Regular Meeting
January 17, 2006
7:55 P.M.
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 Torres 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 Town Clerk by letter dated January 12, 2006.
ROLL CALL
On roll call, the following members were present: Mr. Campbell, Mr. Castelli, Mr. Martello, Mrs. Mc Keown, Mrs. Santos, Mr. Sgalia, Mrs. Mc Donald, President Torres.
Mr. Robert P. Mooney, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ingrid Kiss, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Leslie J. Gaulton, Business Administrator/Board Secretary, and Kenneth J. Lindenfelser, Esq., Board Attorney were also present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mrs. Torres led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
MOTION RE: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Mrs. Mc Donald and seconded by Mrs. Mc Keown that the minutes of the following meeting be hereby approved:
Regular Meeting, December 19, 2005 at 7:41 P.M.
On roll call, the following vote was recorded: Mr. Campbell, “not voting”, Mr. Castelli, “aye”, Mr. Martello, “absent during roll call”, Mrs. Mc Keown, “aye”, Mrs. Santos, “not voting”, Mr. Sgalia, “aye”, Mrs. Mc Donald, ”aye”, President Torres, “aye”.
There being five votes in the affirmative, two members “not voting”, and one member “absent during roll call”, the motion was carried.
MOTION RE: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Mrs. Mc Donald and seconded by Mrs. Mc Keown that the minutes of the following meeting be hereby approved:
Closed Session, December 19, 2005 at 7:10 P.M.
On roll call, the following vote was recorded: Mr. Campbell, “not voting”, Mr. Castelli, “aye”, Mr. Martello, “absent during roll call”, Mrs. Mc Keown, “aye”, Mrs. Santos, “not voting”, Mr. Sgalia, “not voting”, Mrs. Mc Donald, “aye”, President Torres, “aye”.
There being four votes in the affirmative, three members “not voting”, and one member “absent during roll call”, the motion was carried.
MOTION RE: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Mrs. Mc Donald and seconded by Mrs. Mc Keown that the minutes of the following meetings be hereby approved:
Closed Session, December 19, 2005 at 7:50 P.M.
Closed Session, December 19, 2005 at 9:44 P.M.
On roll call, the following vote was recorded: Mr. Campbell, “not voting”, Mr. Castelli, “aye”, Mr. Martello, “absent during roll call”, Mrs. Mc Keown, “aye”, Mrs. Santos, “not voting”, Mr. Sgalia, “aye”, Mrs. Mc Donald, ”aye”, President Torres, “aye”.
There being five votes in the affirmative, two members “not voting”, and one member “absent during roll call”, the motion was carried.
CORRESPONDENCE – Board Secretary
Mr. Gaulton read the following item of correspondence:
Letter received January 17, 2006 from Douglas Ferguson, President, Kearny School Employees Association, regarding ratification vote by the Association.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT - Mr. Mooney
PART I – PERSONNEL ISSUES
The following resolution was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mr. Sgalia and unanimously carried, with regrets:
A. RETIREMENTS
The following retirement notices have been accepted:
Barbara J. Azerski, Elementary Teacher at Franklin School, effective July 1, 2006, following forty years of service;
Ann Filippone, Franklin School Nurse, effective July 1, 2006, following thirty years of service;
Eleanor Johnstone, Schuyler School Nurse, effective July 1, 2006, following fourteen years of service;
Walter Whimpenny, Teacher of Mathematics at Kearny High School, effective July 1, 2006, following forty years of service.
The following resolutions, inclusive of Items “B”, “C”, and “D”, were moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mrs. Mc Donald and unanimously carried:
B. RESIGNATION
Jessica Clauss, teacher of the handicapped, has resigned effective February 17, 2006.
C. REVISED STARTING DATES
The following will begin their duties on the dates listed below:
Arrigo, Rosetta........................................ February 23, 2006
Maturro, Monica...................................... February 15, 2006
D. LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Tracey Smeragliuolo has requested a change to the dates for her Family Leave of Absence; the new dates will be from April 5 to June 30, 2006.
The following resolution was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mrs. Mc Donald and unanimously carried:
E. APPOINTMENTS
1. Educational Workshop
Melody Connell has been appointed to conduct a workshop in the Garfield School Computer Lab, “From Macintosh to PC”, beginning January 19, 2006 for a period of ten (10) weeks, at the remuneration of $30.00 per hour for thirty (30) hours.
