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Agenda:

1. Call Meeting to Order, Flag Salute, Opening Statement

2. Correspondence

3. Minutes of August 23, 2005, Bill Lists, Secretary/Treasurer Reports, July 31, 2005, Certify Financials

4. Public Comment on Agenda Items

5. New Business - Action Items

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:

President Gallant called the meeting to order on August 23, 2005 at 7:30 pm.  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 been filed with the Township Clerk and posted at both school locations.”

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.

 ROLL CALL

Present:  Dennis Drake, Ernie Gallant, Terry Glennon, Frank Kish, Tim McGuinness, Jesse Rozycki, Raisy Stammherr and Bill Taggart.

Absent:  Greg McGann

Others Present:  Dr. Michael Rossi, Superintendent; Teresa E. Barna, Business Administrator/Board Secretary; Rosemary Kowalchuk, Principal; Matthew Eagleburger, Assistant Principal; JoAnn Murray, CST Director, Association President Heather Weidlick and approximately 20 staff and parents.

CORRESPONDENCE

Warren County School Boards Association – Meeting Notice

MINUTES

Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. Glennon that the minutes of the August 23, 2005 meeting be approved and filed. Motion carried on unanimous roll call vote.

BILL LIST

Motion by Mr. McGuinness, seconded by Mr. Taggart, that the bills submitted for September 13, 2005 meeting, to include operating account and food service be approved for payment; motion unanimous on roll call vote.

INTRODUCTION OF NEW STAFF MEMBERS

Bonnie Ruesch is the K-4 Music Teacher and she comes to us from Plainfield School District.

Troy Tomlinson is the Senior Systems Administrator or Technology Supervisor. Troy comes to us from private industry at IBM.

Cristen Sands is the Grade 4 teacher. Cristen is a 1st year teacher, recently graduating from Centenary College.

Kelly Garlitz is the LDTC and she comes to us from the State Department of Education.

Terry Power is the School Psychologist.

Lisa Zittis is the School Social Worker.

Josey Hayes is the Speech/Language Pathologist.

Barbara Franklin is an Instructional Aide.

 Judy Levermore is an Instructional Aide.

Kathy Reading is the Technology Teacher and she works with students Grade 5-8 in the Technology Lab.

Sonnie Weller is the Basic Skills Teacher and Gifted and Talented Teacher at the Middle School.

Merna Fahel  teaches grade 6 Language Arts and Literature. She comes to us with 5 years experience.

NEW BUSINESS

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

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the Lopatcong Elementary School and the Lopatcong Middle School Evacuation Plans.

Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

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

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the 2005-2006 District Goals and Objectives as submitted and attached to these minutes.

Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

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

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the emergent hiring of substitute teachers for the 2005-2006 school year as per the attached list and pending negative Criminal History Background Checks.

Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

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

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, rescind motion R-14-06 entitled Tuition Contract with Somerset County ESC.

Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Note: Motion is being rescinded since student has relocated.

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

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the placement of one Lopatcong student at the Midland School for the 2005-2006 school year and to approve a tuition contract with the Midland School for such placement in the amount of $32,625.00.

Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

Note:  This placement was anticipated and has been reflected in the 2005-2006 budget.

Motion by Mr. Rozycki, second by Mrs. Stammherr, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, authorizes the Business Administrator to enter into an agreement with the Warren County Health Department to provide nursing services to the Phillipsburg Christian academy for the 2005-2006 school year in the amount of $4,901.00 as provided by the State of New Jersey.

Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Note: The public school receives funds from the state to provide services to the non-public school within the district. There is no cost to the Board for these services.

Motion by Mrs. Stammherr, second by Mr. Kish, that be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve a contract with the Phillipsburg Christian Academy to provide technology services for the 2005-2006 school year in an amount not to exceed $2,640.00 as provided by the State of New Jersey.

Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Note: The public school receives funds from the state to provide services to the non-public school within the district. There is no cost to the Board for these services.

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

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the submission of the Fiscal Year 2006 IDEA Basic and Preschool Grant Applications to the State of New Jersey for approval as follows:

Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

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

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

Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

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

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the Fiscal Year 2006 No Child Left Behind Grant for submission to the State of New Jersey and the Warren County Department of Education which includes the following Titles and Allocations:

Be it further resolved, that the Board of Education, refuses funds for Title III in the amount of $1,173.

Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

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

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the Update to the State Memorandum of Agreement between the Lopatcong Township Board of Education and the Lopatcong Township Police Department after an annual meeting held September 12, 2005.

Motion carried by 7 yes votes.  Mr. Gallant abstained.

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

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the following transfers within the 2005-2006 school year budget:

Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

Motion by Mr. Rozycki, second by Ms. Stammherr,

WHEREAS, on February 8, 1999, the Phillipsburg Board of Education approved the Abbott District Five-Year Facility Management Plan for submission to the New Jersey Department of Education, and

WHEREAS, on January 31, 2001, the New Jersey Department of Education approved the Phillipsburg Abbott District Five-Year Facility Management Plan and designated $110,670,346.00 to fund all of the construction projects in the plan, including a new high school, and

WHEREAS, on October 12, 2004, the New Jersey Department of Education transmitted approval of the Phillipsburg High School project to the New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation which initiated the commencement of the high school project, and

WHEREAS, on March 28, 2005, one-hundred percent Construction Documents were submitted by the Phillipsburg School District architect to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for the Phillipsburg High School project, and

WHEREAS, on May 4, 2005, Notice of Award was given to Vollers Excavating & Construction, Inc. for the Phase #1 early site work package of the high school project, and

