-4-
Regular Meeting Minutes, July 24, 2008
WESTWOOD REGIONAL BOARD OF EDUCATION
TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, NEW JERSEY
MINUTES OF PUBLIC HEARING AND REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 24, 2008
Present: President Mosolino, Vice President Liddy, Trustees Firriolo, Hanlon, Mandeville, Mountain, Schaadt, Superintendent Geoffrey W. Zoeller, and Board Secretary Keith A. Rosado.
Absent: Trustees Gregory and Koch, and Student Representatives Asserson and Cush
The hearing was called to order at 7:00 P.M. in the Hurley Theatre, Jr./Sr. High School, by President Mosolino to discuss the proposed Superintendent’s contract.
PUBLIC FORUM: Started: 7:00 P.M.
Ended: 7:04 P.M.
No one chose to speak.
The Board then went back into Executive Session in the District Conference Room.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. in the Hurley Theatre, Jr./Sr. High School by President Mosolino who led the salute to the flag and read the New Jersey Open Public Meeting Law statement.
Mrs. Schaadt, seconded by Mrs. Mountain, that approval be given the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 26, 2008 and the Private Executive Session Minutes of June 26, 2008.
BOARD POLLED AND MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: 7-0
Superintendent’s Report
Mr. Zoeller:
· Mr. Zoeller stated changes made to the Public Forum format allow the public to address both agenda items and public concern items.
· Mr. Zoeller stated the referendum projects are moving forward.
· Mr. Zoeller stated the Building & Grounds department, with the help of students employed as summer help, is working hard to have our schools ready for September.
· Mr. Zoeller stated that our contractors are getting projects done throughout the district.
· Mr. Zoeller encouraged the public to visit the Facilities sub-page on the District website.
President’s Report:
Mrs. Mosolino:
· No report.
Business Administrator’s Report:
Mr. Rosado:
· Mr. Rosado stated five district transportation routes were merged into three routes.
· Mr. Rosado stated the Ketler Project bid is on the agenda. The bid was delayed because of environmental issues and state approvals. The kick-off meeting with the vendor is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29, 2008.
· Mr. Rosado stated Berkeley School site work has begun on the entrance ramps. Additional work will begin after the Westwood summer recreation program is over.
· Mr. Rosado stated Washington School boiler project is moving forward. Ramp work will begin as soon as Berkeley School is completed.
· Mr. Rosado stated the High School Science Wing project is at the demolition stage. Roof work is also ongoing.
· Mr. Rosado stated new cafeteria tables have arrived for the High School. Old tables are being sold to other districts.
Student Representative’s Report:
Ilana Asserson and Jennifer Cush:
· No report.
Old Business:
· None.
PUBLIC FORUM: Started: 7:45 P.M.
Ended: 8:17 P.M.
· Jamie Baker, 686 Lafayette, Westwood, spoke regarding the Superintendent’s contract.
· Louise Miller, 34 Kennedy Terrace, Westwood, spoke regarding the Superintendent’s contract.
· The following people spoke regarding a Jr./Sr. High School coach:
§ George May, 125 Lexington Avenue, Westwood
§ Mike Grieco, 599 Fern Street, Township of Washington
§ Kevin Ribitzki, 36 Lake Street, Westwood
§ Tom Markey, 38 Dean Street, Westwood
§ Charlie Barone, 608 Lincoln Boulevard, Westwood
§ Frank Grieco, 599 Fern Street, Township of Washington
§ Joe Marino, East Glen Avenue, Township of Washington
§ Joe Marino, 152 4th Avenue, Westwood
· Jamie Baker, 686 Lafayette, Westwood, spoke regarding Dr. Fenwick.
· George May, 125 Lexington Avenue, Westwood, spoke regarding the Board of Education decision-making process to hire or renew staff contracts.
· Mr. Zoeller stated all personnel appointments approved by the Board of Education are based upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and that those recommendations are made based upon performance evaluations by administrative staff.
PERSONNEL/NEGOTIATIONS: Mrs. Mosolino, Ch.
Mr. Liddy, seconded by Mrs. Mountain, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given to the Personnel/Negotiations report and the following motions:
· Mr. Liddy read the following statement:
Since January, the Westwood Regional Board of Education and the Westwood Education Association (W.E.A.), which represents certificated and secretarial staff members, have had ten formal contract negotiation sessions.
While a large number of contract language changes were proposed by the Board, the primary issues have revolved around daily work schedule, health benefits, and salary. The Board has provided the W.E.A. with a competitive salary proposal, which would include an increase in instructional time for students.
Negotiation sessions have been amicable, but it was clear at the most recent session that the parties are unable to come to mutually acceptable terms on the contract. The Board of Education and the W.E.A. have therefore agreed to involve an independent mediator as a possible means of bringing the negotiations to a successful conclusion.
The Board of Education desires to offer a competitive compensation package that will allow the district to recruit and retain the best professionals and to provide superior instructional and support services that will prepare the 21st century student. At the same time, the Board recognizes the fiscal responsibility it owes to the public given the current state of the economy and the constraints of limited budgetary resources.
Both negotiation teams have acted in a professional manner throughout the negotiation process, and the Board anticipates that any disagreement between the parties will have no bearing on the educational experiences and services provided to the children of our community. The Board will continue to work to come to an equitable settlement for both parties, which will allow what has been a positive relationship with W.E.A. to continue as we work together on our common goal of providing for Excellent in Education.
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the resignation of Michelle Fenwick, Director of Special Services, effective October 14, 2008, or upon a mutually agreed date with the Board of Education.
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the resignation of Julie Banister, School Psychologist, Special Services, effective June 30, 2008.
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the resignation of Deidre Carroll, World Language Teacher, Brookside School, effective July 14, 2008.
