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Agenda:NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING: The Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, November 8, 2005 at 7:30pm at Lopatcong Township Middle School located at 321 Stonehenge Drive. The meeting will be held in the Cafetorium. To gain admittance, please use the entrance at Stonehenge Drive. The meeting will be open to the public at 7:30pm. AGENDA
R-056-06 Accept CAFR and Auditor's Report of Administrative Findings, Financial Compliance and Performance R-057-06 Substitute Approval R-058-06 Adopt Music Curriculum R-059-06 Transportation Contract with AKAB, Inc. R-060-06 Tuition Contract with Phillipsburg Board of Education R-061-06 Tuition Contract with Warren County Special Services School District R-062-06 A Resolution Authorizing the Lopatcong Township BOE To Enter Into A Cooperative Pricing Agreement R-063-06 Agreement with XTC Consulting R-064-06 Rescind R-040-06 R-065-06 First Reading of Policy #9250 Titled "Expenses and Reimbursement" R-066-06 First Reading of Policy #9250.1 Titled "Reimbursement for Attendance at Annual NJSBA Convention" R-067-06 NJSBA Convention Travel Expenses R-068-06 Attendance at NJSBA Delegate Assembly R-069-06 Reimbursement of Employee Travel Expenses R-070-06 Request for Use of Facilities R-071-06 Field Trip Approval R-072-06 Request for Maternity Leave R-073-06 Contract for Removal of Underground Storage Tank
An Executive Session will be called at the end of the regular session for the purpose of discussing personnel and legal issues. 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.
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Handout:MINUTES OF THE LOPATCONG TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION President Gallant called the meeting to order on November 8, 2005 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 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 (arrived at 8:31pm), Ernie Gallant, Terry Glennon, Greg McGann, Tim McGuinness, Jesse Rozycki, Raisy Stammherr and Bill Taggart. Absent: Frank Kish Others Present: Dr. Michael Rossi, Superintendent; Teresa E. Barna, Business Administrator/Board Secretary; Rosemary Kowalchuk, Principal; Matthew Eagleburger, Assistant Principal; PTA President and approximately 11 staff and public. CORRESPONDENCE
MINUTES Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. McGuinness that the minutes of the October 11, 2005 meeting be approved and filed. Motion carried on unanimous voice vote. BILL LIST Motion by Mr. Taggart, seconded by Mrs. Stammherr, that the bills submitted for November 8, 2005 meeting, to include operating account, construction account and food service be approved for payment; motion unanimous on voice vote. SECRETARY/TREASURER’S REPORTS Motion by Mr. McGuinness, seconded by Mr. Taggart, that the Secretary/Treasurer’s Report submitted for the month ending September 30, 2005 which agree with each other and the bank be approved and filed; motion unanimous on voice vote. FINANCIAL REPORTS CERTIFICATION Motion by Mr. Glennon, seconded by Mr. Drake, 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 September 30, 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 voice vote. RECOGNITION OF TIM REMETTA Dr. Rossi read a letter commending Tim Remetta for his volunteer project to create a courtyard at the Lopatcong Elementary School. Tim completed this project to earn his Eagle Scout Honor. Pictures of the project are on the school district web-site. Tim read a statement to the Board describing the project that he undertook. The project involved 10½ yards of mulch. Over 400 man hours, 5 tons of stone, 506 patio blocks and 3 picnic tables, for a total cost of $1,547.69. RECOGNITION OF BILL TAGGART Dr. Rossi read a letter of thanks written to Bill Taggart for his volunteer service to the school district in the area of technology. PRESENTATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCE REPORT Mrs. Barna reviewed the audit synopsis with the Board and the public and explained the Fund Balance. A total of $6,442 is reserved as excess surplus and must be given back to the tax payers in the 2006-2007 budget.
Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mrs. Stammherr, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, accept the Comprehensive Annual Finance Report (CAFR) and the Report of Administrative Findings, Financial Compliance and Performance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005 as prepared by Ardito & Co., LLP and presented by the administration with no recommendations and a negative corrective action plan. Motion carried by unanimous roll call 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 emergent hiring of substitute teachers for the remainder of the 2005-2006 school year as per the attached list. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
Motion by Dr. McGann, second by Mr. McGuinness, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, adopt the music curriculum as presented and attached to these minutes. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
Motion by Mr. Glennon, second by Mr. Taggart, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve a quoted transportation contract with Akab, Inc. for the transport of one Lopatcong student to and from Phillipsburg High School on route #HSKM for $115 per day for a total not to exceed $6,325.00. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
Motion by Mr. Rozycki, second by Mr. Taggart, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve special education tuition contracts with the Phillipsburg Board of Education for Lopatcong students placed in programs at the Phillipsburg High School as follows:
Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
Motion by Mrs. Stammherr, second by Mr. Taggart, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the placement of 5 Lopatcong students at the Warren County Special Service School District for the 2005-2006 school year and to approve a tuition contract for such placements as follows:
Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. Rozycki, WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:1 1-11(5) authorizes contracting units to enter into Cooperative Pricing Agreements; and WHEREAS, the MONMOUTH-OCEAN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMISSION, hereinafter referred to as the “Lead Agency” has offered voluntary participation in a Cooperative Pricing System for the purchase of work, materials and supplies; and WHEREAS, the Lopatcong Township Board of Education, County of Warren, State of New Jersey, desires to participate in the MONMOUTH-OCEAN COOPERATIVE PRICING SYSTEM; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, On the 8th of November 2005 by the Lopatcong Township Board of Education, County of Warren, State of New Jersey, as follows: TITLE This RESOLUTION shall be known and may be cited as the Cooperative Pricing Resolution of the Lopatcong Township Board of Education. AUTHORITY Pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:11-11(5), the Business Administrator is hereby authorized to enter into a Cooperative Pricing Agreement with the Lead Agency. CONTRACTING UNIT The Lead Agency entering into contracts on behalf of the Lopatcong Township Board of Education shall be responsible for complying with the provisions of the Local Public Contracts Law (N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq.) and all other provisions of the revised statutes of the State of New Jersey. EFFECTIVE DATE This resolution shall take effect immediately upon passage. 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, enter into an agreement with XTC Consulting for telecommunications consulting and billing audit as per the attached agreement. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
Motion by Dr. McGann, second by Mrs. Stammherr, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, rescind R-40-06 entitled “Purchase of Security Cameras” due to a substantial increase in the proposed price. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
Motion by Mr. Glennon, second by Mr. Taggart, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the first reading with tentative adoption of Policy #9250 entitled “Expenses and Reimbursement” as read. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
Motion by Mr. Rozycki, second by Mr. Taggart, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the first reading with tentative adoption of Policy # 9250.1 titled “Reimbursement for Attendance at Annual NJSBA Convention” as read. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Motion by Mrs. Stammherr, second by Mr. Rozycki, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorize expense reimbursement for board members and administrators attending the October NJSBA Convention as per Policy #9250 titled “Expense and Reimbursement” and Policy #9250.1 titled “Reimbursement for Attendance at Annual NJSBA Convention”. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Motion by Mr. McGuinness, second by Mr. Rozycki, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorize the attendance of Bill Taggart at the NJSBA Delegate Assembly held November 19, 2005. All expenses associated with attendance will be reimbursed according to Board policy and procedures. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mrs. Stammherr, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to pre-approve travel related expenses for district employees according to district policy and procedure; The Board of Education authorizes employee travel expenses related to attendance at professional development workshops, conventions, conferences, meetings, all workshops and events sponsored by NJSBA, NJASA, NJASBO, NJPSA, HWASBO, Warren County SBA, and all mileage reimbursements related to everyday functions of the school district. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Motion by Dr. McGann, second by Mr. Taggart, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the following requests for use of the facilities:
Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Motion by Mr. Glennon, second by Mrs. Stammherr, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the following field trips:
Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Motion by Mr. Rozycki, second by Mr. Taggart, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve an extended maternity disability leave for Melissa Teter from January 2, 2006 through June 30, 2007 as requested. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
TABLED
Dr. Rossi reported that the district is embarking on testing the Honeywell Instant Alert System. We are in the process of exporting data for set-up. This system will be a powerful communication vehicle for us. There will be a Coffee with the Administration session during American Education Week. There is a Board retreat scheduled for January 14, 2006 from 9:00am – 1:00pm. A curriculum fair is scheduled for Thursday, November 17, 2005. All approved curriculum will be posted on the website. The staff and administration is in the process of selecting a new math curriculum. This new curriculum will be fully implemented next September. We will be looking at a new Language Arts Program. Dr. Rossi thanked Mrs. Kowalchuk for her unending effort to make the new computerized report card a reality. Dr. Rossi encouraged the public to access and use the district website for obtaining information. Mr. Camporine asked what the security cameras were for? These cameras would be for the exterior of the middle school building. Mr. Camporine also offered to make contact with a representative of Fox Brothers on our behalf. Lee Rozycki – Will parents have access to report cards on the web? The report card program is for internal uses only and parents cannot access. Lee Rozycki – Regarding the Math and Language Arts Curriculum, will there be a differentiated instruction focus? Yes, the curriculum does incorporate differentiated instruction, we are selecting the program in which to deliver the Core Curriculum Content Standards. Lee Rozycki – Is there a parent on the Technology Committee? No, not currently, but this can be considered. The end user is all the stakeholders. REPRESENTATIVE INFORMATION FROM PHILLIPSBURG Mr. Gallant spoke about the “SOS” Save Our School initiative that Phillipsburg has begun to make people aware of the situation regarding the building of the new high school. Mr. Gallant also spoke about the success of the Girl’s Field Hockey Team. There is nothing going on in Trenton. There is a bill being considered that would require School Psychologists to bill for outside school services. Mrs. Kowalchuk informed the Board that we received notification of being awarded the second year of the Matrix Grant. Lee Rozycki is interested is creating public support for the budget. Has the Board considered sending out a community survey? The Board has not considered a survey at this point but may in the future. Mr. Drake stated that good public perception is what passes a budget. Doing a survey will show that we are interested in what the public has to say regarding the school budget. Motion by Mr. McGuinness, seconded by Mr. Drake 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 9:15pm 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: 8 - Yes. Motion carried. Board returned to regular session at 11:08pm on a motion by Mr. McGuinness, second by Mr. Drake. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Hearing no further business, the Board adjourned at 11:09pm on a motion by Dr. McGann, second by Mr. McGuinness. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Respectfully submitted, Teresa E. Barna, RSBO Business Administrator/ Board Secretary
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