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Agenda:

Public comments are invited on any educationally pertinent subject.  All participants will be given five (5) minutes to state their issue.  In addition, the subject matter may be discussed by the Board for an additional five (5) minutes.  All audience participants must state their name and address before speaking.  Thank you for understanding.

Minutes:

MINUTES OF THE LOPATCONG TOWNSHIP

BOARD OF EDUCATION

ANNUAL REORGANIZATION MEETING

The Board Secretary called the meeting to order at 7:30pm and read the following statement, “I would like to announce and have placed in the minutes that adequate notice of this re-organization meeting of the Lopatcong Township Board of Education has been provided in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act by publication in the Express-Times. A copy of the agenda has been filed with the Township Clerk and posted in both school locations.”

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.

Mrs. Tolley read the results of the Annual School Election held on April 19, 2005 as follows and attached to these minutes:

Ernest Gallant, Jr., Frank Kish, Dennis Drake and Jesse Rozycki read the Oath of Office.

ROLL CALL

Dennis Drake, Ernest Gallant, Terry Glennon, Frank Kish, Greg McGann, Timothy McGuinness,  Jesse Rozycki, Raisy Stammherr, and Bill Taggart

Absent: None

Others Present:  Albert V. Purdy, Superintendent; Fran Tolley, Interim Business Administrator/Board Secretary; Rosemary Kowalchuk, Principal; Matthew Eagleburger, Assistant Principal; John Comegno, Board Attorney; and approximately 20 members of the public.

Election of Board President

The Board Secretary, Mrs. Tolley opened nominations for the office of President of the Board of Education.

Motion by Mr. Kish, second by Mr. Taggart a nomination for Ernie Gallant for President.

Motion by Mr. McGuinness, second by Ms. Stammherr that nominations for President be closed.

Vote:  9 – Yes. Motion carried.

The Board Secretary called for those in favor of Mr. Gallant for the Office of President.

Vote:   9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

The Board Secretary turned the meeting over to President Gallant.

Election of Board President

President Gallant opened nominations for Vice-President.

Motion by Ms. Stammherr, second by Mr. Kish a nomination for Bill Taggart for Vice-President.

Motion by Mr. McGuinness, second by Mr. Kish that nominations for Vice-President be closed.

Vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

President Gallant called for those in favor of Bill Taggart for Office of Vice-President.

Vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Congratulations were given to the President and the Vice-President.

Motion moved by Mr. Kish, seconded by Mr. McGuinness, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education adopt all school policies as written and contained in the Board Policy Manual for the 2005-2006 school year.

Vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion moved by Mr. McGuinness, seconded by Ms. Stammherr, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education adopt the present curriculum, curriculum guides, textbooks and instruction material for grades K-8 for the 2005-2006 school year as follows:

Vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion moved by Mr. Taggart, seconded by Mr. Kish, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education make the following appointments for the 2005-2006 school year:

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

Motion moved by Dr. McGann, seconded by Taggart, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education name the follow as official depositories for savings accounts, checking accounts and investments for the 2004-2005 school year:

PNC, Phillipsburg, NJ

Bank of America, Phillipsburg, NJ

Wachovia, Phillipsburg, NJ

Skylands Community Bank, Phillipsburg, NJ

Signatures required for accounts will be as follows:

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

Motion moved by Mr. Drake, seconded by Ms. Stammherr, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorize the Treasurer and the Business Administrator/Board Secretary to invest any surplus funds up to six (6) months in any bank as listed in R-142-05.

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

Motion moved by Mr. Glennon, seconded by Mr. Kish, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education designate the following newspapers for official, legal and news ads for the 2005-2006 school year:

Star Gazette, Phillipsburg, NJ (weekly)

Express-Times, Easton, PA (daily)

Star Ledger, NJ (daily) {when necessary}

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

Motion moved by Mr. Rozycki, seconded by Ms. Stammherr, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education will hold it’s regular business meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm. and the fourth Tuesday of each month when necessary for the 2005-2006 school year as per the attached schedule.  Meetings will be held in the Cafetorium of the Lopatcong Middle School located at 321 Stonehenge Drive. All regular business meetings will be open to the public at 7:30pm.

Vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion moved by Ms. Stammherr, seconded by Mr. Taggart that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education establish an Administrative Fund for the purpose of petty cash in the amount of $600.00 for the 2005-2006 school year.  The Asst. to the Business Administrator, Patricia Seymore under the supervision of Teresa E. Barna, Business Administrator will be the individual responsible for the disposition of this account.

Vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Kish, second by Mr. Taggart, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, limit the number of students participating in the Inter-district Public School Choice Program for the 2005-2006 school year to two percent per grade per year subject to a total limitation of seven percent of the total number of students enrolled in the district as of October 15th of the prior year pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:12-3.3.

Vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion moved by Mr. McGuinness, seconded by Mr. Kish, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorize the Superintendent and the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary to implement the 2005-2006 school district budget pursuant to Local and State policies and regulations.

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

Motion moved by Mr. Taggart, seconded by Mr. McGuinness, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorize the Superintendent and the Business Administrator/Board Secretary to make budget transfers between board meetings pending formal approval by the Board.

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

Motion moved by Dr. McGann, seconded by Mr. Kish, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, appoint the Business Administrator/Board Secretary, Teresa E. Barna as the district purchasing agent for the 2005-2006 school year to implement policy and procedure in accordance with Chapter 440, Laws of 1999, “Public Procurement Law.”

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

Motion moved by Mr. Drake, seconded by Mr. Taggart, that be it

WHEREAS, the district’s purchasing agent, Teresa E. Barna, holds a Certificate as a “Qualified Purchasing Agent” issued by the Division of Local Government Services pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-9(b), and

WHEREAS, if the purchasing agent is qualified, the board of education may establish a bid threshold up to $25,000, now therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education designate a bid threshold of $25,000 for the 2005-2006 school year.

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

Motion moved by Mr. Glennon, seconded by Mr. McGuinness, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education make the following appoints for legislative delegates for the 2005-2006 school year:

Vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

President Gallant requested that committee assignments be TABLED to give him time to confer with Board Members.

President Gallant appointed Mr. Kish for Phillipsburg Board of Education Representative and Mr. Taggart as alternate for the 2005-2006 school year;

REGULAR MEETING

CORRESPONDENCE

None.

MINUTES

Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. Kish, that the minutes of April 12, 2005 be approved and filed.

Vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORTS

Motion by Mr. McGuinness, second by Ms. Stammherr, that the Secretary/Treasurer Reports submitted for the month ending March 31, 2005, which agree with each other and the bank be approved and filed.

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

FINANCIAL REPORT CERTIFICATION

Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. Rozycki, 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, 2005, 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.

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion by Mr. McGuinness, seconded by Dr. McGann,

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 8:00pm 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 Dr. McGann, seconded by Mr. McGuinness, that the Board of Education return to regular session at 8:30pm.

Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

A motion was made by Mr. McGuinness, seconded by Mr. Kish, to approve the appointment of Dr. Michael A. Rossi, Jr. as Superintendent for the Lopatcong Township School District and Building Principal for the Lopatcong Township Elementary School for the period of July 1, 2005 through midnight July 1, 2008 at a salary per negotiated contract.

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

      None.

Motion moved by Mr. Kish, seconded by Ms. Stammherr, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, offer re-employment to the Business Administrator/Board Secretary, Teresa E. Barna, a tenured employee, for the 2005-2006 school year at a salary to be determined.

Roll call vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion moved by Mr. McGuinness, seconded by Ms. Stammherr, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, offer re-employment to the Principal, Rosemary Kowalchuk, a tenured employee,  for the 2005-2006 school year at a salary to be determined.

Roll call vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. Glennon, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, offer re-employment to the Child Study Team Director/LDTC, JoAnn Murray, a tenured employee, for the 2005-2006 school year at a salary to be determined.

Roll call vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion moved by Dr. McGann, seconded by Mr. Taggart, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, offer re-employment to the confidential secretary, Teresa Fogt, a tenured employee, for the 2005-2006 school year at a salary to be determined.

Roll call vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Drake, second by Ms. Stammherr, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, offer re-employment to the Assistant to the Business Administrator, Patricia Seymore, a tenured employee,  for the 2005-2006 school year at a salary to be determined.

