RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION

WORKSESSION — MARCH 3, 2003

The Worksession Meeting was called to order at 7:34 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: Mrs. Ahmed, Mr. Brancato, Mr. Casadonte, Mrs. Cevasco, Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Gibney, Mrs. Monahan, Mr. Novosielski, and Mrs. Willis. Mr. Brown and Miss Schneider were also present for the meeting.

N.J. OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW

The New Jersey Open Public Meetings Law was enacted to ensure 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.

TAPING AND BROADCASTING OF MEETINGS

As approved by the Rutherford Board of Education, we are taping and broadcasting our worksessions and regular meetings. These meetings will be broadcast without editing during a two-hour time segment on Tuesday evenings at 8:00 PM on the Comcast public access channel. At the conclusion of the two-hour segment, the broadcast will end regardless of what part of the meeting is currently being viewed due to the Comcast time constraint. Any member of the public who wishes to view the two-hour tape should make a written request to the Board Secretary who will have a copy of the tape made available within two weeks of the request. There will be a nominal fee charged for this tape reproduction. We welcome comments from residents viewing the broadcast.

 

REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT:

REPORT OF THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE BOARD

MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (Action Items Only) 7:39 P.M. No comments made

NEW BUSINESS (Action to be Taken)

MINUTES APPROVAL 1A. Resolution by Mr. Novosielski, seconded by Mrs. Cevasco.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that the minutes of the Regular Meeting and Executive Session of February 10, 2003 be approved as recorded.

Roll Call Vote:

Mrs. Ahmed — aye

Mrs. Cevasco — aye

Mrs. Monahan — aye

Mr. Brancato — aye

Mr. Ferguson — aye

Mr. Novosielski — aye

Mr. Casadonte — aye

Mr. Gibney — abstained

Mrs. Willis — aye

PERSONNEL:

JAMES CARNEY 1A. Motion by Mrs. Ahmed, seconded by Mr. Brancato to accept the resignation of Mr. James Carney, custodian at Pierrepont School, effective 2/21/03.

Approved.

F. PATRICK AHEARN 2A. Motion by Mrs. Ahmed, seconded by Mrs. Cevasco to accept the resignation of Mr. F. Patrick Ahearn as Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach effective immediately.

Approved.

 

EMERGENT HIRES 3A. Resolution by Mrs. Ahmed, seconded by Mrs. Cevasco.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ the following applicant(s) under the emergent hiring law as per the State Department of Education:

Laura Nardelli — Home Instructor

Joey Messineo - " "

Kathleen Flynn - " "

Roll Call Vote Personnel Item #3A:

Mrs. Ahmed — aye

Mrs. Cevasco — aye

Mrs. Monahan — aye

Mr. Brancato — aye

Mr. Ferguson — aye

Mr. Novosielski — aye

Mr. Casadonte — aye

Mr. Gibney — aye

Mrs. Willis — aye

FINANCE:

APPROVAL OF BILLS 1A. Resolution by Mr. Brancato, seconded by Mrs. Cevasco.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that the bills listed below be approved.

Accounts Payable 2/6/03 $494.87

Check Void 2/12/03 (619.83)

2/25/03 353,395.57

$353,270.61

Offline Checks 2/24/03 $2,500.00

Payroll 2/14/03 $920,625.29

2/20/03 1,076.50

$921,701.79

General Activities 2/5/03 $2,675.00

2/6/03 700.00

2/6/03 1,122.79

2/10/03 406.60

2/10/03 45.00

2/13/03 295.00

2/20/03 860.40

2/25/03 3,868.00

$9,972.79

Total $1,287,445.19

Roll Call Vote Finance Item #1A:

Mrs. Ahmed — aye

Mrs. Cevasco — aye

Mrs. Monahan — aye

Mr. Brancato — aye

Mr. Ferguson — aye

Mr. Novosielski — aye

Mr. Casadonte — aye

Mr. Gibney — aye

Mrs. Willis — aye

TENTATIVE BUDGET 2A. Resolution by Mr. Brancato, seconded by Mrs. Cevasco.

2003-2004 SCHOOL YEAR BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve the tentative 2003-2004 school year budget in the amount of $29,880,834 to the County Superintendent for submission.

