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Agenda:NOTICE OF MEETING: The Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 7:30pm at Lopatcong Township Middle School located at 321 Stonehenge Drive. The meeting will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room. To gain admittance, please use the entrance at Stonehenge Drive. The meeting will be open to the public at 7:30pm. AGENDA
Correspondence Minutes of July 26, 2006 and Bill Lists; June 2006 Secretary/Treasurer Reports; Certify Financials Public Comment on Agenda Items New Business - Action Items R-021-07 Substitute Approval R-022-07 Hire Special Education Teacher R-023-07 Hire Classroom Aide R-024-07 First Reading of Policy File Code 3542.1 Entitled “Local Wellness/Nutrition” R-025-07 Contract With Kiddie Academy for Technology Services R-026-07 Contract With Warren County Health Department R-027-07 Renew Food Service Contract R-028-07 Revise 2006-2007 School Calendar R-029-07 Request for Use of Facilities R-030-07 2006-2007 Teacher Mentor Plan R-032-07 Approve Inclusive Preschool Students R-033-07 Grant Additional Family Sick Days
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 your understanding.
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Minutes:MINUTES OF THE LOPATCONG TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION President Gallant called the meeting to order on August 22, 2006 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 special 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, Robert Edinger, Ernie Gallant, Terry Glennon (left at 8:00pm), Kurt Kessler, Frank Kish, Greg McGann, Jesse Rozycki (arrived at 7:35pm) and Bill Taggart (left at 8:30pm). Absent: None Others Present: Dr. Michael Rossi, Superintendent; Teresa E. Barna, Business Administrator/Board Secretary; Rosemary Kowalchuk, Principal, Stephen Geisel, Assistant Principal, Matthew Eagleburger, Assistant Principal and two members of the public. MINUTES Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. Drake, that the minutes of the July 25, 2006 meeting be approved and filed. Motion carried on unanimous voice vote. BILL LIST Motion by Mr. Taggart, seconded by Mr. Drake, that the bills submitted for August 22, 2006 meeting, to include operating account be approved for payment. Motion carried on unanimous voice vote. SECRETARY/TREASURER’S REPORTS Motion by Mr. Taggart, seconded by Mr. Drake, that the Secretary/Treasurer’s Report submitted for the month ending June 30, 2006 which agree with each other and the bank be approved and filed. Motion carried on unanimous voice vote. FINANCIAL REPORTS CERTIFICATION Motion by Mr. Glennon, seconded by Mr. Taggart, 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 June 30, 2006, 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 carried on unanimous voice vote. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS Lee Rozycki stated that she is aware that there is a requirement for public input on the Student Wellness Policy and was wondering how the Board intended to incorporate this requirement. Mr. Taggart and Mrs. Barna responded that the policy that is being adopted will meet the requirements for having a policy in place by September 1, 2006 and does allow for public input on the policy during the next 12 months with full implementation of the policy be September 1, 2007. Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. Kessler, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the list of substitute teachers for the 2006-2007 school year as presented and attached to these minutes. Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Dr. McGann – abstain. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Kish, second by Mr. Edinger, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the emergent hiring of Maria Barna as a special education teacher for the 2006-2007 school year and to be paid at locator CC/BA of the salary guide. Roll call vote: 9 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Edinger, second by Mr. Kish, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the emergent hiring of Christina Ivanoff as a classroom aide for the 2006-2007 school year as to be paid at the appropriate rate on the salary guide. Roll call vote: 9 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Dr. McGann, second by Mr. Edinger, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the first reading of policy file code 3542.1 entitled Student Wellness/Nutrition. Roll call vote: 9 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Glennon, second by Mr. Kessler, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve a contract with the Kiddie Academy for technology services for the 2006-2007 school year for an amount not to exceed $680.00 as provided by the State of New Jersey. Roll call vote: 9 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Kessler, second by Mr. Drake, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, enter into an agreement with the Warren County Health Department to provide nursing services to the Kiddie Academy for the 2007-2007 school year in the amount not to exceed $1,262.00 as provided by the State of New Jersey. Roll call vote: 9 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Drake, second by Mr. Taggart, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, renew a contract with Maschio Food Service, Inc. for the 2006-2006 school year for a management fee of $7,800.00 and Maschio’s guarantees a return to the Local Education Agency in the amount of $10,000.00. In the event the actual bottom line of the operational report (total revenue from all sources, less program costs, including administrative/management fee, is below this amount, Maschio's will be responsible for any shortfall. Roll call vote: 9 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Rozycki, second by Mr. Edinger, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, revise the 2006-2007 school year calendar to include an additional in-service day on November 7, 2006. Vote: 9 – Yes. Motion carried. Mr. Glennon left at 8:00pm. Motion by Mr. Taggart, second by Mr. Kish, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the use of the middle school cafeteria by the PTA for the Market Day fundraiser from 4:15pm to 7:15pm on the following dates: 9/7, 10/5, 11/2, 11/30, 1/11, 2/8, 3/8, 4/5, 5/10, and 6/7. Vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Kish, second by Mr. Kessler, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the 2006-2007 Teacher Mentor Plan for the Lopatcong Township School District. Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried.