The following resolutions, inclusive of Items E-2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, “F”, “G”, and “H”, were moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mrs. Mc Donald and unanimously carried:
2. Aides
The following Aides appointments have been approved:
Name Assignment Hrly Rate Eff. Replace/New
Coppola, Dorothy........................................ KHS.......... $10.00.............. 1/9/06................. Thorson
Haran, Joan......................................... Roosevelt.......... $10.00.............. 1/3/06..................... NEW
Lee, Lottie....................................... Washington.......... $10.00.............. 1/3/06..................... NEW
Mancino, Sandra................................. Roosevelt.......... $10.00............ 1/17/06..................... Rojas
3. Home Tutors
The following has been approved as a home tutor at the remuneration of $30.00 per hour:
Zaucha, Marianne
4. Security Guards
(a) The following appointment, previously as a Substitute Security Guard, shall now work on a regular basis at the remuneration of $12.50 per hour, replacing Frederick Kroog, who will become a Substitute Security Guard:
Fontinha, Raymond
(b) The following has been appointed as a Substitute Security Guard at the remuneration of $12.50 per hour:
Kerwin, Geffrey
5. Mathematics State Testing/Professional Development
The following have been appointed for an additional thirty (30) hours, for a total of ninety (90), to provide professional development at the remuneration of $30.00 per hour; funded by Title I and Title IIA:
Boyer, Dawn Lipani, Elaine
6. Revised Salary
The 2005/2006 salary for “G.L.” shall remain at $84,585, the same as the salary for 2004/2005.
F. STATE SUBSTITUTE CERTIFICATES
Approval has been granted to obtain State Substitute Certification for the following:
De Castro, Silvina........................................... All Grades/All Subjects
Kemiksizgil, Ceyla.......................................... All Grades/All Subjects
Olivera, Jessica I............................................ All Grades/All Subjects
Wagner, Amanda A........................................ All Grades/All Subjects
G. ADDITIONS TO ANNUAL LISTING OF SUBSTITUTES
The following have been added to the listing of teachers eligible to work for and be charged to the Title I Program:
Correnti, Laura Rubbone, Joseph
Gisoldi, Antoinette Sancilio, Michael
Martin, Jacquelyne
H. EQUIVALENCY
The following equivalencies have been granted, effective September 1, 2005:
Corbett, Jennifer...................................... M.A............................................ $ 3,736
Kenig, Laura....................................... B.A.+32.............................................. 1,862
Panzella, Madeline............................. B.A.+32.............................................. 1,854
BOARD MEMBER ARRIVES
Mr. Doffont arrived at 8:08 P.M.
PART II – NON-PERSONNEL ISSUES
The following resolutions, inclusive of Items “A”, “B”, and “C”, were moved by Mr. Sgalia, seconded by Mrs. Mc Donald and unanimously carried:
A. SCHOOL BOARD PROCLAMATION
Whereas, The New Jersey School Boards Association and the National School Boards Association have declared January 2006 to be “School Board Recognition Month”, a time that all residents might acknowledge the contributions made by our local school board members; and
Whereas, The Kearny Board of Education is one of more than 600 local school boards in New Jersey that sets policies and oversees operations for public school districts; and
Whereas, The Kearny Board of Education embraces the goal of high-quality education for all New Jersey public school students; and
Whereas, New Jersey’s local school boards help determine community goals for the education of 1.4 million children in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade; and
Whereas, New Jersey’s 4,800 local school board members, who receive no remuneration for their services, act as advocates for public school students as they work with administrators, teachers and parents for the betterment of public education; and
Whereas, School boards strive to provide the resources necessary to meet the needs of all students, including those with special needs; and
Whereas, Board of Education provide accountability to the public; they communicate the needs of the school district to the public; and they convey to school administrators the public’s expectations for the schools; and
Whereas, New Jersey can take pride in its schools, which rank among the nation’s best in indicators such as high school graduation rates, class size, college entrance exam participation, and Advanced Placement offerings and test scores. Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Kearny Board of Education does hereby recognize the services of local school board members throughout New Jersey as we join communities statewide in observing January 2006 as SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION MONTH; and be it further
Resolved: That the Kearny Board of Education urges all New Jersey citizens to work with their local boards of education and public school staffs toward the improvement of our children’s education.
