CLEARVIEW REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

Mullica Hill, New Jersey

 

Board of Education Worksession/Regular Meeting

November 20, 2007

 

 

Call to Order:

 

The worksession/regular meeting of the Clearview Regional Board of Education was held on the above date in the Administration Building Public Meeting Room.  Dr. Gabriel DeTolla, President, called the meeting to order at 7:58 p.m.

 

Statement of Public Meeting in Accordance with the New Jersey Public Meetings Act:

 

It was announced that in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act (Chapter 231, P.L. 1975), advance notice of this meeting has been provided by publishing written notice in the media and posting notice at the District Administration Building.

 

Members Present:

 

Mrs. Atkins, Mr. Betlejewski, Mr. Miller, Mr. Smith, Mr. Trifiletti, Mr. Wolk, Dr. DeTolla, President, Mr. Horchak, Superintendent, Mrs. Cummins, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction and Mrs. Pennell, Business Administrator/Board Secretary

 

Members Absent:

 

Mr. Anderson, Mr. Riggs

 

Flag Salute:

 

The Flag Salutes was said by all present.

 

Discussion:

 

Sergeant Selb and School Resource Officer, Andrew Thomas were in attendance to discuss tobacco, drug and alcohol use in the district.  Board members and audience asked questions.

 

Minutes:

 

Mr. Wolk moved, seconded by Mr. Trifiletti, that the Board of Education approve the following minutes:

 

·         October 30, 2007 Worksession/Regular Meeting and Executive Session

·         October 30, 2007 - Student Discipline Hearings in Executive Session

 

The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-2 (Mr. Betlejewski and Mr. Miller abstained).

 

Correspondence:

·         Mr. Horchak discussed the Prize-Winners in this year's Italian Heritage Student Art Show

 

Public Session:

 

Ms. Amy Lessman, Mantua resident, stated that she is concerned that there is still not a contract with the teachers and it is starting to affect the students.  She also stated that after reviewing the minutes from last year, she did not see where the Board requested several options for the school musical and does not understand what the problem is.

 

Mr. Horchak responded that the minutes represent actions taken not the many conversations that occur during meetings. 

 

Dr. DeTolla stated that there is an implied controversy that does not exist at this time.

Mr. Betlejewski said that the reason it was discussed last year to have several choices is so that time is not lost if the first choice is not approved.

 

Mr. Hill responded that he was in attendance at all meetings and never heard that he needed to bring more than one choice for approval.  He also stated that making one choice is extremely time consuming.

 

Ms. Laura Salciunas, a student, addressed the Board that the play is very important to Clearview and the students.  Contract issues are affecting seniors who need extracurricular activities on their college applications.

Ms. Lisa Iocona, a Mantua resident, stated that the district should enlist parents to volunteer for activities if teachers will not and asked if it was true that the choir concert will be during the day.

 

Mr. Hill appealed to the Board to direct the administration to tell the teachers to work the concert at night and receive comp time.

Ms. Jackie Gould, HS Media Specialist, addressed the Board regarding positive feedback on a 9th grade special education science project.  Ms. Gould will attend a board meeting in the future to present details of this project.  She received the first "Miss Rumphius Award" from the New Jersey Center for the Book which is affiliated with the Library of Congress.  The project can be viewed on the High School Library webpage for the district.

 

Executive Session

 

Mr. Trifiletti moved, seconded by Mr. Smith, that the Board of Education adjourn into executive session.

 

Dr. DeTolla read the following resolution:

 

It is hereby resolved that the Board of Education will now go into executive session to discuss student privacy matters (Student #990186).  Any discussion held by the Board, which need not remain confidential, will be made public as soon as practicable.  Minutes of the executive session will not be disclosed until the need for confidentiality no longer exists.  The Board will reconvene into public session at the conclusion of the closed session.

 

The motion was unanimously approved.

 

The meeting adjourned into executive session at 8:50 p.m.

 

Public Session

 

The meeting reconvened into public session at 9:10 p.m.

 

Committee Reports

 

Finance

Mr. Wolk moved, seconded by Mr. Miller, that the Board of Education approve the following Finance items:

 

Bill List:

 

The bill list for payment as presented and to ratify payment of bills through November 30th.  A complete November 30th bill list will be presented for review at the December board meeting (Attachment A).

