December 18 2006 Minutes

The Regular Meeting of the Kearny Board of Education was held in the Board Room, 100 Davis Avenue, on the evening of the above date.

President Mc Donald called the meeting to order and announced that in accordance with Chapter 231, Laws of 1975, Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice of the meeting was provided to the Observer and the Jersey Journal. Notice of the meeting was posted on the bulletin board in the lobby of the Board Office and filed with the Acting Town Clerk by letter dated December 14, 2006.

On roll call, the following members were present: Mr. Campbell, Mr. Castelli, Mr. Doffont, Mrs. Marks, Mrs. Santos, Mrs. Schalago, Mr. Sgalia, Mrs. Mc Keown, President Mc Donald.

Mr. Robert P. Mooney, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ingrid Kiss, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Mrs. Karen A. Yeamans, Business Administrator/Board Secretary, and Kenneth J. Lindenfelser, Esq., Board Attorney were also present.

It was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown and seconded by Mr. Sgalia that the minutes of the following meetings be hereby approved:

It was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mr. Sgalia and unanimously carried that the minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 20, 2006 be approved, with the following correction noted:

The roll call vote regarding approval of the Morris Computer Systems proposal should be amended to: Mr. Campbell, “aye”, Mr. Castelli, “aye”, Mr. Doffont, “aye”, Mrs. Marks, “aye”, Mrs. Santos, “aye”, Mrs. Schalago, “aye”, Mr. Sgalia, “aye”, Mrs. Mc Keown, “not voting”, President Mc Donald, “aye”.

There being eight votes in the affirmative and one member “not voting”, the motion was carried.

It was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown and seconded by Mr. Sgalia that the minutes of the following meeting be hereby approved:

On roll call, the following vote was recorded: Mr. Campbell, “aye”, Mr. Castelli, “aye”, Mr. Doffont, “not voting”, Mrs. Marks, “aye”, Mrs. Santos, “aye”, Mrs. Schalago, “aye”, Mr. Sgalia, “aye”, Mrs. Mc Keown, “aye”, President Mc Donald, “aye”.

There being eight votes in the affirmative and one member “not voting”, the motion was carried.

It was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mr. Sgalia and unanimously carried:

The following student athletes were honored for their achievements during the 2006/2007 Fall Sports Season:

BOYS – Jim Corbett, Mike Ekladious, Albert Mendes, Brian Mendez, Emilio Montroig

GIRLS – Denise Araugo, Jennifer Arocha, Dariza Betances, Stephanie Terrero

Dana Cotsopoulos, Alison Doffont, Allyson Dyl, Rosemary Garganta, Stephanie Miller, Samantha Pace, Stefanee Pace (All-American), Jen Pettigrew, Ariana Ruela

Levecy De Oliviera, Jay Fartura, Danny Fiallos, Franco Ganero, Christian Nogueira, Michael Rudden, Ryan Tarabocchia

The following resolutions, inclusive of Items “B” and “C”, were moved by Mrs. Mc Keown and seconded by Mr. Sgalia:

Mary M. Vieth, elementary teacher at Franklin School, will retire effective July 1, 2007 after forty years of service to the Kearny Public Schools.

On roll call, the following vote was recorded: Mr. Campbell, “absent during roll call”, Mr. Castelli, “aye”, Mr. Doffont, “aye”, Mrs. Marks, “aye”, Mrs. Santos, “aye”, Mrs. Schalago, “aye”, Mr. Sgalia, “aye”, Mrs. Mc Keown, “aye”, President Mc Donald, “aye”.

There being eight votes in the affirmative and one member “absent during roll call”, the motion was carried:

Alison Ricca, elementary teacher at Schuyler School, has been granted a Family Leave of Absence from April 16 to June 30, 2007.

Donna Dyl, Head Nurse, will be transferred from Lincoln School to Roosevelt School, effective January 2, 2007; there is no change to salary.

There being eight votes in the affirmative and one member “absent during roll call”, the motion was carried:

The following resolution was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mr. Sgalia and unanimously carried:

Bernardino, Susana.............. Elementary....... STEP 1, B.A., $37,776 (prorated)............... Stanish

Cabrera, Joan A............... School Nurse*....... STEP 4, B.A., $41,253 (prorated)........... Einsiedler

The following resolution was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown and seconded by Mr. Campbell:

Corbett, Elizabeth......... Elementary.... STEP 1, B.A., $37,776 (prorated)................. Sievewright

On roll call, the following vote was recorded: Mr. Campbell, “aye”, Mr. Castelli, “no”, Mr. Doffont, “aye”, Mrs. Marks, “no”, Mrs. Santos, “aye”, Mrs. Schalago, “aye”, Mr. Sgalia, “aye”, Mrs. Mc Keown, “aye”, President Mc Donald, “aye”.

