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Vice-President Kennedy called the meeting to order at 7:30pm.  Mrs. Barna read the following opening statement, “I would like to announce and have placed in the minutes that adequate notice of this regular meeting of the Lopatcong Township Board of Education has been provided in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act by publication of the annual notice in the Express-Times. A copy of this notice has also been filed with the Township Clerk and posted in two school locations.”

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.

ROLL CALL

Present:  Ernie Gallant, Joe Kennedy, Greg McGann, Mr. McGuinness, Jesse Rozycki and Raisy Stammherr (arrived at 7:55pm)

Absent:  Donna Drake, Frank Kish, and Bill Taggart

Others Present: Albert V. Purdy, Superintendent; Teresa E. Barna, Business Administrator/Board Secretary; and approximately ten members of the public.

CORRESPONDENCE

1. John Comegno – Mrs. Barna read a Letter of thanks from John Comegno for  the loyalty and confidence the Board has shown in supporting him in starting his own law practice.

2. Bill King – Mrs. Barna read a thank you note from Bill King for including him as part of the Dedication Ceremony.

MINUTES

Motion by McGann, second by Gallant, that the minutes of March 30, 2004 be approved and filed as amended.

Vote: 5 - Yes. Motion carried.

BILL LIST

Motion by McGuinness, second by Gallant, that the bills submitted for the April 13, 2004 meeting be approved for payment.

Vote: 5 - Yes. Motion carried.

SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORTS

Motion by McGuinness, second by Rozycki, that the Secretary/Treasurer Reports submitted for the month ending February 29, 2004, which agree with each other and the bank be approved and filed.

Roll call vote: 5 – Yes. Motion carried.

FINANCIAL REPORT CERTIFICATION

Motion by McGuinness, second by Gallant, as follows:

Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11(c)3, the Board Secretary certifies that no line 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;

Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11(c)4, we certify that as of February 29, 2004, after review of the monthly report (appropriation section) and upon consultation with the appropriate officials, to the best of our knowledge no major line 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 entire fiscal year.

Roll call vote: 5 – Yes. Motion carried.

Motion by Gallant, second by McGann, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve a construction change order to Contract No. 5 for Wind Gap Electric in the amount of $10,288.00 for data cabling conduit from the Electric Room to the Head End Room to provide the ability to get the cabling over the high point.

Roll call vote: 5 – Yes. Motion carried.

Motion by McGuinness, second by McGann, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the placement of one Lopatcong student at the Stepping Stone School effective March 17, 2004 for the remainder of the 2003-2004 school year and to approve a tuition contract with Stepping Stone School in the amount of $160.99 per day for a total not to exceed $9,659.40.

Roll call vote: 5 – Yes. Motion carried.

Motion by McGann, second by Rozycki, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, revise the list of persons receiving stipends as follows:

Roll call vote: 5 – Yes. Motion carried.

Motion by Rozycki, second by Gallant, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve Jason Himer as a Behavior Consultant for the remainder of the 2003-2004 school year at a rate of $20 per hour.

Roll call vote:  5 – Yes. Motion carried.

Motion by Gallant, second by McGuinness, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the following requests for use of facilities:

Elementary School

Middle School

Vote: 5 – Yes. Motion carried.

Motion by McGuinness, second by Rozycki, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the following field trips:

Vote: 5 – Yes. Motion carried.

Motion by McGann, second by Gallant, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the following transfer of funds within the 2003-2004 school year budget:

Roll call vote: 5 – Yes. Motion carried.

ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

Kindergarten Registration will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2004.

Feedback from the dedication ceremony was very favorable.

Mr. Kennedy thanked all those involved in planning the dedication ceremony. Mr. Kennedy also thanked the teachers and the student council for contributing to a successful day.

REPRESENTATIVE INFORMATION FROM PHILLIPSBURG

Mr. Kish was not present to give a report. Mr. Kennedy stated that five additional trailers have been approved and will be in place for September.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

None

OTHER ITEMS OF EMERGENT NATURE

None

Mrs. Stammherr arrived.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ray Thierrin read and presented a letter to the Board regarding transportation to the New Jersey Junior High Honor Choir in Jamesburg, NJ. The Board is not providing transportation to this event. The Board does not provide transportation to events that students are selected to on an individual basis.

Mr. Megaro – Why isn’t there more interaction between the grade levels in the new school?

The Architectural and Educational design of the school was for a middle level school philosophy. There is some interaction between grade levels for chorus and band.

Mr. Megaro stated that he had the opportunity to attend the Forensics Competition. The Lopatcong students did a great job and they really seemed prepared.

Mr. Purdy mentioned that there will be a recognition night where students will be honored for their accomplishments.

Mrs. Buckley – What is the status of the signage for the property? Mrs. Barna has been reviewing different signs and how many and where they will be located on the property. An order should be placed very shortly.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion by McGuinness, seconded by Rozycki,

WHEREAS, Section 7 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975 (R.S. 10:4-13), permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting or portion of a meeting of this public body in certain circumstances; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education must consider matters involving legal issues and personnel, the disclosure of which could constitute and unwarranted invasion of privacy; now

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education adjourn to executive session at 8:20pm to discuss the above mentioned matter to the exclusion of all others. Matters discussed may or may not be made public this evening. Any resulting action will be taken after re-entry into regular session.

Vote: 7 - Yes. Motion carried.

Motion by McGuinness, second by McGann, that the Board of Education return to regular session at 9:01pm Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Hearing no further business, the Board adjourned at 9:02pm on a motion by Gallant, second by McGann. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Respectfully submitted,

Teresa E. Barna, RSBO

Business Administrator/

Board Secretary

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