Motion by Mr. Edinger, second by Mr. Kish, WHEREAS, The Board of Education or the Lopatcong School District in the County of Warren, New Jersey (the “Board” when referring to the governing body, and “School District” when referring to the legal entity and the territorial boundaries that are governed by the Board) has determined to lease purchase finance the acquisition of equipment and certain miscellaneous costs required to enter into Lease Purchase Agreement (“Lease, Agreement”) for an approximate amount not to exceed $50,000.00 (collectively, the “Acquisition”); and WHEREAS, The Board has selected The Apris Group, Ltd., to serve as financial advisor (the “Financial Advisor”) to conduct an informal RFP (the “Bid”) for the Lease Purchase to finance the cost of the Acquisition; and WHEREAS, The Apris Group, Ltd., conducted the Bid for Lease Purchase on August 16. 2006 and will make it’s recommendation to the Board; and WHEREAS, The Board wishes to expedite the payment of the respective vendors of the Acquisition; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE LOPATCONG SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THE COUNTY OF WARREN, NEW JERSEY, AS FOLLOWS: The Board authorizes the Board President and the Board Secretary to award the Bid for the Lease Purchase upon written recommendation of the Financial Advisor and to enter into Lease with the successful bidder after Board Counsel has reviewed the Agreement; and The Board hereby approves the execution of the Lease to the lowest apparent Lessor and authorizes the sale of the Lease the Lessor upon the recommendation of the Financial Advisor. Should this lease not fund prior to September 16, 2006; the interest rate may be adjusted according to the following formula: Adjusted Interest Rate = [(Current Swap Rate–Base Swap Rate)x.65]+Base Rate Where: Base Rate = The Interest Rate bid the day of the bid opening Current Swap Rate = Interest Rate Swaps posted from the most recently published H.15 Federal Reserve Statistical Release published one week prior to funding. Base Swap Rate = The like term or average life U.S. Treasury Note rate from the H.15 Federal Reserve Statistical Release, most recent “week ending” figure published prior to the bid opening. This award is to be made in accordance with the proposal from submitted by the lowest apparent Lessor to the Financial Advisor as of the date of the Bid, said proposal shall be attached hereto, and kept on file with the Board Secretary; and The Board authorizes the Board President or the Board Secretary to approve any changes or deletions to the Lease Agreement or related documents as may, in judgment of Counsel be necessary, advisable and in the best interest of the Board; and The Board authorizes the Board President or the Board Secretary to establish an escrow account for the deposit of the lease proceeds in accordance with the Governmental Unit Deposit Protection Act (GUDPA), and to direct the deposit and investment of the lease proceeds in escrow for the term of the lease; and The Board hereby delegates the President and the Board Secretary the ability to execute the lease purchase agreement (the “Lessor” and “Purchaser”), and the Escrow Agent (Escrow Agent); and The Lease in hereby designated as a “qualified tax-exempt obligation” for the purpose of Section 265 (b)(3)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. This resolution shall take effect immediately. Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Motion by Dr. McGann, second by Mr. Kessler, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, approve the following students for enrollment into the inclusionary preschool program for the 2006-2007 school year: Roll call vote: 8 – Yes. Motion carried. Dr. Rossi reported on the progress of math articulation with the high school. Lopatcong has eight (8) eighth grade students attending an Honors Algebra Course at Phillipsburg High School this year. Next year the articulation focus will be on English and Science. Dr. Rossi alerted the Board on a potential Avian Flu Pandemic. The direction from the State is that we must continue to educate our students through a possible closing of the schools for three months. We will do this through the use of the district web-site and the on-line lesson planner. We will be surveying the parents as to the percentage of parents that have