Regular Business Meeting- 1 -November 29, 2012
MINUTES
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOLS
FRANKLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL CAFETERIA
NOVEMBER 29, 2012– 7:35 P.M.
CALL OF ROLL
Mr. Richard E. Arline – arrived at 8:30 PMMrs. Eva M. NagyStudent Liaisons
Mrs. Teletha A. Brown, PresidentMrs. Julia Presley, Vice PresidentSamantha Connell
Mr. Delvin BurtonMr. Richard Seamon
Mrs. Nancy LaCorte – arrived at 7:33 PMMs. Keisha Smith-Carrington
Mr. Thomas J. Lewis - absent
Mr. Edward Q. Seto, Superintendent of Schools
Mr. John Calavano, Assistant Superintendent for Business/Board Secretary
Ms. Eveny Pagán, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Ms. Gail Reicheg, Director of Personnel
Ms. Pamela R. Horn,Director of Pupil Personnel Services – arrived at 7:45 PM
Mr. Orvyl Wilson, Director of School Management and Student Advocacy
And 12 Members of the Public
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE– Mrs. Brown led the Board in the pledge.
MOMENT OF SILENCE
OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT STATEMENT
Mr. Calavano read the following statement:
In accordance with the “Open Public Meetings Act” P.L. 1975, c. 231 (Sunshine Law), the schedule and notification of this meeting have been provided for on May 25, 2012. Copies of this notice were faxed to the Courier News, the Home News Tribune, The Star-Ledger,The Trenton Times, Franklin Township Clerk/Manager, WCTC Radio, District Schools, Offices and Associations, PTO Presidents, and posted on the Central Administration Building notice board.
MISSION STATEMENT OF THE FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The Mission of the Franklin Township Public Schools is to provide excellent educational opportunities that meet or exceed New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for every student; maintain an environment that engenders an appreciation of the value of every student; develop every student to his/her highest potential; and instill the attitudes, skills, and knowledge necessary to become independent, contributing members of a democratic, multi-cultural society.
DISTRICT GOALS
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION: To commit to continuous improvement of student achievement through the implementation of rigorous curriculum aligned to the 2009 NJCCC and Common Core Standards, as evidenced by grade-level performance and student growth as measured by multiple measures.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT: To strengthen District communication through the use of the District and school-based websites and other media and to increase public engagement in the District through increased collaboration with the community.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: To continue the District’s efforts to improve the culture and environment of our schools and to build positive relationships that promote respect, motivation for learning, and creativity in and for our students.
FACILITIES: Utilizing the District’s 2011-2021 Long-Range Facilities Plan, develop abuilding program that will enhance and improve the District's delivery of education to all students; provide additional classroom space to address the projected enrollment growth over the next five years; address critical maintenance issues in all existing facilities and consider potential changes to the delivery of education and identify potential future buildings to support this paradigm shift.
I. PRESENTATION
Ron Richter and Franklin High School students spoke about Junior Achievement
II.Superintendent’s Report
Tenured Staff Celebration
I would like to begin by mentioning an event that I attended earlier this afternoon along with some members of the Board of Education and administrators to celebrate the staff members who had achieved tenure during the last school year. At the convocation in September, I discussed my personal goal to work toward improving district climate and culture. This new event is part of an ongoing body of work to achieve that goal. The staff members at the celebration expressed great pride in earning tenure and were grateful to their supervisors and colleagues who helped them gather evidence for the tenure review process. I look forward to attending more events such as this celebration.
Communication Question
In an effort to strengthen district communication this year, we will be seeking feedback from the public on specific topics and communication tools. From time to time during this school year, a short survey called the Communication Question will be posted on the district website. Our first question concerns the effectiveness of district communication regarding Hurricane Sandy. We welcome your comments and suggestions. This survey will be available from November 30 - December 7, 2012.
