Regular Meeting
May 15, 2006
7:02 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 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 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 June 15, 2000.
ROLL CALL
On roll call, the following members were present: Mr. Campbell, Mr. Castelli, Mr. Doffont, Mrs. Marks, Mrs. Santos, Mrs. Schalago, Mrs. Mc Keown, President Mc Donald.
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.
SUPERINTENDENT ABSENT
Mr. Mooney was unable to attend the meeting.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mrs. Mc Donald led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
MOTION RE: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown and seconded by Mr. Campbell that the minutes of the following meeting be hereby approved:
Special Meeting, April 12, 2006 at 6:08 P.M.
On roll call, the following vote was recorded: Mr. Campbell, ”aye”, Mr. Castelli, ”aye”, Mr. Doffont, “not voting”, Mrs. Marks, “absent during roll call”, Mrs. Santos, “aye”, Mrs. Schalago, “absent during roll call”, Mrs. Mc Keown, “aye”, Mrs. Mc Donald, “aye”.
There being five votes in the affirmative, one member “not voting”, and two members “absent during roll call”, the motion was carried.
MOTION RE: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown and seconded by Mr. Campbell, that the minutes of the following meeting be hereby approved:
Closed Session, April 12, 2006 at 6:15 P.M.
On roll call, the following vote was recorded: Mr. Campbell, “aye”, Mr. Castelli, “aye”, Mr. Doffont, “not voting”, Mrs. Marks, “absent during roll call”, Mrs. Santos, “aye”, Mrs. Schalago, “absent during roll call”, Mrs. Mc Keown, “aye”, President Mc Donald, “not voting”.
There being four votes in the affirmative, two members “not voting”, and two members “absent during roll call”, the motion was carried.
MOTION RE: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown and seconded by Mrs. Santos that the minutes of the following meetings be hereby approved:
Regular Meeting, April 17, 2006 at 7:36 P.M.
Closed Session, April 17, 2006 at 6:42 P.M.
Closed Session, April 17, 2006 at 8:19 P.M.
On roll call, the following vote was recorded: Mr. Campbell, “not voting”, Mr. Castelli, “not voting”, Mr. Doffont, “aye”, Mrs. Marks, “not voting”, Mrs. Santos, “aye”, Mrs. Schalago, “not voting”, Mrs. Mc Keown, “aye”, President Mc Donald, “aye”.
There being four votes in the affirmative and four members “not voting”, the motion was carried.
MOTION RE: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown and seconded by Mr. Campbell that the minutes of the following meeting be hereby approved:
Adjourned Meeting, May 1, 2006 at 7:04 P.M.
On roll call, the following vote was recorded: Mr. Campbell, “aye”, Mr. Castelli, “aye”, Mr. Doffont, “aye”, Mrs. Marks, “not voting”, Mrs. Santos, “aye”, Mrs. Schalago, “not voting”, Mrs. Mc Keown, “aye”, President Mc Donald, “aye”.
There being six votes in the affirmative and two members “not voting”, the motion was carried.
MOTION RE: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mr. Campbell and unanimously carried that the minutes of the following meeting be hereby approved:
Organization Meeting, May 1, 2006 at 7:25 P.M.
MOTION RE: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown and seconded by Mrs. Santos that the minutes of the following meetings be hereby approved:
Workshop Meeting, May 6, 2006 at 9:05 A.M.
Closed Session, May 6, 2006 at 10:45 A.M.
On roll call, the following vote was recorded: Mr. Campbell, “not voting”, Mr. Castelli, “aye”, Mr. Doffont, “not voting”, Mrs. Marks, “aye”, Mrs. Santos, “aye”, Mrs. Schalago, “aye”, Mrs. Mc Keown, “aye”, President Mc Donald, “aye”.
There being six votes in the affirmative and two members “not voting”, the motion was carried.
CORRESPONDENCE – Board Secretary
Mr. Gaulton read the letter of resignation dated May 8, 2006 from Frank Digesere, Principal of Kearny High School.