There being seven votes in the affirmative and two votes in the negative, the motion was carried.

The following resolutions, inclusive of Items D-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, were moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mr. Sgalia and unanimously carried:

2. After-Hours Core Curriculum Standards Instructors in Elementary and Junior Schools

The following has been appointed as Core Curriculum Standards Instructor for after-school instruction. The number of hours is determined by the number of applicants, not to exceed forty (40); remuneration is $32.00 per hour:

Contreras, Gisella.......... KHS................................... $10.00/hour....... *............................... Dolan

Ferrao, Maria................. Substitute...................................................... *.........................................

Gallegos, Patricia.......... Substitute...................................................... *.........................................

Glorreaga, Gloria.......... Schuyler-Kindergarten...... $10.00/hour....... *....................................... ?

Mahan, Shannon............ Substitute...................................................... *.........................................

Quintero, Grecia............ Substitute...................................................... *.........................................

The following has been approved to prepare/deliver after-hours Core Curriculum Standards-related instruction; remuneration is $32.00 per hour for one to two days per week for thirty-six (36) weeks:

The following has been appointed as a Home Instructor for the 2006/2007 school year at the remuneration of $32.00 per hour:

Athletic Trainer........................ Georgetti, Nicholas..................... $ 4,389

The following resolution was moved by Mr. Castelli, seconded by Mrs. Santos and unanimously carried:

The Board has approved the doubling of 114 sick days for Kevin Flowers, teacher of the handicapped.

The following resolution was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mr. Sgalia and unanimously carried:

Approval has been granted to obtain State Substitute Certification for the following in All Grades/All Subjects:

The following have been added to the listing of teachers eligible to work for and be charged to the Title I Program:

The following have been approved as long-term substitutes for teachers on leave. They will receive substitute compensation until the starting date stated:

Kearns, Suzanne C. Oliveira, Sandra $80 first 21 days, then $37,776 (prorated, per diem)

Mach, David R. De Pasquale, Lawrence $75 first 22 days, then $100 per diem

The following resolutions, inclusive of Items “A”, “B”, “C” and “D”, were moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mrs. Santos and unanimously carried:

Student No. 10-06-51 to be placed at the High Point School, Lodi at the annual (prorated) tuition of $35,432, effective November 27, 2006;

Student Nos. 10-05-56, 10-05-57, and 10-05-58 to be placed at the Tot Spot, Kearny, effective November 27, 2006 at the tuition cost of $175 per student, per week;

Student No. 2-98-91 to be placed at the St. Joseph School for the Blind, effective December 11, 2006 at the annual (prorated) tuition of $72,660.

The Board has approved the 2007/2008 Early Childhood Program Aid Operational Plan.

The listing of Professional Days has been approved and is hereby made an integral part of the minutes.

The Board has approved an extension of the current “Three-Year Technology Plan” to include 2007/2008 in order to comply with new E-Rate applications.

RESULTS OF DECEMBER 12, 2006 BOND REFERENDUM

The “unofficial” results of the December 12^th Bond Referendum are as follows:

ABSENTEE

WARD/DISTRICT YES NO Y N

1 1 & 2 17 23

3 & 4 19 17 1

5 7 17 1

6 12 5

7 & 8, 2-4 11 35 1

2 1, 2 & 3 28 18 1

5 & 6 4 14 3 1

3 1, 2 & 3 94 54 1

4 & 9 51 42

5 25 22

6 15 10

7 & 8 34 24 1

4 1, 3 & 4 55 45 1 1

2 13 12

5 & 7 16 22

6 5 18

TOTALS 406 378 7 5

The following resolutions, inclusive of Items #1 through #9, were moved by Mr. Castelli, seconded by Mr. Campbell and unanimously carried:

The Kearny Board of Education hereby approves the following Report of Cash Receipts for the month of November, 2006:

1 State of NJ-School Lunch-September-State 2,197.90 1 State of NJ-School Breakfast-September-State 180.30

The Kearny Board of Education, based upon the recommendation of the Business Administrator/Board Secretary, hereby approves the list of transfers as per the attached for the 2006/2007 school budget.

