Regular Meeting
November 20, 2006
7:06 P.M.
The Regular Meeting of the Kearny Board of Education was held at Roosevelt School, 733 Kearny 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 November 17, 2006.
ROLL CALL
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, Mr. Charles A. Grau, Interim Business Administrator/Board Secretary, and Kenneth J. Lindenfelser, Esq., Board Attorney were also present.
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. Doffont that the minutes of the following meeting be hereby approved:
Regular Meeting, October 16, 2006 at 7:10 P.M.
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, “not voting”, Mr. Sgalia, “not voting”, Mrs. Mc Keown, “aye”, President Mc Donald, “aye”.
There being seven 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 and, seconded by Mr. Doffont that the minutes of the following meeting be hereby approved:
Closed Session, October 16, 2006 at 6:05 P.M.
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, “not voting”, Mrs. Mc Keown, “aye”, President Mc Donald, “aye”.
There being eight votes in the affirmative and one member “not voting”, the motion was carried.
MOTION RE: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown and, seconded by Mr. Doffont that the minutes of the following meeting be hereby approved:
Closed Session, October 16, 2006 at 7:10 P.M.
On roll call, the following vote was recorded: Mr. Campbell, “aye”, Mr. Castelli, “aye”, Mr. Doffont, “aye”, Mrs. Marks, “aye”, Mrs. Santos, “not voting”, Mrs. Schalago, “not voting”, Mr. Sgalia, “not voting”, Mrs. Mc Keown, “aye”, President Mc Donald, “aye”.
There being six votes in the affirmative and three members “not voting”, the motion was carried.
MOTION RE: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown and, seconded by Mr. Doffont that the minutes of the following meetings be hereby approved:
Special Meeting, October 23, 2006 at 6:00 P.M.
Closed Session, October 23, 2006 at 6:04 P.M.
On roll call, the following vote was recorded: Mr. Campbell, “aye”, Mr. Castelli, “not voting”, 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 seven votes in the affirmative and two members “not voting”, the motion was carried.
PRESENTATION – FY ’06 ANNUAL AUDIT
Mr. Grau introduced Joseph Kelly from the auditing firm of LERCH, VINCI & HIGGINS, to present the Board of Education with the results of the FY ’06 annual audit. Mr. Kelly noted that under the provisions of S-1701, school districts cannot maintain a surplus greater than 2% of their budget plus the addition of any Extraordinary Aid granted during the school year. Accordingly, the Kearny School District will return approximately $2,500,000 to the taxpayers of Kearny as tax relief.
BOARD ATTORNEY SPEAKS
Mr. Lindenfelser read a prepared statement prior to taking comments from observers regarding a recent classroom incident at the High School, informing the assembly that due to the potential of litigation and for reasons of privacy, neither the Superintendent, Board Attorney, nor Board members would be commenting publicly on the matter.
OBSERVERS
Joseph Petito, Verona, regarding Kearny’s request to be released from the Watchung Conference for football;
The following observers addressed the Board regarding the Paszkiewicz/Le Clair matter:
Allyson Dyl, Paul Laclair, Matthew Laclair, Debra Laclair, Camila Ferreira
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT - Mr. Mooney
PART I – PERSONNEL ISSUES
The following resolutions, inclusive of Items “A” and “B-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8” were moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mr. Doffont and unanimously carried:
A. LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Sandra Oliveira, teacher of the handicapped at Garfield School, has been granted a Family Leave of Absence from March 5 to April 5, 2007.
