The Worksession Meeting was called to order at 8:01 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. Derner, Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Ferrara, Mrs. Johnson, Mr. McGehrin, Mrs. Miceli, Mr. Novosielski, and Mrs. Willis. Mr. Galloway was absent for the entire meeting. Also present were Dr. Sarsfield and Dr. Verbist.

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.

Ms. Cathy Sousa of New Jersey School Boards Association presented the Rutherford Board of Education with a plaque designating it as a certified school district. Ms. Sousa shared with the public in attendance the training the Board undertook in order to qualify for this certification.

Pres. Willis introduced the 2000-01 school year budget, including the initiatives for 2000-01. A formal audio-visual presentation took place, during which Pres. Willis, Finance Chairperson Derner, and School Business Administrator Verbist presented and addressed the proposed budget.

Mr. Magdich, Supervisor of Computer Technology and Studies, made a presentation on the Apple iBook process being proposed for the WASAL computer labs.

Pres. Willis and Finance Chairperson Derner addressed the associated fixed costs and various tax freeze and property tax rebate plans.

Pres. Willis thanked Mr. Magdich, Mr. Davidson, Mr. .Weber, and the various students who assisted in the preparation of the audio-visual presentation as well as the Budget Hearing TV taping.

MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: 8:52 P.M.

Mrs. Schak identified herself as the President Pro-Tem of the Rutherford Taxpayers Association. Mrs. Schak addressed the per-pupil cost figures, as well as tax information. She also addressed the 5.83% increase in the budget and indicated that it does not include the second proposal. Mrs. Schak went on to address the concept of tax deferral. She then segued into topics of class size, enrollment, number of student computers, and the student assistance counselor.

Pres. Willis and Mr. Magdich addressed questions related to student computers. Pres. Willis went on to indicate that the student assistance counselor is not just for substance related issues, but will also address family and child needs.

Mr. Stanton shared with the Board and public in attendance that the iBook computer lab concept is a wonderful idea. Mr. Stanton commented that there is a need to hold down fixed costs, and there is a need to squeeze every dollar spent.

Mr. Magdich addressed the Board, indicating that staff increases were not tied to enrollment, they were related to mandated programs and services. Mr. Magdich went on to address the Long Range Technology Plan and the Computer Teacher Specialist position, which is recommended by the Department of Education. Mr. Magdich suggested that the Board remain true to the Long Range Technology Plan, and place the Computer Teacher Specialist position on the separate proposal.

Mrs. Marchese addressed the separate proposal, voting procedures, and use of portables.

Mrs. Novosielski raised a question regarding the part-time Student Assistance Counselor position. Mrs. Novosielski asked whether the other counselors handled these types of problems. Dr. Sarsfield responded with the regular counselors duties and indicated that the part-time position will deal with some problems which are above and beyond the regular counselors ability to address.

Mrs. Novosielski also discussed the summer reading program, indicating that honor students have required reading while other students have voluntary reading assignments.

Mr. Merklinghaus congratulated the Board on a good budget process. He indicated that the Board systematically approached the needs of the students and the community.

Meeting was then closed to the public at 9:28 P.M.

APPROVAL OF BUDGET:1. Resolution by Mr. Derner, seconded by Mrs. Johnson.

Current Expense $23,525,082.

Capital Outlay 312,452.

Debt Service 367,574.

State/Federal Projects 448,432.

Total $24,653,540.

Current Expense $20,739,151.

Capital Outlay 312,452.

Debt Service 367,574.

Total $21,419,177.

WASAL Computer Lab $114,000.

Replacement of Elementary Computers $27,570.

Replacement H.S. Auditorium Lighting $16,000.

Total: $157,570.

On roll call all members present voted ______.

A question was raised regarding the ballot question. Dr. Verbist read the proposed ballot question language. Questions then took place addressing the separate proposal, tax impact, as well as deferral process. Dialogue took place regarding some Board members concerns about the budget process, specifically the lateness of the budget given to the Board, and deferring budget meetings. A suggestion was made by a Board member to begin the budget process earlier. Concerns were raised over the budget decreases and the issue of the validity of the enrollment statistics.

Questions from the Board segued into prior Boards Long Range Technology commitment, the district definition of administration regarding school report card identification, as well as the total cost for transportation.

Pres. Willis took the opportunity to review for the Board and public in attendance the Long Range Technology process, indicating it was a two-year review process, and that 1999-2000 was not a review year.

A recommendation was made by a board member to update the slides.

A suggestion was made to divide the budget approval resolutions into two parts, 1A and 1B for the separate proposal. Mover and seconder agreed to the modification.

Discussion continued regarding the enrollment projections. Vice Pres. Johnson addressed the comments made by indicating that Assemblyman DiGaetano and Senator Furnari both indicated that the enrollment projections made by the district over the past few years were understated.

