HOPE FERNICOLA 12. Resolution by Mrs. Miceli, seconded by Mr. Derner.

EXTENDED PROGRAM 1. Resolution by Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mr. Ferrara.

TEXTBOOK APPROVAL 2. Resolution by Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mr. Novosielski.

Passport to Mathematics Course 1 — Larson — McDougal Littell - 1999

Approved.

A member of the Curriculum Committee wished he had more time to review the textbook and wished he had a third voice on the committee for such a review. Pres. Willis indicated that the textbook being moved for approval will not be purchased for the 2000-01 school year, and indicated that the math department is undergoing its textbook review at this time and that the purchase is for the future.

TEXTBOOK APPROVAL 2. Resolution by Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mr. Novosielski.

Passport to Mathematics Course 1 and Course 2 — Larson — McDougal Littell - 1999

Regarding Curriculum Item #6, a question was raised regarding the multi-year equity plan. Dr. Sarsfield indicated that the plan is in agreement with Affirmative Action policies and procedures.

MULTI-YEAR EQUITY 6. Resolution by Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mr. Derner.

Regarding Finance Item #1, a question was raised regarding consultant services being performed in the 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grades relative to computer training. It was suggested that it would be a good practice for the Board to review contracts providing services of this nature.

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

Off Line Checks 126,387.30

Bills Payable 175,708.62

Payroll — 3/30/00 751,868.61

Payroll — 3/31/00 881.25

General Activities 16,197.31

Total 1,071,043.09

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

SO. BERGEN JOINTURE 2. Resolution by Mr. Derner, seconded by Mr. Ferrara.

Finance Chairperson Derner asked for clarification on the Extraordinary Aid application. Dr. Verbist addressed the Extraordinary Aid application, indicating it was a request for funding from the State for the difference between the special education tuition paid in excess of $40,000 by the District.

EXTRAORDINARY AID 3. Resolution by Mr. Derner, seconded by Mr. Ferrara.

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

NEW BUSINESS:

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION 1. Resolution by Mr. McGehrin, seconded by Mr. Ferrara.

The Board of Education in compliance with law shall establish an affirmative action plan with regard to school and classroom practices. The Board shall guarantee each child in the school district equality in educational programs regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin, socio-economic status, English proficiency, or disability. The Board shall ensure equal access to all schools, facilities, programs, activities, and benefits for all students, regardless of race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, religion, English proficiency, socio-economic status or disability.

The Superintendent shall designate a certificated employee of the district to be the Affirmative Action Officer in order to coordinate and implement this policy. The Affirmative Action Officer will be empowered with sufficient access and authority to ensure that each school and program in the district is in compliance with equity requirements.

20 U.S.C.A. 1701

N.J.S.A. 18A:36-20

N.J.A.C. 6:4-1 et seq

Adopted: July 21, 1975

Revised: October 23, 1995 (as per I.D.E.A. language)

Revised: February 12, 1996

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

Regarding New Business Item #2, a question was raised whether this rescinds Policy #5471. Ms. Walsh, representing Fogarty & Hara, indicated that it does not rescind Policy #5471. A question was raised as to whether this resolution will bring us in line with prevailing statutes. Pres. Willis indicated that this policy must be on file by June, 2000 in order to comply with prevailing statutes.

SPECIAL ED STUDENTS 2. Resolution by Mr. McGehrin, seconded by Mr. Novosielski.

In accordance with Part B of the IDEA and N.J.A.C. 6A:14-1.2(b) and (c), the Rutherford Board of Education adopts and assures compliance with the following policies:

5471.1: All students with disabilities, who are in need of special education and related services, including students with disabilities attending nonpublic schools, regardless of the severity of their disabilities, are located, identified and evaluated according to N.J.A.C. 6A:14-3.3.

5471.2: Students with disabilities are evaluated according to N.J.A.C. 6A:14-2.5 and 3.4.

5471.3: An individualized education program is developed, reviewed and as appropriate, revised according to N.J.A.C. 6A:14-3.6 and 3.7.

5471.4: To the maximum extent appropriate students with disabilities are educated in the least restrictive environment according to N.J.A.C. 6A:14-4.2.

5471.5: Students with disabilities are included in Statewide and districtwide assessment programs, with appropriate accommodations, where necessary according to N.J.A.C. 6A:14-4.11.

5471.6: Students with disabilities are afforded the procedural safeguards required by N.J.A.C. 6A:14-2.1 et seq.

