RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION
WORKSESSION —FEBRUARY 28, 2000
The Worksession Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. in the High School Cafeteria by President Willis with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. On roll call the following members were present: Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Ferrara, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Miceli, and Mrs. Willis. Also present were Dr. Sarsfield and Dr. Verbist.
MOTION TO RELOCATE Motion by Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mrs. Miceli, to adjourn the meeting to the High School Library.
Approved.
On roll call the following members were present: Mr. Derner, Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Ferrara, Mrs. Johnson, Mr. McGehrin, Mrs. Miceli, Mr. Novosielski and Mrs. Willis. Mr. Galloway was absent for the entire meeting.
N. J. OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW
The New Jersey Open Public Meetings Law was enacted to insure the right of the public to have advance notice of and to attend the meeting of public bodies at which any business affecting their interests is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the provisions of this Act, the Rutherford Board of Education has caused notice of this meeting to be published by having the date, time, and place thereof posted on the bulletin board outside the Borough Clerk’s Office, mailed to the News Leader, Herald, South Bergenite, and the Record newspapers, and filed with the Borough Clerk.
Pres. Willis reviewed for the Board and public in attendance the procedures that will be followed during this evening’s meeting.
MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: 8:02 P.M. No comments made.
PERSONNEL:
JOHN J. PARISE Motion by Mr. Derner, seconded by Mrs. Johnson, to accept on binding resolution the resignation of Mr. John J. Parise as Athletic Director effective 6/30/00 to return to the classroom effective 9/1/00.
Vote ______.
A question was raised regarding procedures and ramifications of Mr. Parise’s resignation. Dr. Sarsfield will provide the Board with the bumping scenario.
MOTION TO DEFER Motion by Mr. Derner, seconded by Mrs. Johnson, to place the resignation of John J. Parise on the agenda of March 13, 2000.
Approved.
A question was raised as to why there are resolutions on the agenda regarding HASP. Dr. Sarsfield indicated that even though HASP is run autonomously, they are still under the jurisdiction of the Board of Education.
HASP PERSONNEL Resolution by Mr. Derner, seconded by Mrs. Johnson.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that approval be granted on binding resolution for HASP to employ Chris Della Fave as a teacher’s aide effective 3/1/00 at the hourly rate of $7.25 and in accordance with law.
On roll call all members present voted "aye", one absent.
COACHING Resolution by Mr. Derner, seconded by Mrs. Johnson.
ASSIGNMENTS BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve on binding resolution the following coaching assignment changes for the 1999-2000 school year:
Rescind the appointment of Paul Scutti as an Assistant Baseball Coach
Approve Brian Gaccione as an Assistant Baseball Coach at the annual stipend of $2,793 (1-4 years).
On roll call all members present voted ______.
A question was raised as to whether or not the coaching positions were posted. Dr. Sarsfield indicated that he could not answer at this time, and that he would research the question.
MOTION TO DEFER
Approved.
ALAN GOODMAN Resolution by Mr. Derner, seconded by Mrs. Johnson.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that approval be granted on binding resolution to appoint Alan Goodman as the assistant pool director effective 2/29/00 at the hourly rate of $12.00 and in accordance with law.
On roll call all members present voted "aye", one absent.
DR. NAM KIM Resolution by Mr. Derner seconded by Mrs. Johnson.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that approval be granted on binding resolution for the Child Study Team to employ Dr. Nam Kim as a psychiatrist at the prevailing rate of $250 per day effective 2/29/00. This is an additional psychiatrist that can do evaluations for Korean and English speaking students.
On roll call all members present voted "aye", one absent.
ROSALIE INDIA Resolution by Mr. Derner, seconded by Mrs. Johnson.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that approval be granted on binding resolution to employ Ms. Rosalie India as a substitute lunch monitor effective 2/29/00 at the hourly rate of $7.00 and in accordance with law.
On roll call all members present voted "aye", one absent.
TEACHER ASSISTANTS Resolution by Mr. Derner, seconded by Mrs. Johnson.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that approval be granted on binding resolution to employ two (2) part-time teacher assistants to service a special education student who just moved into the district. One assistant shall work from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., the other will work from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
On roll call all members present voted "aye", one absent.
SUB TEACHER ASSTS Resolution by Mr. Derner, seconded by Mrs. Johnson.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that approval be granted on binding resolution to employ the following as substitute teacher assistants effective 2/29/00 at the hourly rate of $8.50 and in accordance with law:
Pamela Filos
Dawn Garris
Kelly Horan
Hanoria Kearney
Karen Kelly
Jessica Larsen
Norman Muro
Jeff Nagel
Dana Pryblick
Grace Vidal
On roll call all members present voted "aye", one absent..