The Kearny Board of Education hereby accepts the monthly Report of the Secretary to the Board of Education for the month ending November 30, 2006, based upon the Board Secretary's certification that no line item account has encumbrances and expenditures which, in total, exceed the line item appropriation in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11(a). And be it further

Resolved: That for the record it be noted that after having reviewed the appropriations section of said report and also having consulted with the appropriate district officials, hereby certifies that no major account or fund has been over expended in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11(b), and that sufficient funds are available to meet the District’s financial obligations for the remainder of the 2006/2007 School Year.

The Kearny Board of Education hereby accepts the monthly Report of the Treasurer of School Funds to the Board of Education for the month ending November 30, 2006.

The Kearny Board of Education, having determined the amount of district taxes needed to meet the obligations of the Board for the next eight weeks to be $4,242,763.00, hereby requests the Town Council to place in the hands of the Treasurer of School Funds that amount within the next thirty days in accordance with the statutes relating thereto.

The Kearny Board of Education hereby confirms the action of the Business Administrator/Board Secretary in having made investments through the New Jersey Cash Management Fund during the month of November, 2006. And be it further

Resolved: That for the record it be noted that the interest earned on said investments amounted to $68,771.49, bringing the year-to-date interest to $229,656.05.

The Kearny Board of Education, based upon the representation of the Business Administrator/Board Secretary that she has examined, audited, and certified in writing that the attached bill list is correct in the total amount of $8,545,207.69, covering the period of 11/16/06 to 12/14/06, hereby orders same to be paid, in accordance with NJSA 18A:19-4.

The Kearny Board of Education hereby authorizes the release of warrants in payment of the following bills:

The Kearny Board of Education hereby confirms the action of the Business Administrator/Board Secretary in having issued warrants drawn on the Athletic Account, as per the attached listing which is to be made an integral part of the minutes.

The following resolution was moved by Mr. Castelli, seconded by Mr. Campbell and unanimously carried:

10. Approval of Change Order – RE: ““KEARNY HIGH SCHOOL STADIUM WALL REPAIRS – SIDEWALKS & CURBS”

The Kearny Board of Education, based upon the recommendation of Fallon+Pacheco Architects, hereby approves the following CHANGE ORDER in the total (reduced) amount of $11,564.00 for Cifelli & Son General Construction, Inc., for the project entitled "KEARNY HIGH SCHOOL STADIUM WALL REPAIRS – SIDEWALKS & CURBS”:

1. Concrete Sidewalk – Davis Avenue ........................................ $ ( 4,405.50 )

2. Concrete Sidewalk – Garfield Avenue........................................ ( 4,207.50 )

3. Concrete Curb – Garfield Avenue............................................... ( 3,451.00 )

4. Detectable Warning Surface..................................................... 500.00

TOTAL.................................................................................... $ ( 11,564.00 )

The following resolution was moved by Mr. Campbell, seconded by Mr. Castelli and unanimously carried:

The Kearny Board of Education, based upon the recommendation of the Business Administrator/Board Secretary, hereby grants approval to provide tuition payments to the Belleville Board of Education for a student presently housed in the Clara Maass Shelter, effective November 27, 2006 through June 30, 2007 (129 school days at the rate of $46.47 per day - $5,994.63).

The following resolution, inclusive of Items #12, #13, and #14, were moved by Mr. Campbell, seconded by Mrs. Mc Keown and unanimously carried:

The Kearny Board of Education, based upon the joint recommendation of the Business Administrator/Board Secretary and Mr. Mark Vidovich, President, Pomptonian Food Service, hereby approves the following price changes to breakfast a la carte items sold at Kearny High School for compliance with federal reimbursement regulations:

The Kearny Board of Education hereby approves the action of the Business Administrator/Board Secretary in having issued a purchase order to Cross Country, Inc., SOLE BIDDER, in the combined amount of $48,215 (Motorcoach . . . $21,935 . . . 54-Passenger School Bus . . . $20,160 . . . Jitney . . . $6,120) for the transportation of interscholastic participants to scheduled events, commencing December 4, 2006 and continuing through February 25, 2007. And be it further

Resolved: That the bid was received and opened in the Business Office on December 14, 2006 at 10:00 A.M. in response to the advertisement for bids which appeared in the December 1, 2006 edition of the Jersey Journal.