WHEREAS, on June 1, 2005, the Notice to Proceed with Phase #1 was issued by the New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation, and construction began on the site with an anticipated completion date of December 31, 2005, and

WHEREAS, on July 27, 2005, the New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation recommended that 59 construction projects in Abbott school districts be completed with the remaining available state funds, and

WHEREAS, the 59 construction projects did not include the new Phillipsburg High School, and

WHEREAS, there are currently 1,744 students at Phillipsburg High School, and

WHEREAS, capacity of Phillipsburg High School is 1,100 students, and

WHEREAS, there are currently 31 temporary classroom units (TCUs) at Phillipsburg High School to accommodate the increased enrollment that has occurred during the past several years, and

WHEREAS, enrollment projections for Phillipsburg High School estimate a total of 1,852 students in the 2006-2007 school year, and

WHEREAS, the anticipated increased enrollment in the 2006-2007 school year at the Phillipsburg High School may necessitate an additional 2 temporary classroom units, and

WHEREAS, since there is no other available location at the Phillipsburg High School site, the temporary classroom units will be placed on the athletic field, and

WHEREAS, the Phillipsburg School District will then be confronted with the necessity of finding an alternate location for high school physical education classes, and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, on this  13th day of September, 2005 the Lopatcong Township Board of Education urges the New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation to approve completion of the Phillipsburg High School project, and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, on this 13th day of September, 2005, the Lopatcong Township Board of Education urges the New Jersey State legislature to provide funds for the Phillipsburg High School project, as well as funds for projects in other Abbott school districts.

Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

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

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accept Fiscal Year 2005 No Child Left Behind Grants Funds in the amount of $45,291.

Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Dr. Rossi complimented everyone involved with the start of school. It was a smooth start. Thank you to the administrators, parents, staff, students, support staff and the custodial/maintenance staff.

Dr. Rossi describes ways in which he is developing increased communications between the school district and the parents. Contacts have been made with Channel 2 and looking at announcements, upcoming events and school closings being posted on their bulletin.

Dr. Rossi and a committee of the Board have been researching the Instant Alert system provided by Honeywell. This would be a fast and efficient method of communication from general reminder and messages to emergency information.

The Professional Development Committee has distributed a survey to parents and to the Board members to gather information as to the district’s effectiveness in certain areas.

The Evacuation Plan that was approved includes information on lack down procedures, fire drills, etc.

In the area of curriculum, the district is making an effort to get this information on the school’s website for access by parents. We are currently developing curriculum brochures that will be updated as necessary. These brochures will be a reference document for parents as to what is being taught in the classroom at different grade levels as well as in the special subject areas.

The Physical Education department is developing an after school Phys. Ed. club.

The Goals & Objectives that are being proposed are within the Average Yearly Progress range set by the State within the No Child Left Behind Law.

Parent Administrator Forum Meetings – the first meeting will be combined with the PTA meeting on October 13, 2005. The agenda will be “Meet the Superintendent”. The format will be for parents to come to the meeting and forward any questions they may have to the Superintendent.

The district is also moving forward in the area of technology. The teaching staff is working very hard with an on-line Lesson Planning program.

REPRESENTATIVE INFORMATION FROM PHILLIPSBURG

Mr. Kish stated that the IRS reimbursement rate has increased to $.485 per mile.

The high school did open smoothly regardless of the overcrowding situation.

There was an article in the September 7th edition of the New York Times written by Jeffrey Gettleman titled “In New Jersey, Another Year of Cramped and Dated Schools.” The article specifically mentioned Phillipsburg High School.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Mr. Taggart mentioned the School Nutrition Bill and that it will affect everything that is served to students during school hours.

Also Bill A3680 was passed by the House but no action ahs yet been taken by the Senate. A3680 would make amendments to S1701.

OTHER ITEMS OF EMERGENT NATURE

The Board welcomed Mrs. Barna back from her leave.

The Elementary School Playground is overrun with weeds again. The district will look into scheduling a volunteer day for maintaining the playground.

OTHER PUBLIC COMMENTS

A recommendation was made to send fliers home to parents to request volunteers when needed.

Scott Richie – What are the long term plans if funding is not reinstated to Phillipsburg for the construction of the new high school? Regionalization has been looked at in the past. At the time, the State would not release the sending districts from our contract with Phillipsburg.

A short discussion took place regarding the options that could be investigated if the need arises.

Judy Levermore – Stated that perhaps we could keep the 9th graders in our school along with the other sending districts.

Mrs. Watson – Is there a limit on classroom sizes? There are guidelines but no limits except for Kindergarten.

There was a brief discussion regarding the fifth grade classes being housed in the elementary school versus the middle school. It was explained that the fifth graders are housed in the middle school based on the demographic study that was done prior to the construction of the middle school. The demographic projections were such that to include the fifth grade in the elementary school would exceed the functional capacity of the school.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion by Mr. Taggart, seconded by Mr. Kish

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 related to the personnel and legal issues, the disclosure of which could constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy; now

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education adjourn to executive session at 9:00pm 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: 6 - Yes. Motion carried.

Motion by Mr. Kish, second by Mr. Drake, that the Board of Education return to regular session at 10:37pm; motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

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

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accept a proposal from Protect Alarms to install security cameras at the Lopatcong Township Middle School for an amount not to exceed $24,267.

Motion carried on 7 Yes votes.  Stammherr – No.

ADJOURNMENT

Having no further business, the Board adjourned at 10:50pm on a motion by Mr. McGuinness, second by Mr. Taggart. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Respectfully submitted,

Teresa E. Barna

Business Administrator/Board Secretary

Last Modified:  Saturday, May 06, 2006

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