Regular Meeting
South Orange-Maplewood
Board of Education
June 15, 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 June 15, 2009.
Board President Mark Gleason called the meeting to order at 8:00 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, Mr. Huemer, Ms. Karriem, Dr. Payne-Parrish, Mrs. Wren-Hardin
Absent: Mr. Laine
8 REGULAR MEMBERS AND ONE STUDENT MEMBER PRESENT
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
OATH OF OFFICE
Ms. Milanette administered the oath of office to Jennifer Payne-Parrish. [The signed Oath of Office is on file in the Board Secretary’s Office.]
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Gleason declared the minutes of the Executive and Public Sessions of May 18, 2009 approved as presented.
BOARD ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – Read by Ms. Crawford
The Board of Education acknowledges and extends its thanks and appreciation to Daniel Green, Special Agent of the U.S. Secret Service/Newark Division, for his donation to South Orange Middle School of a small paper cutter and a desktop copier/scanner. The items are valued at approximately $300.
BOARD RECOGNITION – Read by Mr. Huemer
1. The NAMM Foundation announced that The South Orange Maplewood School District was selected as one of 124 school districts across the nation to be named “Best Communities for Music Education.” The Foundation acknowledges schools and districts across the U.S. for their unwavering commitment and support in providing music education in schools. Mr. Nicholas Santoro is supervisor of fine arts, K-12, and his music staff includes Mr. Peter Bauer, Mr. Matthew Russell, Mr. Todd VanBeveren, Ms. Regina Bradshaw, Mr. Tom Booth, Mr. Don Tighe, Mr. Christopher Balas, Mr. Bill Cook, Ms. Rita Marcus, Ms. Barbara Santoro, Ms. Rebecca Martin, Ms. Barbara Eames, Ms. Boris Galperin, Ms. Risa Yesowitz, Mr. Ebony Wiggins, Ms. Claire Van Tine, Ms. Susan Weitzer and Ms. Jennifer Iordache.
2. The English/Language Arts Departments announced the winners of the
annual Joseph “REX” Potts Award for Excellence in English. The late
Joe Potts was an admired Columbia High School English teacher. The
awards were won by the following secondary school students:
· Academic Excellence - Christopher Marino – CHS; Rachel Martel – MMS; Bryan Fiskin – SOMS
· Most Improved Student –Junia Estenor and Marquis Stephens – CHS; Helena Jones – MMS; Briana Walters – SOMS
· Outstanding Work in Drama - Elaine Musiwa and Caitlin Arthur – CHS; Stevenson Heriveaux and Kevin Harden – CHS (David Milton Hall Award);Josh Brandis – MMS; Austin Bommer and Ben Szydlowski – SOMS
· Outstanding Work in Writing - Jordan Taylor – CHS; Khalym Burke-Thomas and Sarah Riecke – CHS (Poetry Award); Tess Cohen – MMS; Kiyomi Taylor – SOMS
· Outstanding Work in Journalism - Max Bartick and Matthew Gruber – CHS (Print Journalism); Michelle Tugentman and Cory Epstein – CHS (Broadcast Journalism)
3. The New Jersey Association for College Admission Counseling
announced that Columbia High School senior Emily Burniston was one
of six high school NJACAC Scholarship winners for 2009 selected from
a field of 132 applicants. She will receive $1,000.00.The
Association’s mission is to transition New Jersey students from high
school to college.
Columbia High School juniors Shanika Osborne, Katie Morey, Christine
Oania and Briana McCalmon-Bailey were selected as grand prize
winners in the geography category in the national History Uncovered:
ABC-CLIO’s Annual History Research Competition for High School. The
students, all in Mr. JD Robinson’s AP US History class, each received a
prize of $200, and the school received an interactive whiteboard and
a one-year, free subscriptions to all ABC-CLIO history databases.
A number of teams from Mr. Robinson’s class entered the competition
and a second Columbia High School team won honorable mention in the
U.S. History category. The students on that team include Robbie
Gottlieb, Ginevra Czech, Dylan French, Scott Zimmer, Michela Galante
and Nick Porter. Mr. Robinson offered this competition to his
classes as an optional, extra credit project .The students worked
outside of class and spent many hours working both individually and
as a team to put the whole project together.
4. Columbia High School students in Dr. Janet Bustrin’s Drama as
Literature and Performance class won several awards at The
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's Shakesperience: NJ. The
competition is produced in partnership with The Folger Shakespeare
Library, Rider University and The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.
The following CHS students took several awards for their
performances/characterizations in excerpts from A Midsummer Night’s
Dream.
· Other Worldly Ensemble award - Kim Prioleau, Rachel Gonzales, Esther Ndukwe, Lauren Wasserman and Chi Chi Ozuzu
· The Mad Spirit Award - Stacey Green won for her portrayal of Puck
· The Smooth Operator award - Jawanza Thurmond won for his role as Lysander
· The Good Listener Award - Najee Chandler for the role of Flute
· The Wolverine Award - Brandon DeWitt won for playing the role of the Wall.