FURTHER, the Rutherford Board of Education requests use of a Spending Growth Limitation adjustment for special education costs in excess of $40,000 in the amount of $63,266, and the use of banked cap from the 2002-2003 budget year in the amount of $278,628. It is expected that the need for the use of banked cap will be completed by the end of the 2003-2004 budget year.

Roll Call Vote Finance Item #2A:

Mrs. Ahmed — aye

Mrs. Cevasco — aye

Mrs. Monahan — aye

Mr. Brancato — aye

Mr. Ferguson — aye

Mr. Novosielski — aye

Mr. Casadonte — aye

Mr. Gibney — aye

Mrs. Willis — aye

SECY/TREAS. REPORT 3A. Resolution by Mr. Brancato, seconded by Mr. Casadonte.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that it has received and accepts the financial reports of the Secretary and Treasurer of School Monies for the month ending January 2003, 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.

Summary pages attached in official minute book. Detailed summary in the office of the Board Secretary.

Roll Call Vote Finance Item #3A:

Mrs. Ahmed — aye

Mrs. Cevasco — aye

Mrs. Monahan — aye

Mr. Brancato — aye

Mr. Ferguson — aye

Mr. Novosielski — aye

Mr. Casadonte — aye

Mr. Gibney — aye

Mrs. Willis — aye

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

NJDOE DETERMINATION 1A. Resolution by Mrs. Monahan, seconded by Mrs. Cevasco.

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act (the "Act"), the New Jersey Department of Education (the "NJDOE") has determined that the aggregate "Preliminary Eligible Costs" of a school facilities project (the "Project") being proposed by The Board of Education of the Borough of Rutherford in the County of Bergen, New Jersey (the "Board") total $50,400 for the purposes of, doing a roof replacement at Rutherford High School, which determination the NJDOE has communicated same to the Board in a letter dated February 7, 2003 (the "NJDOE Eligibility Letter"); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Act, the Board is eligible to receive aid for the Project in the form of (i) a grant in the amount of $20,160 (equaling 40% of the Preliminary Eligible Costs), or, (ii) ongoing annual debt service aid in the amount of 40% of the annual debt service allocable to the Preliminary Eligible Costs; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the NJDOE Eligibility Letter, in order to proceed with the Project, the Board must (i) accept the NJDOE’s determination of Preliminary Eligible Costs (or reject and appeal same with the understanding that the Project will be delayed as a result of such appeal), (ii) inform the NJDOE as to the Board’s election of a grant or debt service aid and (iii) inform the NJDOE as to whether the Board will construct the Project or whether the Board will elect to have the New Jersey Economic Development Authority construct the Project; and

WHEREAS, the Board seeks to (i) accept the NJDOE’s determination of Preliminary Eligible Costs, (ii) receive the aggregate grant in the amount of $20,160 pursuant to the Act and (iii) construct the Project.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD THAT:

a. The Board hereby determines that it (i) accepts the NJDOE’s determination of Preliminary Eligible Costs, (ii) elects to receive the aggregate grant in the amount of $20,160 pursuant to the Act and (iii) shall construct the Project.

b. The Board Secretary is hereby authorized to communicate such election to the NJDOE.

c. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call Vote Buildings and Grounds Item #1A:

Mrs. Ahmed — aye

Mrs. Cevasco — aye

Mrs. Monahan — aye

Mr. Brancato — aye

Mr. Ferguson — aye

Mr. Novosielski — aye

Mr. Casadonte — aye

Mr. Gibney — aye

Mrs. Willis — aye

 

BID AUTHORIZATION 2A. Resolution by Mrs. Monahan, seconded by Mrs. Cevasco.

H.S. ROOF REPAIR BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to authorize the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary to advertise for bids on a roof repair at Rutherford High School according to the provisions of New Jersey Statute 18A:18A3-5.