Line Item Transfers:

 

The following line item transfers.  Transfers are done with the intent to charge expenditures to the most appropriate line item:

 

From

To

Amount

11-190-100-610-HS-FCS

11-190-100-420-BO-BUS

$798.40

11-190-100-610-HS-TEC

11-190-100-610-HS-BED

221.63

11-212-100-610-MS-CST

11-212-100-890-MS-CST

320.00

11-190-100-640-HS-MAT

11-190-100-610-HS-MAT

20,000.00

11-190-100-640-MS-MAT

11-190-100-610-MS-MAT

5,000.00

11-000-261-420-BG-000

11-000-262-500-BG-000

186.00

11-209-100-640-HS-CST

11-204-100-610-MS-CST

900.00

11-000-230-530A-BO-BUS

13-602-200-530A-BO-BUS

4,300.00

See attached additional transfers (Attachment B).

 

Resolution -Travel & Work Related Expenses - Employee:

 

The Resolution for Travel & Work Related Expenses:  Employee (Attachment C).

2007/2008 IDEIA Funds:

 

Accepting the 2007/2008 IDEIA funds in the amount of $445,240.

Withdrawal from Capital Reserve Fund:

 

Withdrawing $13,500 from the capital reserve fund for land clearing of the fields behind the Middle School.

Canceling Outstanding Checks:

 

Canceling all outstanding checks that are more than 1 year old for the following accounts:

 

Warrant Account:

Check #

Check Date

Amount

15393

7/26/04

$1,400.00

18057

6/30/05

40.00

19261

2/26/06

267.23

19700

4/26/06

30.00

19921

5/19/06

75.00

20267

6/23/06

397.00

21102

11/21/06

126.82

21292

12/22/06

27.35

21433

12/22/06

125.00

 

Payroll Account:

Check #

Check Date

Amount

141375

5/16/06

$13.49

143380

8/15/06

380.32

144866

10/30/06

100.22

 

Board Secretary's Report:

 

The Board Secretary's Report for October 2007 (Attachment D).

Revenue Amounts/Sources:

 

RESOLVED that the Clearview Regional Board of Education recognizes the Board Secretary's certification, in accordance with N.JA.C. 6A:23-2.11c2, that there are changes in anticipated revenue amounts and revenue sources as listed in A4 above.

Certifications:

a)       Secretary's Report
The Board Secretary's Monthly Certification in accordance with 18A:17-36 and 18A:17-9 for the month of October 2007.  The Board Secretary certifies that no line item account has been over-expended in violation of N.J.A.C 6A:23-2.11c3 and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district's financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year.

b)       Board of Education's Certification
The Clearview Regional Board of Education hereby certifies, pursuant to N.JA.C. 6A:23-2.11c4, that after review of the secretary's monthly financial report (appropriations section) and upon consultation with the appropriate district officials, that to the best of our knowledge no major accounts or fund has been over expended in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11b and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district's financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year.

 

Account Reports:

 

The following account reports:

 

·         Student Activities Account - September 2007

·         Athletic Account - September 2007

Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI):

 

Applying to participate in the Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI) program which would allow for the district to recover a portion of costs for certain Medicaid covered services provided to Medicaid-eligible students.

Contract with the Omni Group:

 

Entering into a contract with the Omni Group for third party administration of the district's 403(b) program.

 

The motion was unanimously approved.

 

Buildings & Grounds

Mr. Wolk moved, seconded by Mr. Miller, that the Board of Education approve the following Buildings & Grounds items:

 

District Trash Removal Services:

 

Bid specifications and to advertise and receive bids for district trash removal services.

Resolution:

 

The Resolution for Rebate Funds for Alternative Energy Resources (Attachment E).

 

The motion was unanimously approved.

 

Transportation

Jointure with Gateway:

 

Mr. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Betlejewski, that the Board of Education approve the following jointures with Gateway Regional School District for the 2007/2008 school year:

 

GW-29

$18,345.60

GW-33

13,319.20

GW-35

35,802.00

GW-45

21,612.50

 

The motion was unanimously approved.

 

Student Activities

 

Mr. Trifiletti moved, seconded by Mr. Miller, that the Board of Education approve the following Student Activities items:

 

Athletic Schedule Changes:

 

Changes to the athletic schedule as presented.