5. Columbia High School seniors Berganie Celony and Cory Epstein were
honored as June 2009 South Orange Villagers of the Month. Selected
by the South Orange Community Relations Committee, the two students
were presented to the Board of Trustees and residents of South
Orange at a town meeting where they were praised for their
volunteerism, dedication, stellar academic achievements at Columbia
and the way they “…have already distinguished themselves - both in
school and in the wider community.”
6. Ellie Cohen, Jefferson 4th grader in Ms. Deborah Bialer’s class, was
a winner in the “My Essex County” poster contest. Sponsored locally
by the County Clerk of Essex County, the contest, only open to
fourth graders, is designed to promote awareness of the work
accomplished throughout New Jersey’s 21 counties. Ellie’s poster
will appear in the 2010 Essex County calendar. She received her
award at a ceremony held at the Hall of Records in Newark.
7. Columbia High School sophomore Brian Kaneshige competed in a Senior
World Cup Fencing tournament in Montreal taking 28th place. He was up
against fencers who competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, including
the Silver Medalist and is now ranked internationally at the senior
level. He also has international ranking at the Junior level as
well. He will be attending theSummer National Championshipsnext
month with rankings of 2nd in Cadet, 8th in Junior,and 9th in
Senior in the USA.
BOARD RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
Mr. Gleason read the names of all district retirees. Each attending retiree was recognized and thanked by an administrator for their years of service [list of retirees on file in Board Secretary’s office].
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Superintendent Osborne provided brief updates on two items:
The Middle School schedule will be revised for the new school year to allow classes to meet every day during the 2009-10 school year. The new schedule has many advantages for student learning.
There are many students absent with the flu, however, there are no confirmed cases of H1N1. The district is in constant contact with the Health Department and is following CDC guidelines. Any student with flu-like symptoms is excluded from school for seven days, including end of school year activities and graduation ceremonies. There are no plans at this time for any school closures.
HEARING OF INDIVIDUALS AND DELEGATIONS
Name Topic
John DaVita Concerned about the delay in establishing a
CHS Teacher task force to address student assignment.
Superintendent Osborne reported that the district has been laying the groundwork foundation necessary for structural change by:
§ Overhauling staff evaluation system
§ Rewriting English Language Arts curriculum
§ Expanding opportunities for students in time – full day Kindergarten, after school programs, step-up classes, inclusion
§ Invested in academic intervention – Read 180
§ Creating and implementing common and formative assessments K-10
§ Changing middle school schedule to improve student learning
Suspension rates are down, failure rates are down, AP enrollment is up.
Audrey Rowe In response to the above comments, she
District Parent suggested communication of information as we go
along in order to work collaboratively. Goal
is equity and excellence for all students.
Sheila Belt Student assignment task force needs to include District Parent community members in developing the solution to
the issues.
Lori Mirabal Spoke in support of South Orange-Maplewood
District Parent United for Academic Excellence’s efforts. Offered to serve on the task force.
Jason Turi Represents food service and custodial workers Local 32BJ SEIU in the district. With 100,000 members it is
Organizer the largest local union in the U.S. serving
property service workers. Accused Food Service
Director of refusing to cooperate with the
union and forcing workers not to join the
union. Presented a petition on behalf of
the workers.
Marlon Brownlee Detailed “Five Steps for Superior Schools”
Chairperson of and encouraged members to read the entire Schools Committee document at www.twotowns.org. Called for
Of the Community the establishment of a plan with measureable
Coalition on Race criteria to ensure the principles are followed.
Ms. Karriem expressed her appreciation for the ground work being done. She believes the task force can work simultaneously and asked when it will begin.
Mr. Osborne said that the members will be named and the charge will be revised before the end of the school year.
DISCUSSION
Reflections from the Student Representative to the Board
Jackson Huemer spoke about his experience as the first student representative of the Board of Education and introduced his replacement, Seth Wolin, who was recently elected to the position.
English Language Arts Update – Ms. Wilson
Mr. Osborne introduced Rosetta Wilson, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, who provided an update of the efforts underway to address the issues raised in the English Language Arts audit.
First, Ms. Wilson presented updates on other areas:
§ The Math audit will mirror the ELA audit and begin in the fall.
§ District-wide professional development initiative for the 2009-10 school year will be the implementation of formalized Professional Learning Communities with the assistance of PD360, an online tool.
§ Technology training for secretaries and teaching staff will be offered during the summer.
§ The district elementary summer school program has been expanded to include Tuscan and Jefferson schools in addition to Seth Boyden and Clinton. Middle and high school programs are also being offered.
The focus of the English Language Arts program has been in the following three areas: curriculum development, professional development and assessment:
§ Work on the written document will continue through the summer
§ Summer reading list has been developed
§ Plans for Read180 are on schedule
§ Full-day staff development sessions are being held
§ The Schillinger consulting group will continue to work with
teachers in grades 6-8 during the summer.