Roll Call Vote Buildings and Grounds Item #2A:

Mrs. Ahmed — aye

Mrs. Cevasco — aye

Mrs. Monahan — aye

Mr. Brancato — aye

Mr. Ferguson — aye

Mr. Novosielski — aye

Mr. Casadonte — aye

Mr. Gibney — aye

Mrs. Willis — aye

NEW BUSINESS: (Action will not be taken)

PERSONNEL:

Chairperson Ahmed reported on Personnel items to be acted upon at the March 10, 2003 Regular Meeting.

PERSONNEL: Motion to move the following resignations, retirements, salary adjustments, reassignments, appointments, etc., pending approval from the State Department of Education, subject to the New Jersey Criminal Background Check and other legal requirements.

HOME INSTRUCTORS 1. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to appoint the following as home instructors effective immediately at the hourly rate of $25.00:

Laura Nardelli

Joey Messineo

Kathleen Flynn

PAUL DONOHUE 2. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to appoint Mr. Paul Donohue as a Weight Room Supervisor effective March 11, 2003 at the hourly rate of $15.00.

F. PATRICK AHEARN 3. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to adjust the stipend of Mr. F. Patrick Ahearn as Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach to $2,799.50 due to his resignation from the position.

CRIS GERMERSHAUSEN 4. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to appoint Mr. Cris Germershausen as the Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach effective immediately. Since he is not coaching the complete season, he will receive a stipend of $763.50 (1-4 years pro-rated).

SALARY ADJUSTMENT 5. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to adjust the salary of Mrs. Ann Ziemkiewicz effective 3/26/02 to include longevity 2:

From: $79,960 Incl. $ 900 Longevity 1

To: $80,160 Incl. $1,100 Longevity 2 (pro-rated)

JAMES RITCHIE 6. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION for the Child Study Team to utilize Mr. James Ritchie as a physical therapist for students who attend out-of-district placements at the rate of $75.00 per session.

MARILYN BARBIRE 7. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve a continuation of a medical leave without pay or benefits to Mrs. Marilyn Barbire, special education teacher at Union School, through 4/30/03.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS 8. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ the following as substitute teacher(s) effective 3/11/03 at the per diem rate of $70.00 and in accordance with law:

Amanda Mroz-Napolitano

Donald Burgess

AMANDA MROZ-NAPOLITANO 9. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ Ms. Amanda Mroz-Napolitano as a sub teacher assistant for the 2002-2003 school year effective 3/11/03 at the hourly rate of $8.50.

RETIREMENT MONIES 10. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve the sick day payback for the following retired employees as per agreement between the Rutherford Board of Education and the Rutherford Education Association:

Ann Marie McCarthy - 55 days = $1,650

Donna Giannisis - 31 days = $ 930

PAULA B. RIEGEL 11. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION for the Child Study Team to utilize the services of Paula Becker Riegel to provide Greenspan Floor Time training and supervision services for Student #2000183 (name on file in the office of special services) at the rate of $85.00 per hour.

PROFESSIONAL 12. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION for the

PRACTITIONERS NETWORK Child Study Team to utilize the services of Professional Practitioners Network Ltd. to provide speech services at the rate of $70.00 per hour.

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION:

Chairperson Novosielski reported on Curriculum and Instruction items to be acted upon at the March 10, 2003 Regular Meeting.

PROFESSIONAL 1. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve

DEVELOPMENT PLAN the district Professional Development Plan for 2003-2004 as approved by the Bergen County Professional Development Committee.

HOME INSTRUCTION 2. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve ABA home instruction for Student #2000183 (name on file in the office of special services) for up to 10 hours per week.

OUT-OF-DISTRICT 3. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve

PLACEMENT the placement of Student #2002499 (name on file in the office of special services) at Sage Day School effective 2/10/03 at the annual tuition of $32,900.00 (pro-rated).

ESSEX COUNTY EDUC. 4. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION for the

SERVICES COMMISSION Child Study Team to utilize the services of the Essex County Educational Services Commission for Child Study Team services on an as needed basis according to the following rate scale: Social Assessment - $275.00; Educational Evaluation - $275.00; and Psychological Evaluation - $275.00-$295.00.

HOME INSTRUCTION 5. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve home instruction for Student "M" (name on file in the office of the superintendent) effective 2/27/03.