The Kearny Board of Education, based upon the request of Russell Bird and Louis Pandolfi, Kearny High School Media Center, hereby approves the disposal of equipment which is obsolete, too expensive or un-repairable, as per the attached listing.

Note: None of the aforementioned equipment carries a Board of Education-issued tag number.

The following resolutions, inclusive of Items #1 through #5, were moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mrs. Marks and unanimously carried:

1. Appointment of Secretary to the Vice Principal – Athletics and School Activities

The Kearny Board of Education, based upon the joint recommendation of the Business Administrator/Board Secretary, Superintendent of Schools, and Kearny High School Principal and Vice Principal, hereby approves the appointment of Barbara Brooks to the position of Secretary to the Vice Principal – Athletics and School Activities, STEP 2 of the K.E.O.P. 2006/2007 Salary Guide, which is an annual salary of $35,626, plus $850 education credit stipend for a total (prorated) 2006/2007 annual salary of $36,476; effective date to be determined.

The Kearny Board of Education, based upon the joint recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, High School Principal and Director of Guidance, hereby approves the appointment of Sandra Sanchez to the position of Part-Time Secretary assigned to the Guidance Office. She will be placed on STEP 1 of the 2006/2007 K.E.O.P. Salary Guide, which is an annual salary of $17,442 (prorated), not more than 19-1/2 hours per week, effective January 2, 2007.

The Kearny Board of Education, based upon the joint recommendation of the Business Administrator/Board Secretary, Director of Plant Operations, and Superintendent of Schools, hereby approves the appointment of Ryan Cicchino to the position of Custodian assigned to the (6 PM to 2 AM) Night Shift, STEP 1 of the 2006/2007 K.S.E.A. Salary Guide, which is a base salary of $37,541, plus $500 Night Differential, for a total (prorated) annual salary of $38,041, effective December 21, 2006.

The Kearny Board of Education, based upon the joint recommendation of the Business Administrator/Board Secretary and Director of Plant Operations, hereby approves the temporary reclassification of Dennis Downey, Assistant Head Custodian assigned to Washington School, to Acting Head Custodian while he performs those duties during the absence of Joseph Elsmore, retroactive to September 21, 2006. His 2006/2007 gross salary of $47,079 will be increased to $51,564 (prorated) - (Base $49,714, $500 Head Custodian stipend, $250 CDL License, $300 Fireman’s License, $800 longevity).

The Kearny Board of Education hereby acknowledges for the record the successful completion of the 90-day probationary period for the following:

Aiello, Patrick.......................................................................................... Custodian

Foley, Laura............................ Part-Time Secretary (assigned to Schuyler School)

Sessa, Alfonse............... Assistant Head Custodian (assigned to Franklin School)

Walsh, Joan.............................................. Secretary (assigned to Schuyler School)

White, Glenn.................................. Head Custodian (assigned to Schuyler School)

During the negotiations process, the Kearny School Employees Association agreed under the provisions of their Memo of Agreement to a six-month try-out period for an 11 PM to 7 AM shift and a 6 PM to 2 AM shift.

Mr. Bruscino and Union representatives have agreed that the 6 PM to 2 AM shift will be retained and the 11 PM to 7 AM shift will be eliminated.

The following resolution was moved by Mr. Doffont, seconded by Mr. Sgalia and unanimously carried:

The Kearny Board of Education, based upon the joint recommendation of the Business Administrator/Board Secretary and Superintendent of Schools, hereby approves awarding a contract to MJG PROMOTIONS, Fairfield, NJ, lowest responsible bidder, to provide long-sleeved school uniform shirts for students in Grades Kindergarten through 8 at the bid price of $8.35 per shirt. And be it further

Resolved: That said bid was received and opened in the Business Office on December 18, 2006 at 10:00 A.M. in response to the advertisement for bids which appeared in the December 8, 2006 edition of the Jersey Journal.

The following vendors responded to the advertisement for bids as specified below:

Worldwide Gear, Belleville, NJ............................................................................. $ 9.25 ea

O’Dowd Advertising................................................................................................ 9.00 ea

In response to inquiries from the Board, Mr. Lindenfelser reported on the particulars involved should the Board decide to require drug screening of potential employees.

