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President Kish 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 at both school locations.”

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.

ROLL CALL

Present:  Donna Drake, Ernie Gallant, Terry Glennon, Joe Kennedy, Frank Kish, Greg McGann, Tim McGuinness, Raisy Stammherr and Bill Taggart.

Absent:  None

Others Present:  Albert V. Purdy, Superintendent; Teresa E. Barna, Business Administrator/Board Secretary; Rosemary Kowalchuk, Principal and approximately 50 members of the public.

CORRESPONDENCE

None

MINUTES

Motion by Gallant, second by Taggart, that the minutes of April 27, 2004 and May 5, 2004 be approved and filed.

Vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Mr. Kish abstained from the motion to approve the minutes of May 5th.

BILL LIST

Motion by Taggart, second by Gallant, that the bills submitted for the May 11, 2004 meeting be approved for payment.

Vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORTS

Motion by Gallant, second by McGuinness, that the Secretary/Treasurer Reports submitted for the month ending March 31, 2004, which agree with each other and the bank be approved and filed.

Roll call vote:  9 – 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 March 31, 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:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Mr. Kish apologized for not being able to attend the joint meeting with council on the budget.  Mr. Kish has heard that there are some rumors going around that the Board is eliminating the instrumental music program.  Mr. Kish confirmed that this is a rumor.  The budget defeat has caused the Board to make some tough decisions.  There will be some changes to the instrumental program next year, however, the program will remain intact.  The Board fought hard in their negotiations with council to maintain the integrity of our programs.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS

Chris Larsen read a statement in support of the instrumental music program.

Lee Rozycki commended all those who contributed to the success of the art show at the elementary school.

Motion by Gallant, second by Kennedy, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve Kathleen Counterman as a substitute teacher for the remainder of the 2003-2004 school year and to be paid at the appropriate substitute rate.

Roll call vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by McGuinness, second by Drake, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, accept with regrets the resignation of Mrs. Ann McGinley as a confidential secretary effective June 25, 2004.

Roll call vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Mr. Taggart commented that Mrs. McGinley is going to be a big loss to the district.  Mr. Kennedy commented that we are going to miss her energy.

Motion by Taggart, second by Drake, that be it

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

Vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by McGann, second by Taggart, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the use of the Elementary School Gymnasium on June 2, 3, and 4, 2004 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm by Lopatcong Midget Cheerleading.

Vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by Glennon, second by Kennedy, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, enter into a transportation agreement with Warren County Special Services School District for regular transportation, special education transportation and non-public school transportation for the 2004-2005 school year as per the terms and condition in the agreement.

Vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by Drake, second by Gallant, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, authorize the Business Administrator/Board Secretary to enter into a contract with Therapeutic Intervention, Inc. for the 2004-2005 school year to provide occupational therapy services at a cost of $74.25 per hour for school-based therapy and $83.00 per hour for home-based therapy.

Roll call vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Note:  The school district must provide occupational therapy services to students that require therapy according to their Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Motion by Kennedy, second by Stammherr, 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 effective March 31, 2004:

Roll call vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by Stammherr, second by Glennon, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the application to the Warren County Department of Education for summer enrichment programs as follows:

Vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by Gallant, second by   McGuinness, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve personnel for the summer enrichment programs as follows:

Roll call vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by McGuinness, second by Kennedy, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, offer re-employment to the Assistant Principal, Matthew Eagleburger for the 2004-2005 school year at a salary to be determined.

Roll call vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by Taggart, second by Stammherr, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, offer re-employment, for the 2004-2005 school year, to the following non-tenured staff who are eligible for tenure September 2004:

Roll call vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by McGann, second by McGuinness, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, offer re-employment to the following non-tenured certified staff for the 2004-2005 school year:

Roll call vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by Glennon, second by McGuinness, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, offer re-employment to the following non-certified staff for the 2004-2005 school year at their appropriate place on the salary guide:

Giovanni Feleppo, Head Custodian

Stephen Fleming, Custodian

Henry Hooper, Custodian

Carl Johnson, Custodian

Ronald Marinelli, Head Custodian

Maynard Reeves, Custodian

James Wilson, Custodian

Marena Brons, Classroom Aide

Victoria Dunlap, Classroom Aide

Jane Krusman, Classroom Aide

JoAnne Buckley, Cafeteria Aide

Elizabeth Gallant, Cafeteria Aide

Kimberly Koslowski, Cafeteria Aide

Linda McQuade, Cafeteria Aide

Jacqueline Ellard, Library Clerk

Roll call vote:  8 – Yes.  Gallant – abstain.  Motion carried.

Motion by Drake, second by Stammherr, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, offer re-employment to confidential secretaries Laura Ruggiero and Jennie Secula for the 2004-2005 school year at salaries to be determined.