Portable Classroom Update
The new portable classrooms have begun to arrive and will be installed at six locations in the district. At Elizabeth Avenue School, foundation work is being done. Portions of the four portable classrooms have arrived. The portable classroom at Pine Grove School is in place and utility hook up is underway. At Hillcrest School, two portable classrooms have also been placed. Decking and utility hook up is underway at that site. The site work at Franklin Park School is continuing. That portable classroom is on the premises awaiting assembly and placement. The portable classrooms to be placed at Sampson G. School are on the grounds and will be installed when the site work is complete. Lastly, at MacAfee Road School, site work continues. The two portable classrooms which will be placed there have not yet been delivered. Updates will be provided as further progress is made.
SGS Food Drive
I had the pleasure of joining an ambitious and giving group of Sampson G. Smith students and staff on November 20th as they loaded over 6000 pounds of food onto several district vehicles. This bounty was donated to the Franklin Township Food Bank. Congratulations and thanks to Lisa Grippo, a dean of students at SGS, who with her 29 student ambassadors organized this extremely successful drive. I would also like to thank the buildings and grounds men who loaded and unloaded the trucks and all the generous families of SGS who participated in this worthwhile event. Thank you to Nancy LaCorte for her support of this event.
Model UN and Franklin Robotics
Franklin High School was named the Best Large Delegation at the Rutgers University Model UN Conference on November 16-17. Also in late November, the Franklin High School FIRST robotics team competed in the "Brunswick Eruption" competition. The team took home the "HoKu" award for the entrepreneurial spirit and sales pitch they delivered to judges during the competition. Congratulations to each of these teams. We expect to hear from these groups at a future board meeting.
Personnel Update
Interviews are underway for the positions of Supervisor of Math and Science 5-8, and Director of Guidance. There are currently two staff members suspended with pay; one since 9/1/12 and one since 11/8/12.
Upcoming Board Meetings
At the board meeting on December 20th, we will have a presentation on a referendum proposal to renovate and expand the facilities of the district. Please join us to hear the details of the proposal which includes the reconfiguration of the district with K-5 elementary schools, two middle schools for grades 6-8 and Franklin High School for grades 9-12. On January 10th, at a Special Board Meeting, we will present the testing report for the 2011-2012 school year.
Calendar Update
This evening the Board of Education will be voting on a change to the school calendar. The first and second marking periods have been adjusted to allow for a more even distribution of school days in each marking period. Therefore FHS mid-term dates have been revised as well as the second marking period minimum session day for reporting achievement for grades K-6. In addition January 2, 2013 has been included as a makeup instructional day. At this point in time only SGS will be reporting to school on that date. However, if the district has an emergency closing between now and the winter break, January 2, 2013 will be the make-up day for those closings.
III.Board President’s Report
I want to thank those of you that have come out tonight.
I also want to recognize the students from Junior Achievement and the many others that take advantage of what we offer here in Franklin. Thanks to the coaches and Principal Bevere for letting me stand on the sidelines at the Homecoming game. It was great to see the young men return home from their college experience and share how prepared they were to face life as a scholar athlete based on the experiences here in Franklin.
Finally, we have on the agenda tonight the MLK scholarship recipients from last year. I ask board members to consider being proactive in how we manage this and other relationships as we seek to be good stewards on the trust given to us by the community.
Now for my favorite part of the report - Way to GO!
Way to Go Franklin Park School!
Franklin Park School has adopted Memorial School in Union Beach, NJ and is currently hosting a “Restore the Shore” coin drive. All funds raised from November 26th through December 20th will be donated to the school.
Five students from Franklin Park School will be recognized tomorrow, Friday, November 30th by the Agricultural Society in Franklin Park for their submissions to their fall poster and essay contest. The students are: Kenadie Battle, Michael Taliercio, Isabella Chee, Malinda Qian and Gwenaelle Du-Thumm.
Way to Go Hillcrest School!
Hillcrest School has collected $216 dollars to put towards gift cards for families in Brick affected by Hurricane Sandy. They also collected 3 boxes of cleaning supplies to help those same families. These donations were collected through our extended school “Caring Drive” and will be delivered to the families of Osbornville Elementary School in Brick, NJ. In addition, our very generous faculty donated the proceeds from the bagel sales and raffles held on November 21st, which totaled over $100! We are beginning to see our school reach out to students in other communities.
Way to Go Elizabeth AvenueSchool!