B. APPOINTMENTS
1. After-Hours Core Curriculum Standards Instructors In Elementary And Junior Schools
The following have been appointed as Core Curriculum Standards Instructors. The number of hours are not to exceed seventy-two (72) at the remuneration of $32.00 per hour:
Barbosa, Joanne Lepore, Grace
2. Advisor
The following appointment has been approved:
FALL
Kearnian Advisor.............................. Adamski, John..................... $1,616
3. After-School Bilingual/ESL Instructor
The following have been appointed as After-School Bilingual/ESL instructors for the 2006/2007 school year; the number of hours per teacher cannot exceed 100 at the remuneration of $32.00 per hour:
Goncalves, Vera Soares, Adriana
Nunes, Maria
4. Parent Involvement Facilitators for DEPA Schools
The following have been appointed as Parent Involvement Facilitators for Franklin, Garfield, Schuyler and Washington Schools for the 2006/2007 school year. Remuneration is 432.00 per hour, not to exceed thirty-five (35) hours and duties must be performed outside of regular school responsibilities:
Oliviera, Claudia Santos, Marisa
5. Substitute Lunchroom Supervisor
The following has been appointed as a Substitute Lunchroom Supervisor at the remuneration of $29.00 per hour:
Lepore, Grace
6. Science League Advisor
The following has been appointed as Science League Advisor at Kearny High School for the 2006/2007 school year at the remuneration of $860.00:
Gilker, Jacqueline
7. Educational Workshops
The following have been approved to present educational workshops at the remuneration of $32.00 per hour:
Roessler, Sally Presentation! – exploring Keynote, Power Point, iMovie and Slide Shows
Twenty (20) class hours and ten (10) preparation hours
Gateway to Great Lessons – provide level of confidence using the tablet
Eight (8) class hours and four (4) preparation hours
Connell, Melody New Teaching Tools – acquaint teachers with new technologies
Thirty (30) hours
8. Aides
The following Aides have been appointed for the amount stated, not to exceed 19-1/2 hours per week:
NAME ASSIGNMENT SALARY EFFECTIVE REPLACE/NEW
Barrera, Jennifer............ Substitute.......................... $10.00/hour....... *.........................................
Da Silva, Jolanta............ Kearny High School.......... $10.00/hour....... *.............................. Zarillo
Guajardo, Germania...... Schuyler w/student........... $10.00/hour....... *................................ NEW
Entwistle, Joan.............. Schuyler w/student........... $10.00/hour....... *............................ Cervino
Gillen, Barbara.............. Schuyler w/student........... $10.00/hour....... *................................ NEW
Klimek, Patricia............. Schuyler w/student........... $10.00/hour....... *................................ NEW
Michael, Neveen............ Kearny High School.......... $10.00/hour....... 11/14/06............. Elmorsey
Rivadeneira, Monica...... Garfield w/student............ $10.00/hour....... *............................... Young
Roth, Ann....................... Garfield w/student............ $10.00/hour....... *................................ NEW
Vieceli, Dawn................. Substitute.......................... $10.00/hour....... *.........................................
* Pending criminal history check
The following resolution was moved by Mr. Castelli and seconded by Mrs. Marks:
9. Senior Computer Technician
Adam Elmquist has been appointed as Senior Computer Technician, STEP 1 of the K.S.E.A. 2006/2007 Salary Guide, which is an annual salary of $37,541, plus $1,500 (use of vehicle) stipend, for a total prorated salary of $39,041, effective November 21, 2006.
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, “not voting”, President Mc Donald, “aye”.
There being eight votes in the affirmative and one member “not voting”, the motion was carried.
The following resolutions, inclusive of Items “C”, “D”, “E-1, 2, 3, 4, and “F”, were moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mrs. Santos and unanimously carried:
C. COUNSELING INTERNSHIP
The following has been approved as a counseling intern from the Montclair State University M.A. Counseling Program:
Kass, Miryam L.
D. BUS DRIVER – ADDITIONAL HOURS
The Board has approved additional hours for the following:
Sellari, Anthony – Bus Driver – Two (2) additional hours per week – Transportation of students in the Sawtelle Learning Center and the Gifted & Talented Program.
E. SUBSTITUTES
1. State Certificates
Permission has been granted to obtain State Substitute Certification for the following in All Grades/All Subjects:
Castro, Carmen Ram, Keeran N.
Godevas, Giannoula Ramierez, Marilyn
Gregory, Noel Reitemeyer, Katherine
Haggarty, Elisa M. Romero, Maribel
Khan, Amina Teixeira, Rosa
Mack, Jayme L.
2. Additions to the Annual List of Substitutes
The following have been added to the annual listing of teachers eligible to work for and be charged to the Title I Program:
Elmorsy, Nsreen Portela, Sophia
Lopez, Jennifer Perez, Mike
3. Renewal of Substitute Certificate
Permission has been granted to renewal Substitute Certification for the following:
Cooke, Monica C. Le Van, Rosemary
Digesere, Jaclyn Sleece, Heather E.