A recommendation was made that the Board add $25,000 to the second proposal for a professional staff utilization study. Various Board members discussed the proposal. Discussion included the inability of some Board members to justify placing $25,000 on a separate proposal when the Board as a whole agreed to eliminate the Computer Teacher Specialist position. Dialogue continued regarding the proposed study. Suggestions were made to let the new Superintendent review the existing program first. Dialogue continued, and the ultimate direction from the Board was to have the new Superintendent look into staffing concerns and report back to the Board.

Pres. Willis thanked Finance Chairperson Derner, Vice Pres. Johnson, and especially Mr. Ferrara who came on to the Finance Committee in February, for their time and effort in preparing the 2000-01 school year budget.

Pres. Willis went on to comment that the Board as a whole had done its due diligence on the budget and that the original budget presented to the committee was up approximately 10%, and that the Finance Committee and the Board as a whole has cut over $1.5 million in expenditures.

Pres. Willis went on to indicate that the Board as a whole has had several weeks to review and offer revisions/suggestions for the 2000-01 school year budget.

APPROVAL OF BUDGET:1A. Resolution by Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mrs. Johnson.

Current Expense $23,525,082.

Capital Outlay 312,452.

Debt Service 367,574.

State/Federal Projects 448,432.

Total $24,653,540.

Current Expense $20,739,151.

Capital Outlay 312,452.

Debt Service 367,574.

Total $21,419,177.

WASAL Computer Lab $114,000.

Replacement of Elementary Computers $27,570.

Replacement H.S. Auditorium Lighting $16,000.

Total: $157,570.

On roll call all members present voted "aye, one absent.

Vice-Pres. Johnson left the meeting at 10:20 P.M. and did not return.

Discussion of Use of Schools #1 and #2 took place. Various Board members addressed the need for binding resolutions, as well as the need in the future to ask for an expense and profit report from the Bulldog Basketball proprietor. A question was also raised as to whether the Facilities Committee met as directed by the Board at the prior meeting regarding this matter.

Mr. Ferrara and Mr. Derner indicated that there was a phone conference with Mrs. Johnson on this matter.

On roll call all members present voted "aye, two absent.

ROBERT CHINERY Resolution by Mrs. Miceli, seconded by Mr. Derner.

The hourly salaries shall be as follows: Director $35.00; Teachers Min. $15.00 to Max $35.00; Bus Driver $13.00; Aides $5.25. The program shall be self-sustaining.

A question was raised regarding the Director of Summer Enrichment, as to whether Alexandra Frank was replacing Mrs. Godlewski, and whether the position was posted. Dr. Sarsfield indicated that the position was posted.

HOME INSTRUCTION 1. Resolution by Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mrs. Miceli.

COURSE APPROVAL 2. Resolution by Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mrs. Miceli.

Regarding Curriculum #3, Overnight Trip, a question was raised as to why the resolution was not on a prior agenda. Pres. Willis and Dr. Sarsfield indicated that the Future Problem Solvers Team just qualified for the State Competition.

OVERNIGHT TRIP 3. Resolution by Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mrs. Miceli.

A question was raised regarding Textbook Approval, specifically the cost breakdown. Curriculum Chairperson Ferguson indicated that it is just being placed on the agenda for formal action at the April 10, 2000 public meeting. Pres. Willis asked Dr. Verbist to make sure that the Board has the cost breakdown in Friday's Board packet.

APPROVAL OF BILLS: 1. Resolution by Mr. Derner, seconded by Mr. Ferrara.

Off Line Checks 28.40

Bills Payable 195,704.44

Payroll 822,584.88

General Activities 22,265.97

Total 1,040,583.69

On roll call all members present voted "aye", two absent.

FINANCE: Resolution by Mr. Derner, seconded by Mrs. Miceli.

Mr. Derner asked why the Joint Transportation agreement resolution indicates "at a rate to be determined." Dr. Sarsfield and Dr. Verbist responded, indicating that the cost will be determined on the number of students on the vehicle, as well as the bid price per day. That information changes on a monthly basis.

Discussing ensued regarding the need for a budget freeze on expenses for the 1999-2000 school year.

Pres. Willis clarified the summer reading program direction, i.e. Curriculum Committee review.

A Board member commented that he was beginning to lose confidence in the committee process, specifically the inability of committees to get together for a recommendation to the Board on various topics.

A theoretical question was raised as to whether the committee system is doing the Board justice. Pres. Willis responded that it is the first year that the Board is trying to move into a true committee system, and that there is always room for improvement.

Discussion continued regarding this matter, with various Board members raising concerns that the committee reviews are not necessarily always timely enough, specifically related to the summer reading program.

Mr. Ferguson addressed some background information from other districts on the effectiveness of their summer reading program.

MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: 10:41 P.M.

Mrs. Schak addressed the tax levy process and requested information regarding the 2000-01 deferral. Dr. Verbist responded that, with the permission of the Board, he would be forwarding to Mrs. Schak a proposed deferral analysis.

Meeting was then closed to the public at 10:44 P.M.