AILEEN LA PIERRE Resolution by Mr. Derner, seconded by Mrs. Johnson.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that approval be granted on binding resolution to employ Mrs. Aileen LaPierre as a bus aide effective 2/29/00 for 2 hours per day, 5 days per week, at the hourly rate of $11.00 and in accordance with law.
On roll call all members present voted "aye", one absent.
EMERGENT HIRING Resolution by Mr. Derner, seconded by Mrs. Johnson.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that approval be granted on binding resolution to employ the following applicant(s) under the emergent hiring law as per the State Department of Education:
Sarah Malinowski — substitute teacher
On roll call all members present voted "aye", one absent.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER Resolution by Mr. Derner, seconded by Mrs. Johnson.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that approval be granted on binding resolution to employ the following as substitute teacher(s) at the per diem rate of $65.00 and in accordance with law:
Sarah Malinowski — effective 3/13/00
On roll call all members present voted "aye", one absent.
CURRICULUM:
CLASS SIZE Resolution by Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mr. Ferrara.
REDUCTION GRANT BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that approval be granted on binding resolution to accept funds under the Title VI — Class Size Reduction Initiative grant in the amount of $22,184 for the period from September 1, 1999 through August 30, 2000.
On roll call all members present voted "aye", one absent.
REMISSION OF TUITION Resolution by Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mr. Ferrara.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve on binding resolution remission of tuition for Student "L-2" (name on file in the office of the superintendent of schools) to attend grade 11 at the high school effective 2/14/00.
On roll call all members present voted "aye", one absent.
OUT-OF-DISTRICT Resolution by Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mr. Ferrara.
PLACEMENT BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that approval be granted on binding resolution for Student "K-2" (name on file in the office of the superintendent of schools) to attend the SAGE DAY School effective 2/17/00 at the annual tuition of $28,540 (pro-rated).
On roll call all members present voted "aye", one absent.
HOME INSTRUCTION Resolution by Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mr. Ferrara.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve on binding resolution home instruction for Student "J-2" (name on file in the office of the superintendent of schools) effective 2/24/00.
On roll call all members present voted "aye", one absent.
COURSE APPROVAL Resolution by Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mr. Ferrara.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve on binding resolution the following new 8th grade elective at the high school:
Exploration in Business
On roll call all members present voted "aye", one absent.
CURRICULUM: Resolution by Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mrs. Johnson.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that the following Curriculum items be approved for placement on the agenda next public meeting:
SCHOOL CALENDAR Resolution by Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mrs. Johnson.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve the following calendar for the 2000-2001 school year:
RUTHERFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SCHOOL CALENDAR
2000-2001
Friday, September 1 Orientation of Teachers
Monday, September 4 School Closed, Labor Day
Tuesday, September 5 Schools Open
Friday, October 6 Schools Closed, Professional Wksp.
Monday, October 9 Schools Closed, Yom Kippur
Thursday & Friday, Nov. 9, 10 Schools Closed, NJEA Convention
Thursday, November 16 (GRADES K-5) One-Session Day, Evening Confs.
Friday, November 17 (GRADES K-5)** Schools Closed, Conferences**
Wednesday, Nov. 22 One Session Day &
Thursday & Friday, Nov. 23, 24 Schools Closed, Thanksgiving
Friday, Dec. 22 One Session Day &
December 25 - 29 Schools Closed, Christmas Recess
Tuesday, January 2 Schools Reopen
Monday, January 15 Schools Closed, Dr. King's Birthday
Monday & Tuesday, February 19, 20 Schools Closed, Winter Recess
Friday, April 13 Schools Closed, Good Friday
April 16-20 Schools Closed, Spring Recess
Monday, May 28 Schools Closed, Memorial Day
Wednesday, June 20 High School Graduation
Thursday, June 21 Union & Pierrepont Graduations
Thursday, June 21 One-Session Day Last Day of School for Students
(Students Only) K-12 Report Cards Issued
Friday, June 22 Last Day of School for Teachers
NUMBER OF DAYS SCHOOLS ARE IN SESSION
September 19 February 18
October 20 March 22
November 18 April 15
(November 17) K-5 Only
December 16 May 22
January 21 June 15
Total: 94 Total: 92
(93) K-5 Only
Total Days: 186
(185) K-5
REPORT PERIOD ENDS REPORT CARDS ISSUED NUMBER OF DAYS
November 13 November 16 (K-5) 46
November 20 (6-12)
January 31 February 5 48
(47) K-5
April 10 April 17 47
June 21 June 21 45
Total: 186
(185) K-5
* To allow for evening conferences, Thursday, November 16, 2000 will be a one-session day for K-5 students and teachers.