The S.E.W. Team raised $589 for victims of Hurricane Sandy. The teachers involved were Patricia Martinelli, Elizabeth Thompson and Monica Grosso. Jackie DeFilippis served as the chairperson for the effort. The PBS team at EAS is sponsoring a movie night fundraiser on Friday, December 7th and all EAS students are invited. Proceeds will benefit the Bucketfillers Program, a program to recognize positive behavior. Families at EAS also donated a large amount of food to the Franklin Food Bank.
Way to Go Conerly Road School!
CRS 3rd grade teacher, Sarah Greenfield, received an outreach notice for a community service project to support Hurricane Sandy Relief – the Covenant House Shelter in Newark, NJ. She organized the drive and the CRS family and PTO responded.
Way to Go Sampson G. Smith School!
The SGS food drive collected over 6,000 pounds of food for the Franklin Food Bank. The efforts of the students and staff, lead by Lisa Grippo, was recognized in an article which will be posted on the district website.
Way to Go Franklin High School!
FHS was named the Best Large Delegation at the Rutgers University Model UN Conference during their conference on November 16-17. They just get better and better each year. Congratulations to Lou Guglielmo and the Model UN Team.You are doing great. Franklin has consistently received individual awards over the years and this is only the 2nd time in our 19 years participating that we have prevailed as the top school. In addition to the school recognition, they won the following awards:
(Most Improved Delegation)SpecPol Committee; (Most Improved)SOCHUM; (Most Improved) WorldHealth Organization; (Distinguished Delegation)CCCPJ; Best Delegate) United Nations Population Fund; World Trade Organization; (Best Delegation) UN HABITAT Committee
and (Best Delegate) Chinese Politboro.
On November 17th, the Franklin High School FIRST robotic steam (team #613) competed in the "Brunswick Eruption" hosted by North Brunswick High School. The team did well and took home the "HoKu" award for the entrepreneurial spirit and sales pitch they delivered to judges during the competition. The Hoku Award comes with a trophy and $1000 sponsorship check. Congratulations to the entire team and their advisors Mr.Goett, Ms. Eibling and to Dr. Bitko who volunteered his time to help.
IV.Action to Adopt the Agenda
Moved: Mrs. Presley Seconded: Mr. Burton
Absent Yes _ Yes _ Absent Yes Yes Yes __ Yes _ _ Yes_
Arline Burton LaCorte Lewis Nagy Presley Seamon Smith-Carrington Brown
V.Committee/Liaison Reports
Ms. Connell, Student Liaison, reported on HIV Awareness Month (December), the FHS production of Smokey Joe’s Café on December 14th and 15th and student government activities.
Mrs. Presley, Personnel Committee Chair, reported on the November 6th meeting.
Mr. Burton, Communications Ad Hoc Committee Chair, reported on the November 12th meeting.
Mr. Seamon, Facilities Committee Chair, reported on the November 13th meeting.
VI.Comments From The Public(5 minutes per speaker - any topic)
MOTION
Moved: Mrs. LaCorte Seconded: Mr. Seamon
Motion to limit public comments to 3 minutes per speaker for 30 minutes.
Mrs. LaCorte and Mr. Seamon withdrew the motion.
MOTION
Moved: Mrs. LaCorte Seconded: Mr. Burton
Motion to suspend bylaws and limit public comments to 3 minutes per speaker for 30 minutes.
Absent Yes _ Yes _ Absent No No Yes __ No __ Yes_
Arline Burton LaCorte Lewis Nagy Presley Seamon Smith-Carrington Brown
The meeting was opened for public comment,for 3 minutes per speaker, at 8:30 PM on a motion by Mr. Seamon, seconded by Mr. Burton. All board members were in agreement, with the exception of Mrs. Nagy. Public comments were heard by the Board of Education. The following is a brief synopsis of comments made by the public.
Phil Kramer indicated the town council meetings allow 5 minutes per speaker with only one public comment session and commended the board for holding two sessions. He spoke about the township’s sidewalk plan, which sidewalks will be most helpful to the school district and that the Superintendent is involved in the planning process. Mr. Kramer suggested that after sidewalk plans are established, there should be a joint sub-committee meeting between the Council and Board of Education.
