Regular Meeting
South Orange-Maplewood
Board of Education
September 21, 2009
A Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of South Orange-Maplewood was held in the District Meeting Room at the Administration Building, 525 Academy Street, Maplewood, New Jersey, on September 21, 2009.
Board President Mark Gleason called the meeting to order at 7:56 p.m.
Adequate written notice of this meeting of the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education was sent to the Township and Village Clerks, the Libraries, The Star Ledger, the News Record and all schools.
ROLL CALL: Present: Mr. Bennett, Ms. Crawford, Mrs. Daugherty, Mr. Eastman, Mr. Gleason, Mrs. Karriem, Mr. Laine,
Dr. Payne-Parrish, Mr. Wolin, Mrs. Wren-Hardin
Absent: None.
9 REGULAR MEMBERS AND ONE STUDENT MEMBER PRESENT
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
BOARD RECOGNITION – Read by Ms. Crawford
1.The National College Board has announced that a total of 109 current Columbia High School students and 2009 graduates have received Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar Awards for the number of AP courses completed and the high scores received on the AP Exams taken at the end of the course. The test is scored on a five-point scale with 5 being the highest grade. The College Board AP Program offers students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school and, when the student enters college, receive actual college credit and advanced placement. About 18 percent of the 1.7 million students in almost 16,000 secondary schools worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a high enough level to merit such recognition.
In 2009, Columbia students took 713 AP Exams as compared to 1998 when only 296 AP Exams were taken. This year, a record number of students received special recognition for the amount of AP Exams taken and the high scores received.
State AP Scholar
Jonathan Hall-Eastman, class of 2009, was awarded this honor after scoring a 4 or 5 on 19 AP Exams. Included in the 19 Exams were four in subjects not even offered at Columbia this past year. A State AP Scholar award is granted to the one male and one female student in each U.S. state and the District of Columbia with grades of 3 or higher on the greatest number of AP Exams, and then the highest average grade (at least 3.5) on all AP Exams taken.
National AP Scholar
Ten Columbia students, all 2009 graduates, were awarded this honor after earning an AP Exam grade average of 4 on all AP Exams taken and grades of 4 or 5 on eight or more of these exams. Included are:
Josue Figueroa Joshua Goldsmith Matthew Gruber
Jonathan Hall-Eastman Gregory Hyman Christopher Marino
Dillon Plunkett Michael Sender Georgia Squyres
Olivia Uhlman
AP Scholar with Distinction
Thirty-five students qualified for this award by earning an AP Exam grade average of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on five or more Exams. Included are:
William Barkalow Max Bartick* Lacey Cobbs*
Cory Epstein* Josue Figueroa* Ariel Furman*
Leah Garber Joshua Goldsmith* Claire Greenbaum* Matthew Gruber* Jonathan Hall-Eastman* Gregory Hyman*
Rachel Ithen* Evelyn Jacoby* Julia Jeffries*
Claire Kearnes-McCoy Scott Kelly* John Majewski*
Christopher Marino* Russell Milne Carolyn Morton*
Lilly Oberman* Dillon Plunkett* Bree Porcelli*
Benjamin Richardson* Sarah Riecke* Michael Sender*
Georgia Squyres* Elyse Surette-DiMuzio* Olivia Uhlman*
Rebecca Wenokor Aaron Weiner* Michael Williams*
Dylan Wine* Scott Zimmer
AP Scholar with Honor
Nineteen students qualified for this award by earning an AP Exam grade average of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on four or more Exams. Included are:
Thomas Bixler* Alexander Coleman* Emma Farrow
Benjamin Gold* Jonathan Kaplowitz Megan Kashtan
Devin Kesner Hilary Knecht* Evan Lehrer*
Adija Manley* Theo Mayer* Falcon Reese
Mary Richardson* Samuel Schnorr* Peter Szafranski*