Roll call vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion moved by Glennon, seconded by Ms. Stammherr, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent and the Education Committee, offer re-employment to the following tenured professional staff for the 2005-2006 school year at the appropriate locator on the salary guide:

Roll call vote:  8 – Yes.  Mr. Taggart Abstained.  Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Rozycki, seconded by Mr. Taggart, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approve School Specialty (State Contract No. A86118 and Jiorle’s Office Supplies (State Contract No. A49016) as the vendors to provide school and office supplies for the 2005-2006 school year at State Contract pricing.

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

Motion by Ms. Stammherr, second by Mr. Drake, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve  the use of the use of facilities as follows as per the amended application:

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

Motion by Mr. Kish, second by Mr. McGann, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, accept a proposal from Tri-Tech Engineering to prepare the Five Year Long Range Facility Plan for 2005 – 2010 for an amount not to exceed $6,900.

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

Motion by Mr. McGuinness, second by Mr. Kish, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approve a tuition contract with the Phillipsburg Board of Education for the 2005-2006 school year for 343 Lopatcong students attending Phillipsburg High School in the amount of $3,563,427.

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. McGuinness, 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 April 18, 2005 and to approve a per diem rate of $182.87 or $32,016.66 per year pro-rated from April 18, 2005;

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

Motion by Dr. McGann, second by Mr. Kish, 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 CP of New Jersey for an Augmentative Communication Evaluation for one Lopatcong student at a cost of $750.

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

Motion by Mr. Drake, second by Mr. Glennon, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, set the date for 8th grade graduation as June 16, 2005.

Vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Glennon, second by Mr. Kish, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education upon  recommendation by the Superintendent, approve Kelly Anne Garlitz as a LDTC for the remainder of the 2004-2005 school year at MA15, Locator A, (pro-rated) effective May 16, 2005;

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

Motion by Mr. Rozycki, seconded by Mr. McGuinness, 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 a Summer Enrichment Program at the Lopatcong Township Schools for Special Education students beginning July 5, 2005 through August 10, 2005 as follows:

Vote:  9 – Yes.  Motion carried.

Motion by Ms. Stammherr, seconded by Mr. Taggart, that be it

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

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

Motion by Mr. Kish, second by Mr. Glennon, that be it

WHEREAS, the Lopatcong Township Board of Education, hereinafter referred to as “Educational Facility” is a member of the School Alliance Insurance Fund, hereinafter referred to as “Fund”; and

WHEREAS, said renewal membership terminates as of July 1, 2005 at 12:01am eastern time, unless earlier renewed by agreement between the Educational Facility and the Fund; and

WHEREAS, the Educational Facility is afforded the following types of coverage:

Workers’ Compensation

Excess Liability

Package – Property, Boiler & Machinery, General and Auto Liability

School Leaders Professional Liability

Supplemental Workers’ Compensation

WHEREAS, the Educational Facility desires to renew said membership;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows:

1. The Educational Facility agrees to renew its membership in the Fund for a period of three years beginning July 1, 2005 and ending July 1, 2008 at 12:01am  eastern time, and to be subject to the coverage, operating procedures, bylaws, and other organizational and operational documents of the Fund presently existing or as from time to time amended by the Fund and/or the Department of Banking and Insurance.

2. The Educational Facility’s Business Official, Teresa E. Barna, is hereby appointed as the Educational Facility’s Fund Commissioner and is authorized to execute the renewal Indemnity and Trust Agreement thereby evidencing annexed hereto and made a part hereof and to deliver same to the Fund the Educational Facility’s renewal of its membership.

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

Motion by Mr. McGuinness, second by Mr. Kish, that be it

WHEREAS, the Lopatcong Township Board of Education, (“Educational Facility”) has resolved to join the School Alliance Insurance Fund (“SAIF”) following a detailed analysis; and

WHEREAS, the Bylaws of SIAF require that each entity designate a Risk Management Consultant to perform various professional services as detailed in the Bylaws and Risk Management Plan; and

WHEREAS, the Bylaws indicate that SAIF shall pay each Risk Management Consultant a fee to be established annually by the Executive Committee;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lopatcong Township Board of Education, does hereby appoint Brown & Brown of New Jersey as its Risk Management Consultant in accordance with the Fund’s Bylaws.

Motion unanimous on Roll Call vote.

Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by                                   , that be it

RESOLVED THAT, this agreement between the Lopatcong Township Schools Board of Education hereinafter referred to as “Educational Facility”, and School Alliance Insurance Fund, hereinafter referred to as “Fund”;

WHEREAS, the Fund seeks to provide its members with insurance coverage;

WHEREAS, two or more educational facilities have collectively formed a joint insurance fund as is authorized and described in N.J.S.A. 18A:18B-1 et. Seq. and the regulations promulgated pursuant thereto; and

WHEREAS, the Educational Facility is currently a member of said Fund; and

WHEREAS. THE Educational Facility has resolved to renew said membership;

NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows:

1. The Educational Facility hereby renews its membership in the Fund for a three (3) year period, beginning July 1, 2005 and ending July 1, 2008 at 12:01am eastern time.

2. The Educational Facility agrees to participate in the Fund with respect to the types of insurance stated in the Renewal of Membership Resolution.

3. The Educational Facility hereby ratifies and reaffirms the bylaws and other organizational and operational documents of the Fund and as from time to time amended by the Fund and/or Department of Banking and Insurance in accordance with the applicable statutes and regulations as if each and every one of said documents were re-executed contemporaneously herewith.

4. The Educational Facility agrees to be a participating member of the Fund for the period herein provided for and to comply with all of the rules and regulations and obligations associated with said membership.

5.  In consideration of renewal of membership in the Fund, the Educational Facility agrees that for those types of insurance in which it participates, the Educational Facility shall jointly and severally assume and discharge the liability of each and every member of the Fund all of whom, as a condition of membership in the Fund, shall execute a verbatim counterpart to this Agreement.  By execution hereof the full faith and credit of the Educational Facility is pledged to the punctual payment of any sums which shall become due to the Fund in accordance with the bylaws thereof, this Agreement or any applicable statute or regulation.

6.  If the Fund, in the enforcement of any part of this Agreement, shall incur necessary expense or become obligated to pay attorney’s fees and/or court costs, the Educational Facility agrees to reimburse the Fund for all such reasonable expenses, fees and costs on demand. The Educational Facility and the Fund agree that the Fund shall hold all monies paid by the Educational Facility to the Fund as fiduciaries for the benefit of Fund claimants all in accordance with applicable statutes and/or regulations.

7. The Fund shall establish and maintain Trust Accounts in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18B-1 et. Seq. and such other statutes and regulations as may be applicable.

8. The Business Official designated in the Resolution to Renew Membership is hereby authorized to execute the Agreement to renew membership.

ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

Superintendent Purdy reported that he and Assistant Principal Matt Eagleburger met this morning regarding a report that must be completed by all schools on their security vulnerability.  A local Lopatcong police officer along with a representative from the county prosecutor’s office will perform the inspection of our schools before September 1, 2005.  A report on our state of preparedness will be submitted to the County Office on Friday, April 29, 2005

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Mr. Taggart reported that the Educational Law Center was putting pressure on the Inspector General regarding funding for Abbott School Districts.

REPRESENTATIVE INFORMATION FROM PHILLIPSBURG

Mr. Kish reported that last evening was the re-organization meeting at Phillipsburg.   Mr. Rod Pianelli was re-elected as the Board President. Mr. Stan Hughes was elected as the Vice-President.

Some of the issues discussed were as follows:  How to improve security at the high school in light of what happened recently in Lopatcong.  An outside firm is being hired to do a study of the district.

The architectural plans submitted to the SCC included two projects:  The Early Child Care Center and Andover-Morris Primary School.  The Building and Grounds Committee plan to take a trip to Trenton regarding these two issues.

OTHER ITEMS OF AN EMERGENT NATURE

None.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Joann Buckley asked if the school is planning to purchase shrubs at the upcoming Farmer’s Fair and is money available?

Superintendent Purdy responded that our school has first right of refusal and yes, money was put into the budget for that purpose.

Mrs. Buckley also indicated that she would like to plant forsythias around the retention basin.  She also asked is there any timeline when fields will be used for baseball and/or soccer.

Mr. McGuinness responded that the athletic field at the Middle School was only intended to be used as a soccer field.

ADJOURNMENT

Hearing no further business, the board adjourned at 9:30pm on a motion by Mr. Taggart, seconded by Mr. Kish; motion unanimous.

Respectfully submitted,

Frances Tolley, RSBO

Interim Business Administrator/

Board Secretary

Last Modified:  Saturday, May 06, 2006

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