Roll call vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by McGuinness, seconded by Taggart,

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 8:08 p.m.  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:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by Gallant, second by Drake, that the Board of Education return to regular session at 8:35 p.m.  Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Motion by Gallant, second by Taggart,

WHEREAS, the Lopatcong Township Board of Education on April 20, 2004, proposed a budget that will provide a thorough and efficient education to the children of Lopatcong Township for the 2004-2005 school year, and

WHEREAS, the registered voters of Lopatcong Township defeated the Board’s proposal by 8 votes, and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has met in public session with the municipal government to discuss the 2004-2005 school year budget and has accepted the municipal governments proposal for reductions to the base budget in the amount of $51,808, now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education will make the following line item reductions to the 2004-2005 school year budget:

And therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education submit a budget to the State of New Jersey for the 2004-2005 school year as follows:

And therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education requests the use of Banked Cap in the amount of $447,420, and therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education requests the following spending growth limitation adjustments:

And therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education requests a Commissioner Spending Growth Limitation Adjustment for Increase in Insurance and Domestic Security Preparedness in the amount of $44,825.

Roll call vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by McGuinness, second by Drake, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approve the 2004-2005 Local Tax Requisition Schedule as presented and attached to these minutes.

Vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by Taggart, second by Gallant, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, not renew the contract for Corrine Fallon as a Classroom Aide for the 2004-2005 school year due to the elimination of the position.

Roll call vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by McGann, second by Drake, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, will not renew the contract for Nicola Burke, Instrumental Music Teacher for the 2004-2005 school year due to reductions in force due to budget constraints.

Roll call vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Mr. Kish restated that the instrumental music program will continue for the 2004-2005 school year.

Motion by Glennon, second by Gallant, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, reduce the contract for the Child Study Team Secretary, Terry Lynch for the 2004-2005 school year from a full-time position to a half-time position due to budget constraints.

Roll call vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Mr. Purdy referenced a program from the New Jersey Elementary & Junior High Honor Choirs for which Lopatcong was represented by three students.

The first Drama Club performance of “Into the Woods” will be taking place on May 12, 13, and 14, 2004.

Wednesday, June 2, 2004 will be “Student Recognition Night”

REPRESENTATIVE INFORMATION FROM PHILLIPSBURG

Mr. Kish passed around policies that were recently approved by the Phillipsburg Board of Education that he wants the Policy Committee to review.

Mr. Kish also referenced and passed around Phillipsburg’s three year Technology Plan.

Mr. Kish mentioned that the new Phillipsburg High School will have the following community specific features:  Day Care Center, Physician’s Office, Planetarium and Bike and Walkway Path.

The Childhood Learning Center is moving along which is located behind Tony’s Tire Service.  Ground breaking is June 10, 2004.

Phillipsburg will be adding more trailers for next year.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

The state is looking at ways to reduce property taxes and school funding.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Lee Rozycki – Is Mrs. McGinley’s position being filled?  Yes.

What is the status of the parent forum meeting and how does one get involved?  The district is waiting for the Warren County School Boards Assoc.  to give us a date that they are available to run the meeting.  The committee felt is would be a good idea for this association to be involved in the beginning to guide us in the right direction.

Lauren Porcelli – What is the ground breaking date for the Phillipsburg High School?  Spring 2005.

JoAnn Buckley mentioned that there is an 8th grade student that is attending the middle school that does not live in the township.  What is being done about this.  Mrs. Kowalchuk stated that this particular incident has been investigated.

Sam Grimm stated that he is disappointed that a teacher was cut.  Aren’t there other areas that could have been cut such as aides or custodians?

Mr. Kish stated that the Board has given the administration the direction to come up with a way to maintain the program.  Please give them an opportunity.

Ms. Karnas made a statement in support of the integrity of the instrumental music program.

Tim McGuinness – This is just the start of bad times ahead.  It is critical that all of us support public education.

Mrs. Flanagan stated that she has come before the board and written letters regarding the lack of communication from the school to the community.  She has not seen any improvement in this area.

Mr. Glennon stated that he is in agreement with Mrs. Flanagan that there has not been any improvement.

Mrs. Barna stated that there has been improvement.  The annual notice of Board meetings is not only publicly advertised in the local newspaper but is included in the PTA newsletter that is sent home with each student and all board meetings are included in the student handbook that is distributed to each student at the beginning of each school year as well as being posted on the message board outside of the school.  All approved minutes and agendas are being posted on the website and resolutions are being distributed to the public at the Board meetings.

Mrs. Drake stated that she disagrees with Mr. Glennon.  The Board is trying to communicate with the public.  PTA Newsletters are sent out every other month, the school calendar, letters are sent from the Board President and the Superintendent regarding the budget.

Mr. Kish stated that every registered voter receives a sample ballot in the mail.

Mr. Gallant stated that he disagrees with Mrs. Flanagan as well.  There have been improvements although there are more improvements that can be made.

Mrs. Porcelli thanked the Board for acknowledging the band students that came to support the program.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion by McGuinness, seconded by Taggart,

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 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 9:27pm 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:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by McGuinness, second by Taggart, that the Board of Education return to regular session at 10:45pm.

Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Motion by Gallant, second by Stammherr, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, offer reemployment to David Bommieno for the 2004-2005 school year.

Roll call vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by McGuinness, second by Gallant, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the 3 year Technology Plan for 2004-2007 for submission to the Warren County Department of Education.

Vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Hearing no further business, the Board adjourned at 11:02pm on a motion by McGuinness, second by Taggart.

Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Respectfully submitted,

Teresa E.  Barna, RSBO

Business Administrator/

Board Secretary

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