5471.7: A free appropriate public education is available to all students with disabilities between the ages of three and 21, including students with disabilities who have been suspended or expelled from school.

1. The obligation to make a free, appropriate public education available to each eligible student begins no later than the student's third birthday and that an individualized education program is in effect for the student by that date;

2. A free, appropriate public education is available to any student with a disability who needs special education and related services, even though the student is advancing from grade to grade; and;

3. The services and placement needed by each student with a disability to receive a free, appropriate public education are based on the student's unique needs and not on the student's disability.

5471.8: Children with disabilities participating in early intervention programs assisted under IDEA Part C who will participate in preschool programs under this chapter experience a smooth transition and that an individualized education program has been developed and is being implemented to N.J.A.C. 6A:14-3.3(e).

5471.9: Full educational opportunity to all students with disabilities is provided.

5471.10: The compilation, maintenance, access to and confidentiality of student records are in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6:3-6.

5471.11: Provision is made for the participation of students with disabilities who are placed by their parents in nonpublic schools according to N.J.A.C.6A:14-6.1 and 6.2.

5471.12: Students with disabilities who are placed in private schools by the Rutherford Board of Education, are provided special education and related services at no cost to their parents, according to N.J.A.C. 6A:14-1.1(d) and N.J.A.C. 6A:14-7.5(b)3.

5471.13: All personnel serving students with disabilities are appropriately certified and licensed, where a license is required.

5471.14: The in-service training needs for professional and paraprofessional staff who provide special education, general education or related services are identified and that appropriate in-service training is provided. The Rutherford Board of Education shall maintain information to demonstrate its efforts to:

1. Prepare general and special education personnel with the content knowledge and collaborative skills needed to meet the needs of children with disabilities;

2. Enhance the ability of teachers and others to use strategies, such as behavioral interventions, to address the conduct of students with disabilities that impedes the learning of students with disabilities and others;

3. Acquire and disseminate to teachers, administrators, school board members, and related services personnel, significant knowledge derived from educational research and other sources and how the district will, if appropriate, adopt promising practices, materials and technology;

4. Insure that the in-service training is integrated to the maximum extent possible with other professional development activities; and

5. Provide for joint training activities of parents and special education, related services and general education personnel. [34 C.F.R.§300.380]

Discussion ensued regarding the summer reading program. Curriculum Chairperson Ferguson suggested that a resolution be placed on the agenda for the May 1, 2000 meeting for the district return to the mandatory summer reading program. Pres. Willis recognized that the Curriculum Committee has asked to put together a resolution for the May 1, 2000 meeting. She asked the Curriculum Committee to discuss the summer reading program with the administration. Discussion then ensued about committee review of the summer reading program and at least one committee member felt that the committee was not getting a great deal of assistance from the administration. It was pointed out that it appears that the statistics provided to the Board were misleading, since the honor students were required to read while regular students were reading on a voluntary basis. Curriculum Chairperson Ferguson addressed his personal research on summer reading programs, specifically his contact with the Sparta School District. Pres. Willis indicated she was uncomfortable with stipulating a specific program without input of administration. Pres. Willis asked Dr. Sarsfield to facilitate a meeting between the Curriculum Committee and the Administration. Dr. Sarsfield indicated that the Board sets policy, and does not dictate policy, and that he would set up a meeting with the High School Administration. It was then suggested by a member of the Curriculum Committee that a resolution be composed, directing the administration to institute a mandatory reading program. Pres. Willis indicated that the Curriculum Committee was directed by her at several meetings to get information regarding the summer reading program on multiple occasions.

Pres. Willis asked the Curriculum Committee if they tried to set up a meeting with High School administration on this matter.

Various Board members engaged in dialogue regarding the summer reading program. A comment was made that it is a shame that this action has to be taken, specifically that a member of the public has been asking for ten months for additional information on the summer reading program pilot. It was further indicated that an opinion was offered and now it is time to move on with this matter.

SUMMER READING Resolution by Mr. Novosielski, seconded by Mr. Ferguson.

Pres. Willis indicated that she opposes the proposed motion that the Board of Education instruct the English Department to restore the mandatory reading program without any administrative input. Pres.

Willis indicated that this was heavy handed, although she does not oppose the reading program concept being proposed. A Board member indicated that it was not being heavy handed, and that administrative input was sought for one year prior to moving this resolution.

Ms. Walsh, representing Fogarty & Hara, rendered a legal opinion after a roll call vote was taken regarding the resolution mandating a summer reading program, that five votes (enhanced majority) is needed when altering a course of study.