B. OUTSIDE PLACEMENTS
The following outside placements have been approved:
Student No. 10-04-26 to be placed in the Kearny Sawtelle Program, Franklin School, at the annual tuition of $51,529.06 (prorated), effective January 4, 2006.
Student No. 12-99-62 to be placed in the Kearny Sawtelle Program, Franklin School, at the annual tuition of $51,529.06 (prorated); effective date to be determined.
Student No. 1-03-102 to be placed at the Mt. Carmel Guild High School, Kearny, at the annual tuition rate of $47,356 (prorated), effective December 15, 2005.
C. ROOSEVELT SCHOOL CAMPING TRIP
The Board has approved the overnight camping trip to Fairview Lake YMCA, Newton, NJ for the 5th and 6th grades at Roosevelt School, March 8 – 10, 2006, subsidized by the Roosevelt School PTA. There is no cost to the Board of Education and all Board policies will be met.
The following resolution was moved by Mr. Sgalia and seconded by Mrs. Mc Donald:
D. IN-SERVICE DATE
February 15, 2006 has been scheduled for a P.M. in-service at Kearny High School.
DISCUSSION
The Board briefly discussed the remaining proposed High School in-service dates.
The following resolution was moved by Mr. Castelli and seconded by Mr. Campbell:
AMENDED RESOLUTION RE: IN-SERVICE DATE(S)
The Kearny Board of Education hereby approves the proposed High School in-service dates for the remainder of the 2005/2006 school year.
MOTION AND SECOND WITHDRAWN
Mr. Mooney requested this topic to be held until later in the meeting when he could provide the additional dates to the Board.
Mr. Castelli withdrew his motion; Mr. Campbell withdrew the second.
The following resolution was moved by Mrs. Mc Donald, seconded by Mr. Doffont and unanimously carried:
E. BOARD POLICIES
1. Job Descriptions
The Board has approved the following job descriptions:
Clerical Aides
Special Education Aides
Cafeteria / Breakfast / Lunch Aides
Transportation/Bus Aides
PreK – Kindergarten Aides
Aquatic Pool / Physical Education Aides
Hall Monitor Aides
Coordinator of Public Information – Website
Coordinator of Public Information – Newsletter
The following resolution was moved by Mrs. Mc Donald, seconded by Mrs. Mc Keown and unanimously carried:
TRANSFER OF FUNDS – SCIENTIFIC CALCULATORS – KEYBOARDING SOFTWARE
The Kearny Board of Education, based upon the joint recommendation of the Business Administrator/Board Secretary and the Superintendent of Schools, hereby approves the following transfer of funds:
Purchase of Scientific Calculators – Grades 5, 6, and 7
FROM
11-190-100-890-01-15 Testing – Elementary $ ?????
TO
11-190-100-610-15-15 General Supplies – All Elementary $ ?????