Kruk, Elizabeth A. Wagner, Jennifer
4. Long-Term Substitutes
The following long-term substitute appointments have been approved as follows:
Name Replacing Daily Rate Rate per Starting Day
Barandela, Omar Marakian, Rosanna $80 first 21 days, then $37,776 (prorated, per diem) Schuyler-Bil/ESL Effective 10/18/06
Hoeller, Lauren Bellenger, Denise $80 first 21 days, then $37,776 (prorated, per diem)
Washington-Pre-K Effective 10/30/06
Le Blanc, Kim A. Kaufman, Daniel $75 first 22 days, then $100 per diem
KHS-Math Effective 10/16/06
Siegle, Karen Renna, Marianne $80 first 21 days, then $37,776 (prorated, per diem)
Garfield-Grade 4 Effective 12/13/06
F. EQUIVALENCY
The following equivalencies have been approved, effective September 1, 2006:
Borkowski, Jan............................................. B.A.+32...................... $1,909
Drefko, John.................................................. M.A.+32....................... 2,392
Gryckiewicz, Lynn........................................ B.A.+32........................ 3,351
Kubowicz, John............................................. M.A.............................. 3,847
Marinaro, Colleen......................................... M.A.+32....................... 6,058
O’Neill, Kathleen.......................................... M.A.+32....................... 6,897
Perez, Albert................................................. M.A.+32....................... 6,060
Renna, Marianne........................................... M.A.............................. 1,931
Tallarida, Nicole............................................ M.A.............................. 5,223
Zollo, Nancy.................................................. B.A.+32........................ 1,909
PART II – NON-PERSONNEL ISSUES
The following resolutions, inclusive of Items “A” and “B”, were moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mr. Doffont and unanimously carried:
A. OUTSIDE PLACEMENTS
The Board has approved the following outside placements:
Student No. 12-96-43 to be placed at the Deron II School, Montclair, at the annual (prorated) tuition of $38,158.20, effective October 12, 2006;
Student No. 6-05-169 to be placed at the Mount Carmel Guild Academy, West Orange, at the annual (prorated) tuition of $44,188, effective November 13, 2006;
Student No. 1-01-90 to be placed at The Phoenix Center School, Nutley, at the annual (prorated) tuition of $44,168.40, effective November 13, 2006.
B. APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS TRAINING
The Board has approved ten (10) hours per week of Applied Behavioral Analysis Training for Student No. 6-05-170 in order to meet the requirements of the student’s IEP. The program is not to exceed six (6) months and will be re-evaluated after three (3) months. Progressive Steps, LLC will provide the service at a rate of $702.00 per week.
The following resolution was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mr. Doffont and unanimously carried:
C. 21ST CENTURY LEARNING CENTER “TICKET TO SUCCESS” AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM
The Board has accepted funding in the amount of $516,097 for the 21st Century Learning Center “Ticket to Success” After-School Program.
The following resolution was moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by mr. Sgalia and unanimously carried:
D. MARCHING UNIT TRIP
The Board has approved the Kearny High School Marching Unit trip to Vriginia and Washington, D.C., May 25 – 28, 2007 contingent upon all Board policies being met; there will be no cost to the Board.
E. RELEASE FROM WATCHUNG CONFERENCE
Based upon the recommendation of the Athletic Committee of the Kearny Board of Education, the Superintendent of Schools, and the Kearny High School Principal and Vice Principal of Athletics/Student Activities, Kearny High School hereby requests permanent release from the Watchung Conference in Football for safety reasons.
The following resolutions, Inclusive of Items “F”, “G”, and “H”, were moved by Mrs. Mc Keown, seconded by Mr. Doffont and unanimously carried:
F. PROFESSIONAL DAYS
The listing of Professional Days has been approved and is hereby made an integral part of the minutes.
G. GEOPHYSICAL SYSTEMS (CURRICULUM UPDATE)
The Board has adopted a curriculum change in Geophysical Systems and has updated the curriculum to include the use of the microwave.
H. GUIDANCE/COUNSELING PROGRAM REVISIONS
The Board has adopted revisions to the Guidance/Counseling Program.