The Chair recognized the legal opinion offered and the motion did not carry.

Mr. Ferrara, Lincoln School PTA Liaison, indicated that at the most recent PTA meeting there was a request for stop signs on Pierrepont Avenue east to west. Mr. Ferrara also indicated that they are requesting a three-way stop at Montross and Pierrepont Avenues. Pres. Willis indicated that she will pass this information on to the Mayor and Council.

MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: 9:07 P.M.

Mrs. Bigley asked whether the 4^th grade testing results discussed were this year's or last. Mr. Ferguson indicated that they were last year's results.

Mrs. Novosielski thanked the Board members that voted for the summer reading program.

Mr. Merklinghaus indicated that there was a need for handicap access, i.e. pick-up and drop-off at the Union School.

Mr. Immediate addressed the district's non-transportation of student athletes to and from practice for athletics. Mr. Immediate asked the Board if they were aware of the liability they place themselves and the district in by not providing athletic transportation to and from practices.

Pres. Willis responded that athletics are voluntary programs and there are various levels of all sports. Pres. Willis questioned the cost of such a program, and pointed out that athletic transportation to and from practice was not part of the 2000-01 proposed school year budget.

Mrs. Dyson read a letter to her from Dr. Sarsfield regarding equipment. Pres. Willis asked Mrs. Dyson to stop reading if it pertained to her child's IEP. Mrs. Dyson then read a letter from her freshman son to Dr. Sarsfield regarding his reading assignment.

Pres. Willis asked Dr. Sarsfield to set up a meeting with Mrs. Dyson to address some of her concerns. Mrs. Dyson indicated to the Board that she refused to meet with Dr. Sarsfield regarding her child's academic needs.

Mrs. Barnes questioned the legality of not affording speakers and opportunity to read correspondence when speaking in an open forum on individual student special education issues. She indicated that this is really an issue about personal issues, which need to be addressed in public and not limited by the Board's interpretation of the statute.

Ms. Walsh (Fogarty & Hara) addressed the legal issues of Mrs. Dyson's attempt to discuss her child's special education situation.

Pres. Willis asked Mrs. Barnes to meet with Mr. Occhipinti to clear up any outstanding items that need to be resolved. Pres. Willis then asked Mr. Occhipinti to facilitate such a meeting.

Mr. Dyson addressed specific information relative to his child. Pres. Willis advised Mr. Dyson that she would call the meeting if he did not act in a professional manner. Mr. Dyson continued to address the issues in an agitated state, and was restrained by two members of the public.

Mr. McAllister indicated that administrative remedies are not available to the parents. Mr. McAllister went on to address his children's placements. He further addressed issues with the High School Principal and his opinion that the High School Principal has acted in an inappropriate manner.

Mrs. Kuruc asked questions regarding kindergarten enrollment at Lincoln School. Pres. Willis responded with enrollment data Pres. Willis further indicated that at this time there will not be a kindergarten at Lincoln School due to lack of space. Mrs. Kuruc went on to ask specific questions as to how students will be placed. Pres. Willis responded that the administration would decide, i.e. based on geography and other relevant circumstances. Mrs. Kuruc asked for early notification as to which kindergarten Lincoln students will attend. Pres. Willis indicated she would ask the administration to render an early decision. Mrs. Kuruc then addressed the procedure for the students from Lincoln School attending kindergarten in another building and their ultimate return to Lincoln School in the 1^st grade.

Mrs. Sauter asked why the Board could not rotate kindergarten placement so that Lincoln would not be without a kindergarten every year. Pres. Willis addressed enrollment issues related to kindergarten, as well as a lack of classroom space at Lincoln School to house a kindergarten.

Mr. Merklinghaus asked if the position of Director of Special Services was advertised. Pres. Willis answered yes, the district has advertised for a replacement for Mr. Rubinfeld. Pres. Willis then indicated to the Board and public in attendance that she would seek legal clarification of appropriate topics for discussion during the public comment period.

Pres. Willis went on to address the special education parent meeting needs, as well as indicating that Mr. Occhipinti will be evaluating the special education program and rendering to the Board his recommendations.

Pres. Willis' final comment was that she reiterated the importance for parents to follow appropriate chain of command, and the need for discussion to be held in a professional manner.

Meeting was then closed to the public at 9:54 P.M.

Approved.

The Board returned at 11:34 P.M.

Discussion took place regarding the need for an additional athletic activity driver. Discussion ensued regarding the difficulty in providing athletic transpiration for the multitude of activities that take place on a daily basis.