PRESENTATION – 2006 TEACHER RECOGNITION
The following 2006 Teacher Recognition recipients were honored by the Board of Education:
Barbara Azerski...................................................... Franklin School
Rosemary Barone.................................................... Garfield School
Donna Mac Donald.................................................. Lincoln School
Joanne Gouveia.................................................... Roosevelt School
Pamela Martin........................................................ Schuyler School
Dawn Boyer..................................................... Washington School
Denise Cicchino............................................... Kearny High School
PRESENTATION – RETIREES
The following retirees were honored for their years of service to the Kearny School District:
Phyllis Abromaitis..................................................... Schuyler School
Faith Andres....................................................... Kearny High School
Barbara Azerski......................................................... Franklin School
Debra Cerbone-Steiner.............................................. Franklin School
Michael Davis..................................................... Kearny High School
Patricia Faugno.......................................................... Garfield School
Ann Filippone............................................................. Franklin School
Leslie Gaulton............................................................ Business Office
Antoinette Gisoldi.............................................. Kearny High School
Eleanor Johnstone..................................................... Schuyler School
Bedros Kaywork....................................................... Schuyler School
Wayne Laubach........................................................... Lincoln School
Anne Mc Donnell....................................................... Business Office
Barbara Palmer.................................................. Kearny High School
Jorie Resch........................................................... Washington School
Joseph Rubbone.................................................. Kearny High School
Michael Sancilio.................................................. Kearny High School
Deborah Sheedy......................................................... Garfield School
Barbara Staknis-Kubowicz........................................ Lincoln School
Elmer Straub....................................................... Kearny High School
Walter Whimpenny............................................ Kearny High School
James White...................................................................... All Schools
BOARD MEMBER ARRIVES
Mr. Sgalia arrived at 7:15 P.M.
OBSERVERS
Joe Weber, Quincy Avenue, addressed the Board regarding an article that appeared in The Observer prior to the school election which he felt jeopardized the school budget.
Rita Gross, Elizabeth Avenue, questioned why the District’s website coverage of sporting events is not up to date.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT - Mr. Mooney
PART I – PERSONNEL ISSUES
The following resolution were moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mr. Sgalia and unanimously carried:
A. RETIREMENTS
Debra Cerbone-Steiner, Teacher of Science at Franklin School, will retire effective July 1, 2006 after twenty-nine years of service.
Jorie Resch, Elementary Teacher at Washington School, will retire July 1, 2006 after forty-one years of service.
Barbara Staknis-Kubowicz, Elementary Teacher at Lincoln School, will retire effective July 1, 2006 after forty-one years of service.
B. RESIGNATIONS
Frank Digesere, Principal of Kearny High School, has resigned his position, effective July 1, 2006.
Meghan Hackett, Teacher of English, has resigned her position, effective July 1, 2006.
C. REAPPOINTMENT OF NON-TENURED STAFF FOR 2006/2007
The Board has reappointed the non-tenured teaching staff for the 2006/2007 school year, as per the attached listing.
D. APPOINTMENTS
1. Teachers
The following appointments have been approved, effective September 1, 2006:
Name Certification Step/Salary Effective Replace
Carey, Kristen ..................... Elementary................... STEP 2, B.A., $38,818..................... Azerski
Loiacono, Danielle...................... English................... STEP 1, B.A., $37,776.................... Hackett
2. Aides
Name Assignment Hrly Rate Eff. Replace/New
Latham, Eleanor................. Washington / Lunch............ $9.00.............. 5/1/06................ Donofrio
3. Summer Child Study Team
The following have been appointed to the Summer Child Study Team at the remuneration of $32.00 per hour, five (5) hours per day for twenty (20) days, from July 28 to July 26, 2006 (excluding July 4):
Dilkes, Laura.............................. Psychologist
Jensen, Jeanine.......................... Social Worker
Mc Shane, Carol.................................... Speech *
Rabbitt, Patricia................................... LDT/C
Sarch, Robert........................................ LDT/C
Seigal, Jenna................................ Psychologist
* Up to thirty (30) hours
4. Summer Education, Occupational and Recreational Program for the Handicapped
The following have been appointed to the Summer Educational, Occupational and Recreational Program for the Handicapped. The thirty-day program will run from June 27 to August 8th, and the twenty-four day program runs from June 27 to July 26th, excluding July 4; all positions are four (40) hours per day at $128.00 per diem:
Thirty-Day Program
Barone, Rosemary........................... Teacher Shaffery, Elizabeth..................... Teacher
Calhanas, Jennifer............................ Teacher * Taylor, Janet.............................. Teacher
Conley, Fay........................................ Speech Tigeleiro, Melissa...................... Teacher.. *
Marino, Nicole......................... Psychologist * Young, Mary.............................. Teacher
Twenty-Four Day Program
Brack, Curtis.................................... Teacher Oliveira, Sandra........................ Teacher
Fuchs, Scott...................................... Teacher Van Leer, Mercedes................... Teacher.. *
Iadevaia, Kerri................................. Teacher
*IDEA-funded
Nurse (30-Day Program)
Mitchell, Denise
5. Part-time Technology Support Technician – Computer Specialist
The following has been appointed as a Technology Support Technician – Computer Specialist at the remuneration of $12.00 per hour, 19-1/2 hours per week for thirty-one (31) weeks. (The effective date will be determined upon completion of the Criminal History Check):
Valente, Mario (replacing John Caetano)
6. Summer Guidance Counselors
The following have been appointed as Guidance Counselors (two per week for ten weeks), commencing June 26, 2006. Hours of employment will be from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. (six (6) hours per day), at the remuneration of $32.00 per hour:
Caulfield, Dorothy Mc Guire, Bernadette
Correnti, Barbara Schmidt, Ron
Currie, Lois Skibicki, Michael
7. Distributor of Parochial and Private School Texts
Catherine Burke has been appointed as Distributor of Parochial and Private School Textbooks at the remuneration of $10.00 per hour for a total of forty (40) hours.