Jordan Taylor* Olivia Tempest* Tony Zhang
Janna Zimmermann*
AP Scholar
Fifty-five students qualified for this award by completing three or more AP Exams with grades of 3 or higher. Included are:
Laura Acevedo Kori Belt* Hallie Borstel*
Madeleine Brancaccio Michael Brenner* Emily Burniston*
Ryan Chang Matthew DaSilva Emma Daugherty*
Laura David* Jacqueline DeLuca* Emma DiQuinzio*
Zane Dordai* Peter Felsman* Mallory Filko*
Dylan French Emma Gilheany Jeremy Golden*
Kathryn Good* Benjamin Gordon* Robert Gottlieb
Jackson Huemer* James Hurley Grace Lambert
Geoffrey Marino Christopher Mark Ellen McGrath
Owen Mee Alexander Mell-Taylor Carlyn Messinger
Alexander Miller* Jennifer Mirman* Kaitlin Morey
Juan Munoz Brittany Murphy* Cory Myers
Toril Orlesky* Tracey Otto* Anna Paikert*
Richie Panuyas* Jennifer Podel Alicia Razi*
Erin Reynolds Olivia Rubino-Finn Jeremy Rubinstein
Christopher Smith Daniel Solecki Samuel Spangler*
Ileana Tauscher* Jasmine Teng* Emily Tutino*
Madeline Williams Samuel Williams* Melanie Yaris*
Andrew Yearick* *Denotes June 2009 graduates
2. The Columbia High School Guidance Department, in coordination with YOUTHNET, organized its first summer mentoring/internship program for CHS students. Nine students, recommended by their guidance counselors, were placed with leaders and owners of organizations and businesses in South Orange, Maplewood and Millburn, who took on mentoring roles. Some of the students were even offered employment opportunities at the end of the program. The CHS students include Ogonna Anonyuo, Eric Beckerich, Brianna Bradley, John Daugherty, Marcus Miller, Jennifer Okorie, Kristina Paolini, Nathan Tessler and Quincy Walker.
3. The Columbia High School Football Team defeated Kearney 41–0 in its first game of the season on Friday, September 11, and in its second game, on Thursday, September 17, defeated Livingston 21-7 extending its two-season winning streak to three. The team’s win in the final game last season ended a 45-game losing streak.
Coach Dave Curtin received the MSG NY Jets NFL High School Coach of the Week award, which includes a $1,000 award to the CHS Cougar Booster Club in Coach Curtin’s name and a phone interview on an MSG sports broadcast.
BOARD ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – Read by Mr. Bennett
The Board of Education acknowledges and extends its thanks and appreciation to:
· The Crane Family of Maplewood, NJ for their generous donation to Maplewood Middle School of a Kettler-Stockholm Model-Indoor Table Tennis Table to be used by the Physical Education Department for their indoor programs for all grades. The table is valued at approximately $600.
· Michelle Campbell of Chester, NJ for her generous donation of two student model B-flat clarinets – a Normandy serial #45378 and a Blessing serial #A19199. The instruments will be assigned to Seth Boyden School as per the donor’s instructions. The clarinets are valued at approximately $150 each.
ITEMS FOR ACTION MOVED FORWARD
MOTION made by Ms. Crawford, seconded by Mr. Bennett, that the Board of Education approves the following:
2539A. MEMORIAL – Read by Mr. Gleason
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approve the following Memorials:
Mary Rivero Conlon, former Spanish Teacher at Columbia High School,
passed away on August 23, 2009.
The Superintendent of Schools is asked to convey our condolences and remembrance to the family and friends of Mary Rivero Conlon.
Lynn Profeta, former teacher and guidance counselor in the district from 1950 through 1980, passed away on September 20, 2009 at the age of 100.
The Superintendent of Schools is asked to convey our condolences and remembrance to the family and friends of Lynn Profeta.
2539B. RETIREMENT – Read by Mr. Gleason
NAME / ASSIGNMENT / EFFECTIVE DATELiguori,
Barbara / T Special Education
CHS – 1.0 FTE / 11/1/09
ROLL CALL: Motion 2539A-B passed; 9 yes, 0 no.