Bill Connell spoke about the upcoming FMS production of Treasure Island.
Alvin Levine gave a Way to Go to FHS violinist, Candice McCoy.
Angela Barkley expressed her concern and was not in favor of reducing public comments to three minutes.
Motion to close the public portion of the meeting at 8:35 PM by Mrs. Presley, seconded by Mrs. LaCorte. All board members were in agreement.
VII.Board Member Remarks
Ms. Smith-Carrington suggested giving thought to limiting public comments.
Mrs. LaCorte spoke about limiting public comments, the food drive and the Food Bank.
Mrs. Nagy gave a report from the NJSBA Delegates Assembly. She spoke about the county leadership meeting, election concerns and the tenured teacher reception. Mrs. Nagy congratulated Ron Richter and the Junior Achievement students, the Model UN team and the SGS food drive participants.
Mrs. Presley thanked all who came out tonight and congratulated Ron Richter and the Junior Achievement students. She spoke about the food drive and her desire to keep public comments to five minutes.
Mr. Burton embraced the idea of 3 minutes per speaker, as it will allow for more speakers during public session. He spoke about his attendance at the Principal Evaluation Workshop and tenured teacher reception. Mr. Burton gave kudos to Mr. Richter and reminded everyone about the football game in Elizabeth tomorrow.
Mr. Seamon thanked Ron Richter for all he does. He spoke about the sidewalks and will place it on the Facilities Committee meeting agenda in January. Mr. Seamon also spoke about the opportunities for our students at FHS.
Mrs. Brown spoke about the homecoming parade and the football game.
VIII.New Business
R-1Reports
M-1Minutes of Board Meetings
Moved:Mr. SeamonSeconded: Mr. Burton
R-1Reports
Acknowledge receipt of the following reports, attached and made a part of the minutes:
- Principals’ ReportsOctober
- Attendance Officer's ReportOctober
- Enrollment Report October
- Fire Drill Report October
- Suspension Report October
- HIB Investigation Report Nov. 6 – Nov. 19, 2012
M-1Minutes of Board Meetings
Approve the minutes of the following meetings of the Franklin Township Board of Education:
a. November 15, 2012RegularExhibit M-1.a
b.November 15, 2012ConfidentialExhibit M-1.b
Yes Yes _ Yes _ Absent Yes Yes Yes __Yes/Abs __ Yes_
Arline Burton LaCorte Lewis Nagy Presley Seamon Smith-Carrington Brown
Ms. Smith-Carrington abstained on M-1.b.
Administration
A-1Educator of the Year Award
A-2Travel & Related Expense Reimbursement
A-3 Affirm Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Decisions
A-4Revised 2012-2013 School Calendar
A-5Revised Policies – 1st Reading
Moved: Mr. BurtonSeconded: Mrs. LaCorte
Yes Yes _ Yes _ Absent Yes Yes Yes __ Yes __ Yes_
Arline Burton LaCorte Lewis Nagy Presley Seamon Smith-Carrington Brown
MOTION
Moved: Mr. SeamonSeconded: Mr. Burton
Motion to amend the movement of Resolutions A-1 through A-5 toResolutions A-1 through A-4 only.
Yes Yes _ Yes _ Absent Yes Yes Yes __ Yes __ Yes_
Arline Burton LaCorte Lewis Nagy Presley Seamon Smith-Carrington Brown
A-1Educator of the Year Award
A-2Travel & Related Expense Reimbursement
A-3 Affirm Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Decisions
A-4Revised 2012-2013 School Calendar
A-1Educator of the Year Award
Whereas, Ronald Richter has conscientiously and enthusiastically served as a teacher with Franklin Township Public Schools for seven years primarily, in the business department of Franklin High School and;
Whereas, Ronald Richter has consistently and tirelessly worked with the parents, staff, the Board of Education, and the Superintendent of Schools to champion, promote and advocate programs, services and opportunities for the benefit of all students; and
Whereas, Ronald Richter has been associated with the Junior Achievement Organization, the world's largest organization dedicated to educating young people about business, economics and free enterprise for the past twelve years and;