8. Summer Transition Counselor
The following has been appointed as Summer Transition Counselor commencing June 28 through July 26, 2006 (excluding July 4), 5 hours per day for 20 days, at the remuneration of $32.00 per hour:
Mary T. Kaag
9. District Chemical Safety Officer
Jacqueline Gilker has been appointed as District Chemical Safety Officer, July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007 at the stipend remuneration of $2,060.
10. Home Tutors
The following have been appointed as Home Tutors at the remuneration of $30.00 per hour:
Agaiby, Kamel Mullins, Jacqueline
Corbett,Jennifer Renna, Marianne
11. Guidance Interns
The following have been approved to work during the summer at Kearny High School as Guidance Interns, pending Criminal History Check:
Chalk, Victoria...... Special Education Summer Program & 21st Century Program
White, Jessica............................................................ High School Guidance Office
E. SUMMER EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP
The following has been appointed to conduct a Summer Technology Workshop in the Lincoln School computer lab, from June 26 to June 30, 2006, 9:00 A.M. until Noon, at the remuneration of $32.00 per hour, contingent upon availability of funding from Title IIA:
Lynch, Margaret
F. SUBSTITUTES
1. State Substitute Certificates
Approval has been granted to obtain State Substitute Certification for the following:
Avallone, Samantha All Grades/All Subjects
Fayne, Mary Jo All Grades/All Subjects
Gillespie, Jennifer All Grades/All Subjects
Henriquez, Theresa All Grades/All Subjects
Lugo, Jacqueline All Grades/All Subjects
O’Connell, Susan All Grades/All Subjects
Roessler, Heather All Grades/All Subjects
Rusek, Colleen All Grades/All Subjects
Vega, Jessica All Grades/All Subjects
2. Addition to the Annual List of Substitutes
The following has been added to the listing of teacher eligible to work for and be charged to the Title I Program:
Loiacono, Danielle
3. Renewal of Substitute Certificate
The following State Substitute Certifications have been renewed:
Carratura, Anthony Hoch, Cora
Conley-Mc Govern, Lois Leite, Barbara
Currie, Monica Mohsen, Amani
Finn, Erin J. Sickinger, Catherine
G. RENEWAL OF PROVISIONAL AND EMERGENCY CERTIFICATES
The following certificates have been approved for renewal:
Provisional/Conditional – New Teachers
Adamski, John Elementary
Avitable, Cori Elementary
Avitable, Justin Elementary
Blevis, Karen Elementary/Math
da Costa, Liana Elementary
Feldhan, Tara Elementary
Goodlad, Kerry English
Guerrero, Oscar Social Studies
Hohmann, Brian Social Studies
Hutcheson, Leslie Elementary
Matusz, Ana Elementary
Mc Gonigal, Lori Social Studies
Russo, Mariana Spanish (Conditional)
Severino, Keith Physical Education
Stamm, Timothy Physical Education
Testa, Kimberly Elementary
Martinez, Nancy Spanish
Zicopoulos, Vasiliki Social Studies
Emergency
Barbosa, Joanne Bilingual
Lopes, Helena ESL
Pereira, Filomena Bilingual/ESL
H. DOUBLE SICK DAYS
The Board has granted permission to double the available sick days for James L. Hyde, Custodian, which will be depleted on June 10, 2006.
