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Regular Meeting Minutes, October 14, 2010

WESTWOOD REGIONAL BOARD OF EDUCATION

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, NEW JERSEY

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2010

Present:Vice PresidentMountain, Trustees Blundo, Gregory, Hanlon, Koch, Mandeville, Schaadt, Superintendent Geoffrey W. Zoeller, and Board Secretary Keith A. Rosado. Also present Student Representatives Kevin Restivo, Samantha Frazza, Joseph Kramer, Camillia Beutel, and Sydney Lewis.

Absent:President Liddy and Trustee Mosolino.

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M. in the Hurley Theatre, Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School, by Vice PresidentMountain who led the salute to the flag and read the New Jersey Open Public Meeting Law statement.

Mrs. Gregory, seconded by Mrs. Hanlon,that approval be given to the August 26, 2010 and September 16, 2010 Regular and Executive Session Minutes.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: 7-0

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Zoeller:

  • Dr. Zoeller discussed the district’s Violence and Vandalism Report for the 2009-10 school year. He stated the report is available through the NJ Department of Education and a copy is also available from the Board Secretary. He further stated that the district continues to have minimal incidents of violence and vandalism.
  • Dr. Zoeller reported on the school district’s efforts for Safe Schools’ Week. The Board of Education has received a comprehensive packet from principals and administrators giving detailed reports of upcoming events that will be taking place in our schools.
  • Dr. Zoeller reported on the incident that occurred on Wednesday evening, October 13th, over the WestwoodRegionalMiddle School and the Ketler A Field complex.

President’s Report

Mrs. Mountain:

  • None

Business Administrator’s Report

Mr. Rosado:

  • Mr. Rosado stated the district auditor has been doing the annual audit over the past two weeks. Their findings will be presented to the Board of Educationat a later date and the report will be submitted to the State.
  • Mr. Rosado stated the Business office is preparing for submission of the annual DRTRS report on transportation and the ASSA report on student enrollment and NJ Smart.

Student Representative’s Report

Kevin Restivo reported:

  • The National Art Honor Society will host a Pumpkin Carving and Painting event on Sunday, October 17th.
  • The Harlem Wizards basketball charity event, sponsored by The Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and the High School Peer Pals, will be held Sunday, October 17th. Proceeds will benefit the Westwood Regional Education Fund.

Samantha Frazza reported:

  • Students have taken advantage of college representatives that have come to Westwood through the Guidance Department. This has benefited students in the application process.
  • The Westwood football team has won their past three games and will play Mahwah on Saturday, October 16th, at 2 P.M. at the A field.
  • On Sunday, October 10th, the Westwood Marching Band competed at MidlandParkHigh School and received third place and best marching overall.

Joseph Kramer, BrooksideSchool representative, reported:

  • Brookside students have transitioned very well and are starting to get used to their new environment.
  • Students like having two floors in the school, the opportunity to walk and ride bikes to school, and feel it will benefit everyone to have one more year to prepare for the challenges of middle school.
  • Students are taking on more responsibility such as leading the morning announcements and setting positive examples for younger students.

Sydney Lewis, BrooksideSchool representative, reported:

  • Brookside students are enjoying lunch and recess time. Students are amazed to see cafeteria tables fold out of the walls and the new playgrounds have been so much fun to use. Favorites are the flower cup, the monkey bars, and the slides. There is space to run around both on the grass and blacktop areas.

Camillia Beutel, BrooksideSchool representative, reported:

  • Brookside students enjoy traveling throughout the building to specific classrooms for world language, art, physical education, music, media and computers. Students especially enjoy going to the new media center and computer lab because of the space and the new computers to use for word processing and Internet research.

OLD BUSINESS

  • None

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

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

WHEREAS the Westwood Regional Senior High School would like to recognize Michelle Leao, twelfth grade student, for being selected as the student of the month for September 2010.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Westwood Regional Board of Education herebycongratulates Michelle Leao 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: 7-0

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

WHEREAS the WestwoodRegionalJunior High School would like to recognize Miguel Gonzalez, eighth grade student, for being selected as the student of the month for September 2010.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Westwood Regional Board of Education hereby congratulates Miguel Gonzalez 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: 7-0

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

WHEREAS the WestwoodRegionalMiddle School would like to recognize Daniel Gerber, seventh grade student, for being selected as the seventh grade student of the month for September 2010.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Westwood Regional Board of Education hereby congratulates Daniel Gerber 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: 7-0

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

WHEREAS the WestwoodRegionalMiddle School would like to recognize Carly Dugan, sixth grade student, for being selected as the sixth grade student of the month for September 2010.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Westwood Regional Board of Education hereby congratulates Carly Dugan 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: 7-0

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

WHEREAS the Westwood Regional School District would like to recognize Michelle Leao, twelfth grade student, for receiving the Girl Scout Gold Award.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Westwood Regional Board of Education hereby congratulates Michelle Leao 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.

Comments:

  • Board members congratulated Ms. Leao on receiving this prestigious award.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: 7-0

PUBLIC FORUM:

Started: 7:58 P.M.

Ended: 8:04 P.M.

  • Patricia Eckel, Fourth Avenue, Westwood, recognized custodian James Harris who will be retiring in December.
  • Matthew Dogali, Wayne Place, Township of Washington, spoke regarding sidewalks at Wayne Place. Dr. Zoeller stated the municipal authorities are looking at various options and the solution rests in the domain of the Township.

PERSONNEL/NEGOTIATIONS: Mrs. Mosolino, Ch.