REPORT OF THE INTERIM BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR/BOARD SECRETARY - Mr. Grau
PART A
The following resolutions, inclusive of Items #1 through #11, were moved by Mr. Castelli, seconded by Mr. Sgalia and unanimously carried:
1. Cash Receipts – October, 2006
The Kearny Board of Education hereby approves the following Report of Cash Receipts for the month of October, 2006:
BANK OF AMERICA
Oct 4 State of NJ-Chapter 192/193 $ 30,725.00
6 Interest (Checking Account) 8,679.92
10 State of NJ-State Aid 1,132,764.00
12 NJCM Return 1,300,000.00
16 State of NJ-School-Based Youth Services Program 66,708.00
18 2006/2007 Budget 3,182,072.00
20 State of NJ-BPU-Franklin Solar Project 1,225,600.00
20 State of NJ-BPU-Washington Solar Project 547,740.60
23 State of NJ-State Aid 1,132,764.00
27 NJCM Return 700,000.00
30 Coca-Cola Bottling Group 669.00
31 Miscellaneous Receipts 76,363.36 9,404,085.88
9,404,085.88
NEW JERSEY CASH MANAGEMENT
31 Interest-NJCM #50555 3,006.70
31 Interest-NJCM #10561 41,822.35
31 Interest-NJCM #128651 6,461.05
31 Interest-NJCM #130001 15,576.82
$ 9,470,952.80
2. Approval of Budget Transfers
The Kearny Board of Education, based upon the recommendation of the Interim Business Administrator/Board Secretary, hereby approves the list of transfers as per the attached for the 2006/2007 school budget.
3. 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 October 31, 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.
4. 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 October 31, 2006.
5. 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 $3,182,072.00, 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 $ 42,427,638.00
Amount Billed to Date $18,031,747.00
Amount of this Request 3,182,072.00 21,213,819.00
Balance to the Credit of Kearny
Board of Education $ 21,213,819.00
6. Investments – October, 2006 (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 October, 2006. And be it further
Resolved: That for the record it be noted that the interest earned on said investments amounted to $63,860.22, bringing the year-to-date interest to $160,884.56.
7. 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 $9,919,092.67, covering the period of 10/13/06 to 11/16/06, hereby orders same to be paid, in accordance with NJSA 18A:19-4.
8. Athletic Bills
The Kearny Board of Education hereby authorizes the release of warrants in payment of the following bills:
VENDOR P.O.# AMOUNT
Radio Shack Corporation A270027 589.94
Varsity Spirit Fashions & Danzteam A270087 378.25
Music Modes, Inc. A270092 2,049.00
The Lifeguard Store, Inc. A270096 1,732.00
The Lifeguard Store, Inc. A270097 72.00
Stan’s Sport Center, Inc. A270111 742.00
R&R Trophy & Sporting Goods A270116 60.93
9. 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.
10. Approval to Enter into Joint Transportation Agreement
The Kearny Board of Education, based upon the recommendation of the Business Administrator/Board Secretary and Director of Special Services, hereby approves entering into a Joint Transportation Agreement with the Harrison Board of Education during the 2006/2007 school year for the following transport service:
a. Transportation of Student No. 6-05-169 to the Mount Carmel Guild Academy, West Orange
11. Request to Increase Transportation Route
The Kearny Board of Education, based upon the recommendation of the Interim Business Administrator/Board Secretary, hereby approves a request from Frederick P. Romano, Cross Country, Inc., for an increase of $120.00 per day for Transportation Route #1, commencing November 1, 2006.
The following resolution was moved by Mr. Castelli, seconded by Mrs. Marks and unanimously carried:
12. REPORT OF FY ’06 ANNUAL SCHOOL AUDIT
The Kearny Board of Education, based upon the presentation of the FY ‘06 Annual School Audit made by Mr. Joseph Kelly (LERCH VINCI & HIGGINS) during the Open Session of the November 20, 2006 Board of Education meeting, hereby notes for the record that the following audit recommendations have been read and discussed. And be it further
Resolved: That the following Corrective Action Plan be hereby approved and made an integral part of the minutes.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
NAME OF SCHOOL KEARNY BOARD OF EDUCATION