RUTHERFORD EDUCATION 6. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve

FOUNDATION the following resolution endorsing the Rutherford Education Foundation:

WHEREAS the Rutherford Education Foundation is a NJ non-profit corporation whose sole purpose is to raise funds in order to enhance the academic, athletic and extracurricular experiences of the students in the Borough of Rutherford, and

WHEREAS the organizers and trustees of The Rutherford Education Foundation receive no compensation, and

WHEREAS the Rutherford Board of Education gratefully and willingly accepts donations of funds, services, and equipment, and

WHEREAS the Rutherford Board of Education recognizes the potential advantages of seeking alternative sources of funding for the benefit of its students,

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Rutherford Board of Education hereby recognizes The Rutherford Education Foundation and its potential benefit for the students of Rutherford, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The Rutherford Board of Education, with its deepest thanks, endorses the purpose of the Rutherford Education Foundation and pledges to work cooperatively with it for the benefit of students in the Borough of Rutherford.

FINANCE:

Chairperson Brancato reported on Finance items to be acted upon at the March 10, 2003 Regular Meeting.

SCHOOL ELECTION 1. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Annual School Election shall be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 at 7:00 AM until 9:00 PM in the School District, at Union, Pierrepont, Sylvan, Lincoln, High School, and Congregational Church.

POLICY:

Chairperson Cevasco reported on the meeting of the Policy Committee and items to be acted upon at the March 10, 2003 Regular Meeting.

SERIES 5000 POLICIES 1. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve the following Series 5000 policies on first reading:

Policy#

Policy Name

5113

Policy Concerning Student Attendance at the Rutherford High School

5113.1

Policy Concerning Student Attendance at the Elementary Schools

5114

Suspension and Expulsion

5131.7

Weapons and Dangerous Instruments

5131.5

Vandalism/Violence

5200

Nonpublic School Pupils

5145.11

Questioning and Apprehension

5145.12

Search and Seizure

5145.4

Equal Educational Opportunity

5145.5

Photographs of Pupils

5145.6

Pupil Grievance Procedure

5142.1

Safety Patrols

5142

Pupil Safety

5141.4

Child Abuse and Neglect

5126

Awards for Achievement

5127

Commencement Activities

5141.2

Illness

5141.21

Administering Medication

5141.1

Accidents

5141.1R

Emergency Medical Procedures - RHS

5141

Health

5136

Fund-Raising Activities

5134

Married/Pregnant Pupils

5125

Pupil Records

5125R

Pupil Records Procedures

5124

Reporting to Parent/Guardians

5120

Assessment of Individual Needs

5118

Nonresidents

5118R

Eligibility of Non-Resident Pupils

5111

Admission

5020

Role of Parents/Guardians
   

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS:

Chairperson Monahan reported on Buildings and Grounds items to be acted upon at the March 10, 2003 Regular Meeting.

USE OF SCHOOL BUSES 1. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve the use of two Rutherford Board of Education school buses to provide round-trip transportation for Project Graduation on 6/23/03. All costs will be fully funded by the Project Graduation Committee.

BID AUTHORIZATION 2. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to

SUMMER PAINTING authorize the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary to advertise for bids on summer painting work to be performed in all district school buildings according to the provisions of New Jersey Statute 18A:18A3-5.

ESTIMATE/BID FOR ROOF 3. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to

REPAIR-PIERREPONT authorize the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary to solicit estimates for repairs to a section of a slate roof at Pierrepont School. If the estimates fall below the bid threshold of $17,500 he is authorized to complete the repair by having the work awarded to the contractor with the lowest estimate. If the estimates are above the bid threshold of $17,500 the Business Administrator/Board Secretary is authorized to advertise for bids on the aforementioned roof repair according to the provisions of New Jersey Statute 18A:18A3-5.

OLD BUSINESS: (No action to be Taken)

Pres. Willis reported on a New Jersey School Boards Association Legislative Conference for Property Taxes/School Funding.

MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: 8:30 P.M.

Mrs. Helen Schneider asked about The Rutherford Education Foundation.

Meeting was then closed to the public at 8:32 P.M.

ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Mr. Brancato, seconded by Mr. Casadonte that the meeting be adjourned at 8:33 P.M.

Approved.