SUPERINTENDENT’S MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT ON DISTRICT GOALS
Mr. Osborne thanked the school community who contributed to the great school opening this year. He reported that the district is almost fully staffed.
Superintendent Osborne provided an update on the progress toward district goals:
§ The district is almost fully staffed; new hiring procedures included sample lessons.
§ Curriculum and instruction draft copies of the K-5 curriculum are online and will be completed by early November. All teachers have copies.
§ There are classroom libraries in grades 3, 4, and 5.
§ Read 180 is being utilized in every secondary school.
§ The distribution dates for elementary progress reports are being changed from the calendar-published dates. First report will be distributed on January 22, the second on March 26; there is no change of date for the third report. Changes are necessary to allow time to implement hand held assessment system.
§ Smart Boards were installed in every fifth grade classroom, working towards long range technology plan.
§ Full day kindergarten is now available for every student.
§ The student information system has been converted to Power School
§ Capital projects are on track, including lighting, bleachers at South Orange Middle School, wiring for wireless, bathrooms, etc.
§ Training was provided for lunch monitors.
§ Another class for disabled students has been opened at Maplewood Middle School.
§ Progress is being made regarding the Task Force on Equity and Excellence. Task Force has met and final group and subcommittees is being finalized.
§ Regarding H1N1 flu, the district is working with municipal officials, asking people to take precautions. We are not experiencing any increase of flu in schools at this time. Children will not be vaccinated during school hours. Space may be provided in October, but staff will be provided by municipalities.
HEARING ON CONTRACT RENEWALS FOR THE ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR ADMINISTRATION, THE ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION AND THE BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR
Mr. Gleason provided background on the renewal of these contracts and asked for comments from the public [statement on file in Board Secretary’s office].
John Davenport, a Maplewood resident, expressed his appreciation for the work done by Mr. Memoli, Ms. Wilson and Ms. Milanette.
HEARING OF INDIVIDUALS AND DELEGATIONS
None.
DISCUSSION
NJASK 3-8 Cycle II Report
Superintendent Osborne introduced the discussion and Mr. Paul Roth, Chief Information Officer. Mr. Roth presented the 2008-09 NJASK results for Language Arts and Math showing comparisons to the District Factor Group, time in district study and longitudinal data [on file in Board Secretary’s office].
The presentation was followed by a brief discussion among Board members.
First Reading: Policy 1220 – Employment of Chief School Administrator
First Reading: Policy 3159 – Teaching Staff Members/School District Reporting Responsibilities
First Reading: REPEAL Policy 9110 – Quality Assurance Annual Report
ITEMS FOR ACTION
MOTION made by Ms. Crawford, seconded by Mr. Bennett, that the Board of Education approves the following:
2539C. RESIGNATIONS
Name / ASSIGNMENT / EFFECTIVE DATEBorek,
Lorraine / School Nurse
TUS – 1.0 FTE / 11/15/09
Cantagallo,
Eric / T Physical Education
SB – 1.0 FTE / 11/10/09
Konopinski,
Emily / Paraprofessional
DIST – 1.0 FTE / 8/28/09
Rosser,
Rosalyn / 2nd Grade
MAR – 1.0 FTE / 8/31/09
Wilsher,
Dorothy / Secretary, S4/12 months
DIST – 1.0 FTE / 11/1/09