** K-5 Conferences will be held on Friday, November 17, 2000. SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED ON THAT DAY FOR GRADES K-5.
The above calendar is subject to change if deemed necessary by the Board of Education. The Board of Education wishes to apprise all employees, students and parents that any recess period may be utilized for days lost due to inclement weather. Accordingly, the Board advises employees not to make travel plans that are non-refundable during any of these times since school may be in session.
Dr. Sarsfield distributed a revised calendar. A question was raised regarding the Central Office Calendar. Dr. Sarsfield responded that the days Central Office staff are off from work are contractual in nature.
Motion by Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mrs. Johnson, to approve the following revised calendar for the 2000-01 school year:
SCHOOL CALENDAR BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve the following calendar for the 2000-2001 school year:
RUTHERFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SCHOOL CALENDAR
2000-2001
Tuesday, September 5 Orientation of Teachers
Wednesday, September 6 Schools Open
Friday, October 6 Schools Closed, Professional Wksp.
Monday, October 9 Schools Closed, Yom Kippur
Thursday & Friday, Nov. 9, 10 Schools Closed, NJEA Convention
Thursday, November 16 (GRADES K-5) One-Session Day, Evening Confs.
Friday, November 17 (GRADES K-5)** Schools Closed, Conferences**
Wednesday, Nov. 22 One Session Day &
Thursday & Friday, Nov. 23, 24 Schools Closed, Thanksgiving
Friday, Dec. 22 One Session Day &
December 25 - 29 Schools Closed, Christmas Recess
Tuesday, January 2 Schools Reopen
Monday, January 15 Schools Closed, Dr. King's Birthday
Monday & Tuesday, February 19, 20 Schools Closed, Winter Recess
April 9-13 Schools Closed, Spring Recess
(Includes Good Friday)
Monday, May 28 Schools Closed, Memorial Day
Wednesday, June 20 High School Graduation
Thursday, June 21 Union & Pierrepont Graduations
Thursday, June 21 One-Session Day Last Day of School for Students
(Students Only) K-12 Report Cards Issued
Friday, June 22 Last Day of School for Teachers
NUMBER OF DAYS SCHOOLS ARE IN SESSION
September 18 February 18
October 20 March 22
November 18 April 16
(November 17) K-5 Only
December 16 May 22
January 21 June 15
Total: 93 Total: 93
(92) K-5 Only
Total Days: 186
(185) K-5
REPORT PERIOD ENDS REPORT CARDS ISSUED NUMBER OF DAYS
November 13 November 16 (K-5) 45
November 20 (6-12)
January 31 February 5 48
(47) K-5
April 17 April 23 47
June 21 June 21 46
Total: 186
(185) K-5
* To allow for evening conferences, Thursday, November 16, 2000 will be a one-session day for K-5 students and teachers.
** K-5 Conferences will be held on Friday, November 17, 2000. SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED ON THAT DAY FOR GRADES K-5.
The above calendar is subject to change if deemed necessary by the Board of Education. The Board of Education wishes to apprise all employees, students and parents that any recess period may be utilized for days lost due to inclement weather. Accordingly, the Board advises employees not to make travel plans that are non-refundable during any of these times since school may be in session.
On roll call all members present voted "aye", one absent.
FINANCE:
APPROVAL OF BILLS 1. Resolution by Mr. Derner, seconded by Mrs. Johnson.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that the bills listed below be approved on binding resolution:
Off Line Checks 2,057.62
Bills Payable 0.00
Payroll 773,609.39
General Activities 14,689.32
Total 790,356.33
On roll call vote all members voted "aye", one absent.
A question was raised regarding the transfers, and the need for a detailed explanation of the transfers. Both Dr. Sarsfield and Dr. Verbist responded to the questions relative to the transfer list.
TRANSFERS 2. Resolution by Mr. Derner, seconded by Mrs. Johnson.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve on binding resolution the following transfers for the 1999-2000 school year.