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the resignation of Ashwini Reddy, Special Education Teacher, Jr./Sr. High School, effective September 9, 2008, or upon a mutually agreed date with the Board of Education.
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given substitute teachers, per the list dated July 22, 2008. Source of Funds: Various
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given a revised contract for Dean D’Agostino, Director of Buildings and Grounds, for the 2008-09 school year, per the list dated July 22, 2008. Source of Funds: 11 000 261 100 10 & 11 000 262 100 10
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given a revised contract for Joan Diego, Aide, Extended Year Program, per the list dated July 22, 2008. Source of Funds: 11 216 100 106 40
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given a revised contract for Kristy Tringali, Teacher, Summer Enrichment Program, per the list dated July 22, 2008. Source of Funds: 11 000 219 104 41
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given a revised contract for Beth Liepmann, Aide, Summer Enrichment Program, per the list dated July 22, 2008. Source of Funds: 11 216 100 106 40
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of Evan Gaffney, Teacher of Physics, Jr./Sr. High School, per the list dated July 22, 2008. Source of Funds: 11 140 100 101 02
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of Theresa Mello, Music Teacher, Brookside School, for the 2008-09 school year, per the list dated July 22, 2008. Source of Funds: 11 120 100 101 05 & 11 130 100 101 05
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of James Cooney, Supervisor of Child Study Team Services, for the 2008-09 school year, per the list dated July 22, 2008. Source of Funds: 11 000 219 104 04
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of Maria Hornstein, World Language Teacher, Brookside School, for the 2008-09 school year, per the list dated July 22, 2008. Source of Funds: 11 120 100 101 05
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of Ana Santiago, Leave Replacement Teacher, Spanish, Jr./Sr. High School, for the period of September 1, 2008 through December 17, 2008, per the list dated July 22, 2008. Source of Funds: 11 140 100 101 02
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of Jason Giumara, Grade 5 Leave Replacement Teacher, Brookside School, for the 2008-09 school year, per the list dated July 22, 2008. Source of Funds: 11 120 100 101 05
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of Robert J. Vosatka, Teacher of Physical Science, Jr./Sr. High School, for the 2008-09 school year, per the list dated July 22, 2008. Source of Funds: 11 140 100 101 02
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of Vickie Beck, Head Nurse, for the 2008-09 school year, per the list dated July 22, 2008. Source of Funds: 11 000 213 100 10
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of Ryan Kenny, Technology DepartmentHead, for the 2008-09 school year, per the list dated July 22, 2008. Source of Funds: 11 000 222 100 10
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of Dean D’Agostino for added referendum project supervision for the 2008-09 school year, per the list dated July 22, 2008. Source of Funds: 11 000 261 100 10 & 11 000 262 100 10
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given to employee tuition reimbursements per the negotiated agreement between the Board and the WEA, per the list dated July 22, 2008. Source of Funds: 11 000 291 280 10
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of staff for summer band camp per the list dated July 22, 2008. Source of Funds: 11 401 100 100 13
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given to accept the District Mentoring Plan for 2008-2011.
BOARD POLLED AND MOTIONS CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: 7-0
Mr. Liddy, seconded by Mrs. Schaadt, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given to the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Westwood Regional Board of Education (hereinafter referred to as the “Board”) and Geoffrey W. Zoeller, Jr. entered into an employment contract for the term commencing July 1, 2006 and expiring June 30, 2011 (hereinafter referred to as the “Initial Employment Contract”):
WHEREAS, the Board and the Superintendent desire to rescind the Initial Employment Contract prior to its conclusion, and enter into a new employment contract for a term commending July 1, 2008 and expiring June 30, 2013 (hereinafter referred to as the “Succeeding Employment Contract”):
WHEREAS, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:11-11, 30-day advance notice of said action and 10-day advance notice of a public hearing were provided to the public; and
WHEREAS, the public hearing on the employment of the Superintendent was held on July 24, 2008.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby rescinds the Initial Employment Contract of Geoffrey W. Zoeller, Jr., as of July 24, 2008;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board hereby appoints Geoffrey W. Zoeller, Jr., as the Superintendent of Schools for the Westwood Regional School District for the period beginning on July 1, 2008 and expiring on June 30, 2013; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board approves the Succeeding Employment Agreement with Geoffrey W. Zoeller, Jr., the position of Superintendent of Schools for the foregoing period of appointment, which Succeeding Employment Agreement is attached to this Resolution and made a part hereof.
BOARD POLLED AND MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: 7-0
Mr. Liddy, 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 given the appointment of Gina Vintalore, Head Girls Soccer Coach, for the 2008-09 school year, per the list dated July 24, 2008. Source of Funds: 11 02 100 100 02
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given the appointment of Dana Farinella, Head Girls Basketball Coach, for the 2008-09 school year, per the list dated July 24, 2008. Source of Funds: 11 02 100 100 02
BOARD POLLED AND MOTIONS CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY: 7-0
FINANCE: Mrs. Mandeville, Ch.
Mrs. Mandeville, seconded by Mrs. Mountain, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given to the following motions and resolutions:
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given staff to attend out of district conferences per the attached list dated July 22, 2008.
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given for the Annual Contract for Hospital Instruction between Bergen County Special Services and the Westwood Regional School District for the 2008-2009 year.
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given to the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the District utilizes State Contract vendors for various goods and services, and
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-10 requires the District to approve State Contract vendors by Resolution,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the State Contract vendors on the attached list are hereby approved by the Board in order to make purchases to effectuate the business of the Board.
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given for Special Education Consultants for the 2008-09 school year, per the listed dated July 21, 2008.
· that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approval be given to out of district tuition contracts for the 2007-08 school year, per the attached list dated July 24, 2008.