Chaperone - Vanessa DeSimone:

 

Vanessa DeSimone to be included as a chaperone on the field trip to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum on March 18, 2008.  This trip, along with a list of chaperones, was approved at the October 30th board meeting.

 

The motion was unanimously approved.

Discussion of School Musical:

 

The Board discussed the musical, Pajama Game, as the proposed school musical for the 2007/2008 school year.

 

Mr. Miller directed Mr. Horchak to direct Mr. Hill (in writing) to present 2 selections for the school musical from this point forward.

 

Mr. Horchak suggested that the selections be presented in September/October so that research can be done with an approval made in November.

 

Mr. Betlejewski suggested that practices start after school so that students have more time for homework and not the choice to participate in a sport.  The Board discussed this matter further.

 

School Musical, Pajama Game:

 

Mr. Trifiletti moved, seconded by Mrs. Atkins, that the Board of Education approve Pajama Game as the school musical for the 2007/2008 school year.

 

The motion was unanimously approved.

 

Discussion:

 

a.        Holding a wrestling practice on the morning of January 1, 2008 in the Clearview Junior Wrestling facility to give athletes the opportunity to maintain their weight for a conference division match with Williamstown on January 2nd.  Mr. Horchak reviewed the details of this request with the Board.  Mr. Betlejewski questioned if the insurance company will endorse this location.  A certificate of insurance will have to be obtained.

b.       Proposal to amend the bylaws of the NJSIAA

c.        SCIL NJSIAA Legislation Proposal for Football

 

Instruction

Mrs. Atkins moved, seconded by Mr. Wolk, that the Board of Education approve the following Instruction items:

 

Placement at Bancroft:

 

A change in out-of-district placement for a Grade 7 student (TC 0001560) from BDC Center at Bankbridge Regional to a residential placement at Bancroft, effective November 8, 2007. Tuition and 1-1 Aide cost to be $57,666.60 (pro-rated).

Psychiatric/Neuropsychiatric Evaluation Services:

 

The use of an additional service provider to help with the psychiatric and neuropsychiatric evaluations and reports for the Child Study Team - Center for Emotional Fitness, $400/eval.

 

The motion was unanimously approved.

 

Discussion:

 

Mr. Betlejewski questioned if a letter could be included in all senior files to include with college applications, that clubs are not occurring this year due to negotiations.

 

Mr. Horchak stated that we could certainly provide this if it is requested.

 

Mrs. Woolbert, Guidance Secretary, stated that even if a student only participates in a club for ½ year, they can still include this on their resume/application.

 

Technology

 

No items were presented for review or approval.

Community Relations, Policy/Legislation

Mr. Trifiletti moved, seconded by Mr. Miller, that the Board of Education approve the following Community Relations, Policy/Legislation items:

 

Revised Policies:

 

The second reading and acceptance of the following revised policies:

 

·         Policy #5121.2, Class Rank

·         Policy #6146, Graduation Requirements

 

First Reading - Policy 9250:

 

The first reading of Policy #9250.  This new policy will replace the existing Policies #9250, #9250b, and #9250c.

Pre-Practicum Shadowing Experience:

 

A Rowan Psychology student, Erica Rell, to participate in a pre-practicum shadowing experience from January 1st through May 15th, 2008.  Tammy McHale and Bryan Hendricks will mentor this student during her experience at Clearview.

 

Adult Community School Brochure -Winter/Spring 2008:

 

The Winter/Spring 2008 Adult Community School brochure.

 

The motion was unanimously approved.

 

Executive Session

 

Mr. Betlejewski moved, seconded by Mr. Miller, that the Board of Education adjourn into executive session.

 

Dr. DeTolla read the following resolution:

 

It is hereby resolved that the Board of Education will now go into executive session to discuss updates on the negotiations of the pending agreement that terminated on June 30, 2007.  Discussions will also be held regarding student privacy matters, legal matters, negotiations and all personnel matters including, but not limited to, the following items:  home instruction, substitute employees, extra duty positions and the hiring of new personnel.  Any discussion held by the Board, which need not remain confidential, will be made public as soon as practicable.  Minutes of the executive session will not be disclosed until the need for confidentiality no longer exists.  The Board will reconvene into public session at the conclusion of the closed session.