Binders are available in Ms. Wilson’s office for review.
The presentation was followed by discussion among the board members.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee chairs presented brief updates on each committee. Goals are being met and much work is in progress.
Mr. Gleason announced that self-evaluation materials will be distributed. The Board has done well in accomplishing goals, added new committees, and task force on secondary schools.
2009-10 District Goals
Mr. Gleason introduced the discussion. The expectation is that after goals are set, the superintendent will provide a monthly update report at the beginning of each meeting on all goals.
A discussion among board members ensued.
Second Reading: Policy 0142.1 - Nepotism
Board recessed at 9:41 p.m.
Board reconvened at 9:55 p.m.
ITEMS FOR ACTION
MOTION made by Mr. Bennett, seconded by Mrs. Wren-Hardin, that the Board of Education:
2510A. RETIREMENTS – Read by Mr. Bennett
Name / ASSIGNMENT / EFFECTIVE DATEDiElmo,
Alice / S4, Secretary/11 mos.
JEFF – 1.0 FTE / 7/1/09
Prince,
Sandra / T Kindergarten
MAR – 1.0 FTE / 7/1/09
2510B. RESIGNATIONS
Name / ASSIGNMENT / EFFECTIVE DATEBrunie,
Graziella / 3rd Grade
JEFF – 1.0 FTE / 7/1/09
Cooperberg,
Noel / T Math
CHS – 1.0 FTE / 7/1/09
DiQuinzio,
Mary / Paraprofessional
MAR – 1.0 FTE / 7/1/09
Philip,
Patricia / T Special Education
CHS – 1.0 FTE / 7/1/09
Sanchez,
Karen / T Spanish
CHS – 1.0 FTE / 7/1/09
Wells,
Natalie / Paraprofessional
TUS – 1.0 FTE / 7/1/09
2510C. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE 2009-2010 SCHOOL YEAR
Name / ASSIGNMENT / EFFECTIVE DATE / ANNUALSALARY
Evans,
Catherine / School Librarian
MAR – 1.0 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $80,995*
Hollis,
Nathan / LDTC
DIST – 1.0 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $78,735*
Lazzari,
Bridget / 3rd Grade
JEFF – 1.0 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $42,460*
Lewis,
Faye / Assistant Principal
CHS – 1.0 FTE / 7/1/09
6/30/10 / $116,781
Moretti,
Lisa / T Health/Physical Education
SOM/MM / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $47,754*
Panzone,
Jeanine / Clerk
DIST – 1.0 FTE / 7/1/09
6/30/10 / $7.25/hour
2510D. REVISED REAPPOINTMENTS FOR THE 2009-2010 SCHOOL YEAR
Name / ASSIGNMENT / EFFECTIVE DATE / ANNUALSALARY
Barriero,
Maria / T Physical Education
JEFF – 1.0 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $42,860*
Diegnan,
Jennifer / School Librarian
JEFF – 1.0 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $86,585*
Fong,
Jessica / T Art
MAR – .9 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $43,385*
Malespina,
Elissa / School Librarian
CHS – 1.0 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $61,281*
Quick,
Teresa / School Librarian
CHS – 1.0 FTE / 9/1/09
6/30/10 / $50,914*
2510E. LEAVES OF ABSENCE
NAME / ASSIGNMENT / EFFECTIVE DATEChambliss,
Shadiyqah / Secretary, S3/10 months
MM
1.0 FTE / 5/2/09-6/17/09
7 ½ Unpaid Days
(Intermittent FMLA)
Ciesla,
Kathleen / 3rd Grade
JEFF – 1.0 FTE / 6/11/09-6/23/09
(Paid Medical Leave)
Evans,
Marion / Instructional Aide
MONT – 1.0 FTE / 5/18/09-5/27/09
(Unpaid Medical Leave)
Siehl,
Cindy / Paraprofessional
SB – 1.0 FTE / 5/26/09-6/23/09
(Paid Medical Leave)
Smith,
Mary / Secretary, S3/12 months
CHS – 1.0 FTE / 6/2/09-6/30/09
(Paid Medical Leave)
2510F. SALARY ADJUSTMENTS
NAME / ASSIGNMENT / EFFECTIVE DATE / ADJUSTMENT / ACTUAL SALARYCohen,
Judith / SAC
CHS - .2 FTE / 5/21-6/23/09
(17 days) / $86.59
(per day) / $1,472.03
Robertson,
Erica / School Bus Aide
DIST - .5 FTE / 5/1-29/09
(42 hours) / $4.31
(per hour) / $181.02
Van Kline,
Mark / School Bus Aide
DIST - .5 FTE / 5/1-29/09
(34 hours) / $4.56
(per hour) / $155.04
2510G. APPOINTMENT OF 20-DAY AND YEARLONG MENTORS