agreement to be determined with the Westwood Buildings and Grounds Association and the Westwood Regional Board of Education, per the list dated May 11, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of Aides/Security Officer for the 2010-11 school year, per the list dated May 11, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given a leave of absence with pay for Candice Oberg-Wurst, Grade 5, Berkeley School, for use of sick leave from September 7, 2010 through October 15, 2010, which will include the Federal Medical and Family Leave Act, and a leave of absence without pay for the period of October 15, 2010 through January 22, 2011 which will include the remainder the Family Medical Leave Act and State Family Leave Act with full paid medical benefits. The balance of the leave of absence without pay will be from January 23, 2011 through February 1, 2011 without medical benefits.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the inter-school transfer of staff for the 2010-2011 school year, per the list dated May 11, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of substitute teacher/lunch aide for the 2009-2010 school year per the list dated May 11,2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be giventhe appointment of ABA Therapists for the 2009-10 school year, per thelist dated May 11, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be giventhe appointment of Daniel Olivio, Biology, Jr./Sr.High School, for the2010-11 school year, per the list dated May 11, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be giventhe appointment of Kathleen Booth, Grade 3, GeorgeSchool, for the2010-11 school year, per the list dated May 11, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of Allison Distler, Kindergarten Teacher, BerkeleySchool, for the 2010-2011 school year, per the list dated May 11, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be giventhe appointment of Deniz Ekin, Teacher of French, Jr./Sr. High School,per the list dated May 13, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of Eric Pfeifer, Teacher of Physical Education, BrooksideSchool, per the list dated May 13, 2010.

Comments:

  • Dr. Zoeller stated since the Executive County Superintendent has not approved the Business Administrator’s contract, Motion Q must be withdrawn. Motion M (d) is being pulled from the motion.
  • Dr. Zoeller stated Motion U refers to the appointment of a physical education teacher and introduced Mr. Pfeifer to the Board and audience.

BOARD POLLED AND MOTIONS CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: 7-0

FINANCE:

Mrs. Mandeville, seconded by Mrs. Hanlon, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given to the following motions:

  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, invoices for materials received and services rendered for the 2009-10 school year for April in the amount of $916,689.24 be ratified for payment in accordance with the lists reviewed by the Board.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Report as of April 2010 of the Treasurer of School Moneys be received.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, acknowledgement be made of the Secretary’s certification that as of April 2010, no budgetary line item account has encumbrances and expenditures, which in total exceed the line item appropriation in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11(a).

Keith A. Rosado

Business Administrator

  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, pursuant to N.J.A.C.-6A:23-2.11(c)4, we certify that as of April 2010, after review of the Secretary’s monthly financial reports and upon consultation with the appropriate district officials, to the best of our knowledge no major account or fund has been over expended in violation of N.J.A.C.6A:23-2.11(b) and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district’s financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the Adjusted Transfer Listing dated May 10, 2010, for the month of April 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, invoices for materials received and
    services rendered for the 2009-10 school year for May in the amount of $676,569.81 be approved for payment in accordance with the lists reviewed by the Board.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given to accept the donation of a $500 gift card for The Home Depot and a $500 gift card for the Gardening with Kids Catalog from the National Gardening Association and The Home Depot for the purpose of creating a multi-sensory gardening program at Washington School.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given to the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Stone Creek Inc. was awarded the bid for KetlerElementary School;

WHEREAS,Stone Creek Inc. has submitted the following change order proposal which has been approved by the architect:

Change Order Proposal – CO #015

For the expenditure of $4,386.00 from the General Construction Allowance to excavate and repair an unknown damaged pipe below the rear parking area at KetlerSchool. (Amount to be deducted from allowance) $4,386.00.

The Total Contract value will remain unchanged until the completion of project; Total Contract sum 3,943,300.00;

And WHEREAS,FKA Architects has verified that these changes are necessary based upon the need to rectify unforeseen conditions uncovered during construction pursuant to N.J.A.C.6A:26-4.9.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board approves this change order and the contract amount is revised to reflect this change.

  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given to the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Stone Creek Inc. was awarded the bid for KetlerElementary School;

WHEREAS,Stone Creek Inc. has submitted the following change order proposal which has been approved by the architect:

Change Order Proposal – CO #016

To credit back the unused contract allowance to the owner in the amount of $22,887.10.

The Total Contract value will change; New Total Contract sum $3,920,412.90;

And WHEREAS,FKA Architects has verified that these changes are necessary based upon the need to rectify unforeseen conditions uncovered during construction pursuant to N.J.A.C.6A:26-4.9.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board approves this change order and the contract amount is revised to reflect this change.

  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given to the following resolution:

WHEREAS, R.D. Architectural Products Inc. was awarded the bid for BerkeleySchoolWindow Replacement;

WHEREAS,R.D. Architectural Products Inc. has submitted the following change order proposal which has been approved by the architect:

Change Order Proposal – CO #001

Credit back to owner remaining balance of allowance $10,000.00

The Total Contract value will change; New Total Contract sum $116,600.00

And WHEREAS,FKA Architects has verified that these changes are necessary based upon the need to rectify unforeseen conditions uncovered during construction pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:26-4.9.