I. RETURN FROM FAMILY LEAVE
Tracey J. Smeragliuolo, Kindergarten Teacher at Lincoln School, will return to work from a Family Leave on May 15, 2006.
J. EQUIVALENCY
The following equivalencies have been granted:
Name Equivalency Amount Effective
Einsiedler, Lauren............................................... M.A...................... $1,932.......................... 2/1/06
Measso, Paul............................................... M.A.+32........................ 6,057.......................... 2/1/06
Tavares-Oliviera, Sandra............................ B.A.+16........................ 1,433.......................... 9/1/05
PART II – NON-PERSONNEL ISSUES
The following resolutions, excluding “D”, were moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mr. Sgalia and unanimously carried:
A. BOARD POLICY – FIRST READING
The Board has approved the first reading of “new” Board Policy entitled “Head Lice”.
B. CATHOLIC CHARITIES CONTRACT
The Board has approved the 2006/2007 contract with Catholic Charities for the provision of individual evaluative services to referred Kearny school children.
C. OUTSIDE PLACEMENT
The Board has approved the following outside placement:
Student No. 12-05-88 to be placed at the Sawtelle Learning Center, Montclair, effective May 2, 2006 at the annual tuition of $57,220.46 (prorated).
D. 2006/2007 SCHOOL CALENDAR
This topic was held.
E. INFOLINK RENEWAL
The Board has renewed the District’s commitment with the INFOLINK Library Cooperative for the 2006/2007 school year.
F. CREW SHELL PAYMENT
The Board has approved Payment#3 (of 6 payments) in the amount of $8,134.09 to Yankee Finance, LLC for the Millennium DS8 and DM8 crew shells. The Crew Parents will make other scheduled payments.
G. READING PROGRAM K-5
The Board has approved the purchase of the Harcourt Trophies Reading Program (2007) for students in grades K-5; the total cost to the Board is $365,375 ($408,584 with $43,209 funded by ECPA funds).
H. READING PROGRAM 6-8
The Board has approved the purchase of the Holt Literature Reading Program (2007) for students in grades 6-8; the total cost to the Board is $84,945 ($104,945 with $20,000 from Federal funds).
I. TEACHER TRAINING/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Board has approved teacher training/professional development during the summer of 2006. The number of hours will be 550 at the remuneration of $32.00 per hour, borne by Federal funds.
J. JOB DESCRIPTIONS
The Board has adopted the following job descriptions:
504 Aide (New)
Safety Personnel/Security (Revised)
K. SCHOOL-BASED YOUTH SERVICES PROGRAM FY ‘07
The Board has accepted funding in the amount of $266,833 for the FY ’07 School-Based Youth Services Program (July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007).
L. EVALUATIONS
The Board has approved the following revised/new evaluation forms for the following:
Aides – Bus Drivers – Coaches – Custodians – Grounds – Head Custodians – Maintenance – Safety Personnel/Security – Secretarial/Clerical/Office Personnel
REPORT OF THE BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR/BOARD SECRETARY - Mr. Gaulton
The following resolutions, # 1 through #14, with the exception of #13, were moved by Mr. Doffont, seconded by Mr. Sgalia and unanimously carried:
PART A
1. Cash Receipts – April, 2006
The Kearny Board of Education hereby approves the following Report of Cash Receipts for the month of April, 2006:
BANK OF AMERICA
April 5 State of NJ-FICA $ 113,839.54
5 State of NJ-Chapter 192/193 27,899.00
6 State of NJ-NJSCC (Garfield Solar) 99,542.30
6 NJCM Return 300,000.00
7 State of NJ-NJSCC (Lincoln Solar) 330,756.30 7 State of NJ-NJSCC (Schuyler Solar) 298,901.03
7 Bank of America-Interest-Checking Account 5,468.65
10 State of NJ-21st Century Grant 39,474.00
10 State of NJ-State Aid 1,017,851.00
12 State of NJ-School-Based Youth Services Grant 66,707.98
19 NJCM Return 1,500,000.00
19 State of NJ-School Lunch-March-Federal 74,410.42
19 State of NJ-School Breakfast-March-Federal 4,882.52
19 State o