 

The meeting adjourned into executive session at 9:40 p.m.

 

Public Session

 

The meeting reconvened into public session at 10:50 p.m.

 

Personnel/Negotiations

Mr. Betlejewski moved, seconded by Mr. Wolk, that the Board of Education approve, as recommended by the Superintendent, the following Personnel/Negotiations items:

 

Home Instruction/Tutoring:

 

The following home instruction/tutoring:

 

a.        Grade 12 student (#2008364)
Subjects:        Spanish V, Honors Calculus, AP English 12, Journalism Lab, Media IV (if available)
Instructor(s):        Educere

b.       Grade 8 student (#2011528)
Subjects:        All
Instructors(s):        Brookfield Academy (while in Kennedy Health System)
$25/hr - 1-2 hrs/day
Effective 10/25/07 until further notice

c.        Grade 10 student (TC 0001118) - Individual tutoring 1 hr/week for at total of 6 weeks in Geometry
Instructor:        Kevin Hanrahan

d.       Bryan Hendricks to provide "Play Attention" training for a special needs student 1 hr./week for 10 weeks.  Training will be done in the Guidance Office before school begins in the morning.  Effective December 1, 2007 through February 2008.  "Play Attention" is a computer based neurofeedback system targeting attention challenged children.

e.        Grade 11 student (#2011435)
Instructor(s):        Dawn Heil - Mathematics, 2 hrs./week
                Tracee Panetti - Science - 2 hrs./week

 

Substitute Re-Appointments/Appointments:

 

The following substitute re-appointments/appointments for the 2007/2008 school year:

 

Re-Appointments - Substitute Teachers:

a.        David Testa

b.       Nicholas Rossi

 

Appointments - Substitute Teachers:

a.        Steven Harrington

b.       Christie Nicholson

c.        Shannon Curley

d.       John Weber

e.        Erika Blom

f.         Stephanie Jones

g.       Lauren Conova

h.       Sharon DiCenzo

 

Substitute Nurse (as needed)  - Lee Seybold

 

Substitute Bus Driver  - Shirley Vasta (Retired Bus Driver)

Substitute Bus Aide:

a.        Danielle Albers-Goss (Current Employee)

 

Substitute Food Service:

a.        Shirley Vasta

b.       Danielle Albers-Goss

 

Substitute Greeter:

a.        Maryanne Dahllof

 

New Teacher Academy Three Workshop Attendance:

 

The following teachers to attend New Teacher Academy Three workshops on November 7, December 5, January 9, February 6, April 2 and May 7.  They will be reimbursed $30/hr. for each 1 ½ hr. sessions - $180/each to be paid from the Title IIA grant (200-100):

 

Shawn Burke

Dayna Caputo

Ben Carter

Jamie Dewaele

Janet Dunn

Michael Ford

Kara Henry

Linda Hughes

Lauren Iannelli

Tara Massey

Stephanie Ochipinti

 

 

New Teacher Academy Three Workshop Trainers:

 

The following trainers to conduct New Teacher Academy Three workshops.  They will be reimbursed $50/hr. for each 1 ½ hr. workshop - $150/each to be paid from the Title IIA grant (200-100):

 

Mike Holm - 12/5/07

Donna Armstrong - 2/6/08

Sue Barry - 4/2/08

Tracy Matozzo - 5/7/08

 

Alternative School Positions:

 

The following Alternative School positions for the 2007/2008 school year ($32.50/hr.):

 

·         Lauren Feinberg - SAC Counseling Services for students who have been assigned mandatory counseling.  Hours would be on an as-needed basis, not to exceed 6 per week.

·         Karyn Lorang - Physics instruction for a Grade 10 Student (#2010477)- 3 hrs. of instruction per week plus one hour of planning time.

·         Deana DeNafo - Substitute Teacher

 

Substitute Rate for Greeters:

 

The 2007/2008 substitute rate for greeters in the amount of $8.00/hr.

Coaches - 2007/2008 Winter Sports:

 

The following coaches for the 2007/2008 winter sports season (stipends as per the negotiated agreement):

 

Basketball (boys') - Asst. Coach - 7th/8th

Joey Cromer

Basketball (girls') - Volunteer Coach

Katie Netherton (Scherle)  - No Stipend