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From: Account Code: |
Account Name: |
From: Amount |
To: Amount |
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11-000-100-565-09 |
Tuition Spec. Svcs. |
82,699. |
|
|
11-000-100-566-09 |
Tuition — Private School |
56,863. |
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To: |
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11-000-100-562-09 |
Tuition — Spec. State |
139,562. |
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|
From: |
|||
|
11-000-230-890-01 |
Misc. Exp.-Admin. |
17.50 |
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To: |
|||
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11-000-213-580-01 |
Travel — Health |
17.50 |
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|
From: |
|||
|
11-190-100-500-04 |
Other Purch. Serv. Pierrepont |
2,506. |
|
|
11-190-100-640-04 |
Textbook-Pierrepont |
5,000. |
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To: |
|||
|
11-000-222-100-04 |
Media-Salary-Pierrepont |
7,506. |
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From: |
|||
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11-000-262-520-01 |
Insurance |
3,000. |
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To: |
|||
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11-000-230-110-11 |
Sal. Admin. |
3,000. |
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From: |
|||
|
11-000-230-580-01 |
Travel Admin. |
856.38 |
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To: |
|||
|
11-000-230-590-01 |
Misc. Purch. Serv. Gen. Admn. |
856.38 |
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From: |
|||
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11-000-261-610-11 |
Gen. Supply Pool |
439.26 |
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To: |
|||
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11-000-213-610-01 |
Gen. Supply Health |
439.26 |
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From: |
|||
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11-000-100-566-09 |
Tuit. Private School |
5,000.05 |
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To: |
|||
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11-000-217-320-09 |
Prof. Serv. Special Svcs. |
5,000.05 |
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From: |
|||
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11-000-230-610-01 |
Gen. Suppl Admin. |
5,332.42 |
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To: |
|||
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11-000-230-590-31 |
Misc. Purch. Admin. |
5,332.42 |
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From: |
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11-000-261-610-03 |
Gen. Supp. Lincoln |
337.44 |
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To: |
|||
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11-000-261-420-03 |
Rep. Plant. Lincoln |
337.44 |
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From: |
|||
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11-000-261-420-22 |
Maint Clean, Rep. Svcs |
5,361. |
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11-000-261-420-23 |
1,000. |
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11-000-261-420-24 |
4,000. |
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To: |
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11-000-261-420-02 |
Rep. Bldg.- H.S. |
10,361. |
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From: |
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11-000-261-420-22 |
Maint Clean, Rep. Svcs. |
1,662.66 |
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To: |
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11-000-270-109-02 |
Transp. Salary |
1,662.66 |
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From: |
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11-000-261-420-22 |
Maint Clean, Rep. Svcs |
5,000. |
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11-000-261-420-24 |
5,000. |
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11-000-261-420-26 |
5,000. |
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11-000-261-420-23 |
1,000. |
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11-000-261-420-25 |
1,000. |
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11-000-291-280-51 |
Bus Svcs- Emp. Ben. |
2,247.65 |
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To: |
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11-000-291-260-41 |
Bus Svcs-Emp. Ben. |
19,247.65 |
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From: |
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11-000-261-420-23 |
Maint. Clean, Rep. Svcs. |
2,000. |
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|
11-000-261-420-25 |
1,029.28 |
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To: |
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11-110-100-101-05 |
Teacher Sal. PreK-K |
3,029.28 |
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From: |
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11-190-100-640-03 |
Instr. Text. |
2,500. |
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11-190-100-500-03 |
Instr. Other Purch. Svc. |
517.78 |
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To: |
|||
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11-190-100-610-03 |
Instr. Supp. |
3,017.78 |
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From: |
|||
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11-150-100-101-09 |
Tchr Sal.-Home Inst. |
9,119.68 |
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|
To: |
|||
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11-150-100-320-09 |
Inst. Purch. Prof. Svcs. |
9,119.68 |
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On roll call vote all members present voted "aye", with the exception of Mr. McGehrin who voted "no", one absent.
SECRETARY'S REPORT AND TREASURER'S REPORT:
3. Resolution by Mr. Derner, seconded by Mrs. Johnson.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that it has received and accepts on binding resolution the financial reports of the Secretary and Treasurer of School Monies for the month ending January, 2000, and certifies that the reports indicate that no major account or fund is overexpended in violation of NJAC 6:20-2.13 and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district's financial obligations for the remainder of the school year. A copy of the certification shall be included in the minutes.
Summary pages attached in official minute book. Detailed summary in the office of the Board Secretary.