Purchase of Keyboarding Software
FROM
11-190-100-890-01-15 Testing – Elementary $ 3,500.00
TO
11-190-100-610-99-99 $ 3,500.00
REPORT OF THE BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR/BOARD SECRETARY - Mr. Gaulton
The following resolutions, inclusive of Items #1 through #8, were moved by Mr. Martello, seconded by Mr. Doffont and unanimously carried:
PART A
1. Cash Receipts – December, 2005
The Kearny Board of Education hereby approves the following Report of Cash Receipts for the month of December, 2005:
BANK OF AMERICA
Dec 5 State of NJ-Chapter 192/193 $ 26,672.00
5 State of NJ-Non-Public Nursing 10,821.75
7 State of NJ-Perkins Second 220.00
7 State of NJ-IDEA-Basic 334,281.40
7 State of NJ-IDEA-Pre-School 12,748.00
7 Checking Account Interest 6,234.92
8 State of NJ-21st Century Grant 39,475.00
8 State of NJ-State Aid 1,015,761.00
12 NJCM Return – Capital Projects Account 4,100,000.00
14 NJCMF Return 2,000,000.00
14 State of NJ-Breakfast-September 72.62
14 State of NJ-Breakfast-September 6.00
15 State of NJ-FICA 98,085.68
15 State of NJ-FICA 98,059.03
16 State of NJ-NJSCC (Roosevelt Roof) 39,989.07
16 State of NJ-NJSCC (Lincoln Roof) 18,798.18
16 State of NJ-NJSCC (Schuyler Roof) 10,013.91
16 State of NJ-NJSCC (Garfield Roof) 9,646.39
20 2005/2006 Budget 3,113,597.00
21 Port Authority of NY/NJ (Kearny High School) 237,412.50
21 State of NJ-School Lunch-October-Federal 58,740.52
21 State of NJ-School Breakfast-October-Federal 2,917.36
21 State of NJ-School Lunch-October-State 2,881.56
21 State of NJ-School Breakfast-October-State 214.40
22 Miscellaneous Receipts 44,413.09
22 State of NJ-State Aid 1,015,761.00
29 State of NJ-School Lunch-November-Federal 51,458.96
29 State of NJ-School Breakfast-November-Federal 2,853.33
29 State of NJ-School Lunch-November-State 2,505.12
29 State of NJ-School Breakfast-November-State 209.70
12,353,849.49
NEW JERSEY CASH MANAGEMENT
28 Interest-NJCM #50555 2,806.29
28 Interest-NJCM #10561 28,103.61
28 Interest-NJCM #128651 19,954.63
28 Interest-NJCM #130001 13,360.44
$12,418,074.46
2. Report of the Secretary (A-148)
The Kearny Board of Education hereby accepts the monthly Report of the Secretary to the Board of Education for the month ending December 31, 2005, 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 2005/2006 School Year.
3. Report of the Treasurer of School Funds (A-149)
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 December 31, 2005.
4. Request for Taxes
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 $4,151,463.00, 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.
Requisition Schedule
Amount of District Tax Voted $ 41,514,635.00
Amount Billed to Date $24,908,783.00
Amount of this Request 4,151,463.00 29,060,246.00
Balance to the Credit of Kearny
Board of Education $ 12,454,389.00
5. Investments – December, 2005 (New Jersey Cash Management Fund)
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 December, 2005. And be it further
Resolved: That for the record it be noted that the interest earned on said investments amounted to $61,418.68, bringing the year-to-date interest to $298,607.99.
6. Payment of Bills
The Kearny Board of Education, based upon the representation of the Business Administrator/Board Secretary that he has examined, audited, and certified in writing that the attached bill list is correct in the total amount of $9,171,949.94, covering the period of 12/16/05 to 1/12/06, hereby orders same to be paid, in accordance with NJSA 18A:19-4.
7. Athletic Bills
The Kearny Board of Education hereby authorizes the release of warrants in payment of the following bills:
VENDOR P.O.# AMOUNT
Cingular Wireless A260001 $ 52.54
All American Aquatics, Inc. A260127 39.85
All American Aquatics, Inc. A260128 291.00
Circle System Group A260156 2,277.00
Circle System Group A260157 405.00
Scholastic Awards & Screen Printing A260161 1,177.50
Scholastic Awards & Screen Printing A260162 999.00
Elaine’s Cheer Gear A260164 586.00
R&R Trophy & Sporting Goods A260168 923.30
8. Athletic Warrants
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. Martello, seconded by Mrs. Mc Donald and unanimously carried:
9. Payment to Architect – RE: “KEARNY HIGH SCHOOL AIRCRAFT NOISE ABATEMENT PROJECT”
The Kearny Board of Education hereby authorizes the Business Administrator/Board Secretary to issue a warrant payable to DF GIBSON ARCHITECTS, P.C., Newark, NJ, in the amount of $47,482.50 (a) in payment of Application Number 15 for professional services rendered through December 31, 2005 in connection with the “KEARNY HIGH SCHOOL AIRCRAFT NOISE ABATEMENT PROJECT” (Phase II - Design & Contract Documents).
For Informational Purposes
Original Contract Sum $ 949,650.00
Net Change by Change Orders 0.00
Contract Sum to Date $ 949,650.00
Less: Previous Payments Approved 664,755.00
Current Payment Due 47,482.50 (a)
Balance Due