internet access from home. Dr. Rossi attended a one week leadership conference at Princeton University as part of the Geraldine Dodge Foundation Grant that the district has received through Dr. Rossi’s efforts. A lot has been going on this summer as far as upgrades to the facilities, particularly at the elementary school. New tile and carpeting is being installed, hallways were painted, a new surface has been laid on the playground among other things. Dr. Rossi and Mr. Glennon met to start preliminary discussions on the mission statement. The development of the mission statement will include input from all parties. New Staff Orientation took place on August 17, 2006. The teachers received Tech Training on the Lesson Planning System. Lunch was hosted by Mayor Steinhardt at the municipal building. Dr. Rossi thanked Mr. & Mrs. Shelly for organizing a Trolley tour of Phillipsburg area. With the hiring of the Reading Specialists, the district is moving forward with the guided reading initiative. The Standardized Test results show that the district did well and has exceeded the Average Yearly Progress mandates of No Child Left Behind, but there is always room for improvement. The administration spent two days in training on a software package called SPSS. This software package will allow the district to enter data and will show trends and areas in need of improvement. This is a statistical analysis software package. Dr. Rossi updated the Board on the status on the technology initiative at the elementary school. New computers are being set up. The fiber link is being installed between the two buildings. The Instant Alert System has been updated. The security camera installation at the middle school is almost complete. Mr. Taggart left at 8:30 pm. REPRESENTATIVE INFORMATION FROM PHILLIPSBURG Mr. Kish reported that the School Construction Corporation wants the Phillipsburg School District to take over the maintenance of the grounds of the new high school site. Mr. Kish also stated that the high school enrollment projections are not being met. Mr. Karl Lallo of 300 Stonehenge Drive expressed concern about the location of the double garage that was recently placed on the middle school property. Mr. Lallo indicated that it is not a pleasant view from his home and would the Board consider relocating the building or making it more pleasing to the eye. Mrs. Barna explained why the building was placed in that location. The district preferred other locations, however, the topography of the land in the rear of the building did not allow for a good location. The overflow parking area was the most level location. The board would be willing to look into this situation. Lee Rozycki – Is there summer school assessments for grades six through eight. There were only assessments in the board packet for grades four and five. Dr. Rossi explained that he had only given the board a sampling of the assessments and that there are in fact assessments for grades six through eight. Mrs. Rozycki also inquired about the SPSS software. Dr. Rossi gave a more detailed response to the capabilities of the software package. Motion by Mr. Kish, seconded by Mr. Edinger, 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 issues, 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 8:51pm 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 Mr. Edinger, second by Mr. Kessler, that the Board of Education return to regular session at 9:05pm. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Motion by Mr. Kish, second by Mr. Rozycki, that the Board of Education, upon recommendation by the Superintendent, authorizes Jessica Wendel to use additional family sick days from her accumulated days for the purpose of caring for a family member as requested. Roll call vote: 7 – Yes. Motion carried.
Hearing no further business, the board adjourned at 9:10pm on a motion by Mr. Kish, second by Mr. Rozycki. Respectfully submitted, Teresa E. Barna, RSBO Business Administrator/ Board Secretary
These minutes are provided as a convenience to the residents of Lopatcong Township and do not constitute the official minutes of the Lopatcong Township Board of Education which are maintained in the BOE Office in the Middle School.
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Last Modified: Sunday, March 25, 2007 |
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