Mr. Brusino’s report included the following update of District projects:

The new gymnasium floor installation at Schuyler School is scheduled to begin the week of January 8.

Ten (10) new univents are being installed by in-house staff at Washington School.

Renovations to the Group Assembly at Franklin School will begin sometime during Christmas week to include the creation of three new classrooms and office space.

Mr. Doffont reported that students have shown interest in a boys junior varsity volleyball program and hopes that funding can be provided. There is also a need for new crew shells and an Athletic Trainer.

Referring to a reply letter received from Watchung Conference officials, Mr. Doffont reported that the request from the school district to remove the football program from the Conference has again been denied. Board member Paul Castelli stated he will send a response to the Watchung Conference regarding their decision.

A resolution thanking Eagle Scout candidate Max Mueller for his work at the Crew House was read and approved as follows:

The following resolution was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mrs. Marks and unanimously carried:

The Kearny Board of Education hereby approves the Resolution commending Max Mueller for his assistance at the Kearny Crew House.

Mrs. Santos stated that everything was covered during the regular meeting.

Mrs. Schalago reported on the Community Liaison meeting held in November which primarily addressed the upcoming Bond Referendum.

Mrs. Mc Keown reported that Mr. Mooney and Mr. Bruscino will attend the next meeting of the Student Liaison Committee in January.

Mrs. Mc Keown addressed several topics, including the continuation of the District’s professional development partnership with Montclair State University, and an extension of the “Project L.E.A.P.” program to institute night school classes for senior students commencing in January.

A request for funds to allow culinary arts students to attend the 60^th Annual FCCLA competition as part of a required component of the Perkins Grant Program was discussed.

The following resolution was moved by Mr. Campbell, seconded by Mrs. Santos and unanimously carried:

The Kearny Board of Education hereby approves an allocation in the amount of $887.40 to permit culinary arts students to attend the 60^th Annual New Jersey Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) competition on March 22 and 23, 2007.

Mr. Campbell reported on the success of the December 12^th bond referendum election.

Mr. Doffont stated that everything was covered during the regular meeting.

The following resolution was moved by Mr. Doffont, seconded by Mrs. Santos and unanimously carried:

The permits outlined in the Report of the Director of Plant Operations, issued between meetings, are hereby approved.

Mr. Sgalia reported the next Committee meeting will be held on January 11^th.

Mrs. Mc Keown reported that the Committee did what they could with the local newspapers to inform residents of the bond referendum election.

Mr. Campbell commended Donna Wagner for her work in the Registration Office.

Mr. Mooney suggested the Board come to consensus regarding a uniform program at the High School.

President Mc Donald suggested the practice of two photo sessions for eighth grade students be streamlined.

Judith Walls, Kearny, requested Board permission to have students participate in the Women’s Auxiliary of the American Legion’s program entitled “Buddy System” to provide items of need to soldiers in Iraq.

Donna Dyl, Kearny, read a statement concerning her belief that students’ privacy and First Amendment rights were violated when their classroom instruction was recorded by another student and made available to other forms of media (internet, television, etc.).

Mrs. Marks, Chairperson of the Policy Committee, read a draft policy concerning a student’s right to privacy.

The following resolution was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mr. Doffont and unanimously carried:

The Kearny Board of Education hereby approves the first reading of a proposed policy concerning a student’s right to privacy.

The following resolution was offered by Mrs. Mc Keown, who moved its adoption:

Resolved: by the Board of Education of the Town of Kearny, in the County of Hudson, that in accordance with Chapter 231, Laws of 1975, Open Public Meetings Act, the Board will enter into Closed Session at this time to discuss District personnel matters and the annual evaluation of the Superintendent of Schools.

When the matters under consideration and discussion have been completed, any action will be disclosed to the public.

On roll call, the following vote was recorded: Mr. Campbell, “aye”, Mr. Castelli, “aye”, Mr. Doffont, “aye”, Mrs. Marks, “aye”, Mrs. Santos, “aye”, Mrs. Schalago, “aye”, Mr. Sgalia, "aye", Mrs. Mc Keown, “aye”, President Mc Donald, “aye”.

SUPERINTENDENT, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR DEPART MEETING

On roll call, the following members were present: Mr. Doffont, Mrs. Marks, Mrs. Santos, Mrs. Schalago, Mr. Sgalia, Mrs. Mc Keown, President Mc Donald.