Mrs. Schaadt, seconded by Mrs. Hanlon, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the resignation for retirement be accepted for James Harris, Custodian, Jr./Sr. High School, effective December 31, 2010, and the following resolution be accepted:

WHEREAS, James Harris has tendered his resignation as a Custodian in the Westwood Regional School District to become effective December 31, 2010, after having completed twenty-five years and two months of service, all of which were spent in dedicated and faithful service to the Westwood Regional School District, and

WHEREAS, in his capacity as a Custodian, he has had the responsibility of having personal contact with staff, the general public, and the students and parents, as well as attending to the vast duties of maintaining the facilities, and

WHEREAS, during his tenure of office, he has given unselfishly of his time and effort in the interest and welfare of the school district,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Westwood Regional Board of Education hereby recognizes Mr. Harris’ 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. Harris as a token of its esteem.

Comments:

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

BOARD POLLED AND MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: 7-0

Mrs. Schaadt, 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, approval be giventhe appointment of J. Scott Cascone, Director of Personnel and SpecialProjects, effective January 1, 2011, per the list dated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given movement on the guide per the negotiated agreement between the Westwood Education Association and the Westwood Regional Board of Education, retroactive to September 1, 2010, per the list dated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be givena revised contract for Charles Seipp, Principal, Middle School for the 2010-11 school year, per the list dated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of Anthony Byndloss, Custodian, Jr./Sr. High School, after having successfully completed the sixty-day probationary periodfrom August 12, 2010 through October 12, 2010, per the list datedOctober 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be giventhe appointment of Audio Visual Coordinators, Elementary Schools, for the 2010-11 school year, per the list dated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be giventhe appointment of Winter Coaches, Jr./Sr. High School, for the 2010-11 school year, per the list dated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be giventhe appointment of revised Extra-curricular advisors for the Middle School, for the 2010-11 school year, per the list dated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be givenPracticum/Field Placements for the 2010-11 school year, per the listdated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be giventhe appointment of substitute teachers/nurses/aides for the 2010-2011 school year, per the list dated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the resignationof Kathleen Mathis, Aide, BerkeleySchool, be accepted effective October 14, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be giventhe appointment of Lisa Gonzalez, Aide, BerkeleySchool, for the 2010-11 school year, per the list dated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be giventhe appointment of Christine Scheidler, Aide, SullivanCenter, for the 2010-11 school year, per the list dated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be giventhe appointment of Adriane Petrocelli, Aide, SullivanCenterand WashingtonSchool, for the 2010-11 school year, per the list dated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be giventhe appointment of Janice Giannantonio, Aide/Lunch Aide,BerkeleySchool, for the 2010-11 school year, per the list dated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of part-time security officers for the Sullivan Center forthe 2010-11 school year, per the list dated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given a revised contract for Carmela Isodori, part time Security Officer,Jr./Sr. High School, per the list dated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be givena revised contract for Frank Coccaro, Aide, GeorgeSchool, per the listdated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be giventhe appointment of Sandra Bruno, Lunch Aide Coordinator, GeorgeSchool, per the list dated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be giventhe appointment of teaching sixth periods for the 2010-11 school year, per the list dated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be giventhe appointment of Aides for the 2010-11 school year, per thelist dated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be giventhe appointment of Ana Garcia, hourly Bus Driver, for the 2010-11 school year, per the list dated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of Jillian Carpino, Club Advisor for Heroes and Cool Kids, for the 2010-11 school year, per the list dated October 12, 2010.

  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be givena child rearing leave of absence to Lisa Bagley, Music, Jr./Sr. High School, for the use of sick leave from January 3, 2011 through January14, 2011, which will include the Federal Medical and Family Leave Act and a leave of absence without pay for the period of January 15, 2011 through May 29, 2011, with full medical benefits which will include theremainder of the Family Medical Leave Act and State Family Leave Act and an unpaid leave of absence without paid medical benefits from May 30, 2011 through June 30, 2011.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be giventhe hourly rate and hours for Aides for the 2010-11 school year, per the list dated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be giventhe resignation of Laura Folenta, Family and Consumer Science, Jr./Sr. High School, effective December 8, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the grievance settlement agreement with the Westwood Education Association (docket #AR 2010-553) per the attached list dated October 13, 2010.

Comments:

  • Dr. Zoeller congratulated Mr. Cascone who was promoted to Director of Personnel & Special Projects.

BOARD POLLED AND MOTIONS CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: 7-0

FINANCE: Mrs. Mandeville, Ch.

Mrs. Mandeville, seconded by Mrs. Gregory, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given to the Finance Report and the following motions:

  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, invoices for materials received and services rendered for the 2010–11 school year for August in the amount of $326,203.87 be ratified for payment in accordance with the lists reviewed by the Board.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Report as of August 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 August 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 August 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 October 11, 2010, for the month of August 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, invoices for materials received and services rendered for the 2009–10 school year for October in the amount of $377,599.94 be approved for payment in accordance with the lists reviewed by the Board.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, invoices for materials received and services rendered for the 2010–11 school year for October in the amount of $1,044,508.50 be approved for payment in accordance with the lists reviewed by the Board.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given to staff to attend out-of-district conferences per the attached list dated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be givenfor out-of-State field trips, for the 2010-11 school year, per the listdated October 12, 2010.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given to enter into a joint transportation agreement with the Emerson Board of Education for the purpose of transporting students during the 2010-2011 school year.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given to the Board Secretary to execute a contract with the Bergen County Department of Health Services to provide Supervision and/or Direct Nursing Services for Nonpublic Schools for the 2010-2011 school year.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given to accept a monetary donation in the amount of $250from Mr. & Mrs. Joe Soccodato to be applied towards 9th grade prevention assembly programs.
  • that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given to the following resolution:

WHEREAS, K&D Contractors, LLC was awarded the bid for Brookside and George School Boiler Replacement Project; and

WHEREAS,K&D Contractors, LLC has submitted the following change order proposal which has been approved by the architect:

Change Order Proposal – CO #001