On roll call all members present voted "aye", one absent.
FINANCE: Resolution by Mr. Derner, seconded by Mrs. Johnson.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that the following Finance items be approved for placement on the agenda for the next public meeting:
DONATION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to accept, with thanks, the donation of various school supply items from Mrs. Sherri Baffuto on behalf of Boise Cascade, to Sylvan School.
DONATION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to accept, with thanks, the donation of a Mac-compatible scanner as a gift to Pierrepont School from Mrs. Toni Murphy.
On roll call all members present voted "aye", one absent..
Pres. Willis addressed the 3rd grade enrollment issues, indicating that there are approximately 200 students and that in the 4th grade there are standardized tests, which the students need to prepare for. Discussion ensued regarding ways to reduce class size.
MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: 8:35 P.M. for 3rd grade enrollment purposes only.
Mrs. Thomas addressed the issue of splitting families and adding classes. Pres. Willis indicated that the district tries to avoid splitting families and full classes as much as possible.
Mrs. Garcia indicated that she is in favor of splitting the 3rd grade, and indicated it will benefit all schools.
Mrs. Sherry indicated that small class size would be beneficial and thanked the Board for their early intervention.
Mrs. Sullivan indicated that it was a good idea and that if her child moved in the 4th grade, then he stays for grades 5-8. Pres. Willis indicated that the Board would try to maintain continuity.
Mrs. Decker commended the Board for entertaining an additional class and is concerned over the sibling clause being taken out of policy and procedure.
Mrs. Calocino asked what are the enrollments in 3rd grade. Mrs. Ralph indicated that they are 24-25-26 in size.
Mrs. Forte raised concerns regarding the sibling policy.
Mrs. Monahan commended the Board for thinking about class size.
Mrs. Edmundson asked how aggressively the district checks residency. Mrs. Ralph explained the process to the public in attendance. Mrs. Edmundson also indicated she is glad that the Board is looking at class size at this time.
Mrs. Hoffman-Goodwin asked whether the Board can change the hours of school. Pres. Willis indicated yes.
Meeting was then closed to the public at 8:55 P.M.
Discussion ensued regarding questions relative to the classroom teacher and students moving up. Pres. Willis addressed the questions by outlining the process.
MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 9:00 P.M.
Mrs. Bigley asked whether the GEPA is being used for the first time this year. Mrs. Ralph indicated no, it was used last year. Mrs. Bigley raised concerns over the speed at which items are covered in the class in order to prepare for the test and indicated there is a lack of foundation. Pres. Willis responded with procedures and practices regarding test preparation. Mrs. Bigley asked a question regarding tutorial funds, and indicated they would have benefited BSI instructional students. Pres. Willis indicated that the Board has not come to a consensus on a tutorial program.
Mrs. Schak addressed comments made by Board members and administrators regarding burgeoning enrollment.
Mr. Stanton urged the Board to take the referendum items off the district website.
Mrs. Decker requested that if the Board intends to re-district, please do so before summer vacation.
Meeting was then closed to the public at 9:10 P.M.
Pres. Willis discussed enrollment in March. Pres. Willis also asked the Long Range Technology Committee to take a look at the website and offer suggestions. Vice-Pres. Johnson addressed the Buildings & Grounds committee survey. Pres. Willis indicated that the survey was developed more to get a feel for the public's sentiment and is not a statistical survey.
Pres. Willis indicated that the next newsletter is being worked on by Mr. Ferrara.
Discussion ensued regarding the summer reading program and concern over students that did not read over the summer. Pres. Willis asked the Curriculum committee to address this concern.
MOTION TO RECESS Motion by Mr. Ferrara, seconded by Mr. Novosielski that the Board take a ten-minute recess.
Approved.
The Board returned at 9:33 P.M.
Vice-Pres. Johnson outlined for the Board and public in attendance the highlights of the meeting with Sen. Furnari regarding school funding.
Pres. Willis indicted there is a bill in Trenton, which would hold school districts harmless in the 2000-01 school year.
Discussion ensued regarding the 2000-01 school year budget.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Motion by Mr. Ferrara, seconded by Mr. Novosielski, that an Executive Session be held at 11:40 P.M. for the purpose of discussing negotiations. Action may or may not be taken.
Approved.
The Board returned at 11:52 P.M.
Discussion continued regarding the 2000-01 school year budget.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Mrs. Miceli, seconded by Mrs. Johnson that the meeting be adjourned at 12:01 A.M.
Approved.