2539D. RESCIND APPOINTMENT FOR THE 2009-2010 SCHOOL YEAR
Name / ASSIGNMENT / EFFECTIVE DATE / ANNUALSALARY
Serpico,
Maria / T Special Education
CHS – 1.0 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $84,169*
2539E. APPOINTMENTS
Name / ASSIGNMENT / EFFECTIVE DATE / ANNUALSALARY
Alexander,
Marvin / PEP Grant Coordinator
DIST – 1.0 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $50,000
Biasucci,
Amy / T Biology
CHS - .25 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $17,419*
Bolognese,
Victoria / T Art
SMA/TUS - .5 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $23,877*
Boodhoo,
Cassandra / T Special Education
JEFF – 1.0 FTE / 9/14/09
6/30/10 / $42,460*
Costello,
Katherine / Math Specialist
DIST – 1.0 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $86,585*
DeSantis,
Gina / Paraprofessional
JEFF – 1.0 FTE / 9/22/09
6/30/10 / $31,184*
Ducharme,
Michelle / T Special Education
SM – 1.0 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $42,260*
Ellis,
Wahkeelah / S3, Secretary/10 months
CHS – 1.0 FTE / 9/22/09
6/30/10 / $41,359*
Espinosa,
Tara / Paraprofessional 1:1
CHS – 1.0 FTE / 9/15/09
6/30/10 / $31,184*
Fleury-King,
Nicole / 2nd Grade
MAR – 1.0 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $42,660*
Grohman,
Donna / Reading Specialist
DIST – 1.0 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $86,585*
Mattson,
Kathryn / T Social Studies
MM – 1.0 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $42,260*
McArthur,
Paul / Paraprofessional
JEFF – 1.0 FTE / 9/29/09
6/30/10 / $31,515*
McCrea,
Kathleen / T Social Studies
CHS - .2 FTE / 9/17/09
6/30/10 / $9,551*
Mohamed,
Victoria / Paraprofessional
SOM – 1.0 FTE / 9/16/09
6/30/10 / $31,184*
Murphy,
Sharon / T Special Education
CHS – 1.0 FTE / 9/9/09
6/30/10 / $69,677*
Parin,
Stephanie / 1st Grade
MAR – 1.0 FTE / 9/2/09
6/30/10 / $42,260*
Pyne,
Lisa / Secretary, S4/11 months
JEFF – 1.0 FTE / 9/9/09
6/30/10 / $46,134*
Tober,
Susan / T Special Education
SM – 1.0 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $65,511*
Wately,
Janiki / Reading Specialist
DIST – 1.0 FTE / 11/22/09
6/30/10 / $54,369*
Zhang,
David / T Special Education
CHS – 1.0 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $65,511*
2539F. APPOINTMENT OF LEAVE REPLACEMENT TEACHER
Name / ASSIGNMENT / EFFECTIVE DATE / ANNUALSALARY
Plummer-Otis,
Joi / T 1
TUS – 1.0 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $42,460*
Salierno,
Eva / T Health/Physical Education
MM – 1.0 FTE / 9/4/09
12/31/09 / $42,260*
2539G. TRANSFER/REASSIGNMENTS
NAME / OLD ASSIGNMENT / NEW ASSIGNMENT / EFFECTIVEDATE
Griffin,
Nicole / T Special Education
SM – 1.0 FTE / T Special Education
SB – 1.0 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10
Holland,
Jennifer / T Special Education
SB – 1.0 FTE / T Special Education
SM – 1.0 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10
2539H. LEAVES OF ABSENCE
NAME / ASSIGNMENT / EFFECTIVE DATEBeane,
Kimberly / Supervisor of Math/Science, K-5
DIST – 1.0 FTE / 8/24/09-10/30/09
(Unpaid FMLA)
Bolstad,
Erin / T Special Education
MAR
1.0 FTE / 9/1/09-9/24/09
(Paid Maternity Leave)
9/25/09-11/5/09
(Unpaid FMLA)
Cuvin,
Tracy / T 1
TUS
1.0 FTE / 9/1/09-10/9/09
(Paid Maternity Leave)
10/12/09-1/8/10
(Unpaid FMLA)
1/11/10-6/30/10
(Unpaid Childcare Leave)
Holmes,
Lucrezia / T Health/Phys. Ed.
MM
1.0 FTE / 9/1/09-9/29/09
(Paid Maternity Leave)
9/30/09-12/22/09
(Unpaid FMLA)
Nowak,
Dawn / School Psychologist
DIST
1.0 FTE / 9/1/09-9/22/09
(Paid Maternity Leave)
9/23/09-12/15/09
(Unpaid FMLA)
2539I. SALARY ADJUSTMENTS
NAME / ASSIGNMENT / EFFECTIVE DATE / ADJUSTMENT / ACTUAL SALARY