RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION

WORKSESSION Ð JANUARY 6, 2003

 

The Worksession Meeting was called to order at 7:36 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.  Mrs. Conlon and Mr. Brown 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:

Pres. Willis requested a moment of silence in memory of George Tourian, Pool Custodian, who passed away on December 31, 2002.

 

SPECIAL PRESENTATION:  Preliminary 2003-04 School Year Budget Ð Appropriation Section

Budget presentations were made by Mr. Hurley, Mrs. Vaccarino, Mr. Corso, Mr. Polakowski, Ms. Crawford, and Mr. Magdich.

 

MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC  (Action Items Only)  9:36 P.M.

Mr. Art Rosbury-Yoder asked what the total budget increase would be between 2002-203 and 2003-2004.

 

Meeting was then closed to the public at 9:39 P.M.

 

NEW BUSINESS  (Action to be Taken)

MINUTES APPROVAL             1A.  Resolution by Mr. Brancato, seconded by Mr. Novosielski.

                                                BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that the minutes of the regular meeting of December 9, 2002 be approved as recorded.

Roll Call Vote:

Mrs. Ahmed Ð aye

Mrs. Cevasco Ð aye

Mrs. Monahan Ð aye

Mr. Brancato Ð aye

Mr. Ferguson Ð aye

Mr. Novosielski Ð aye

Mr. Casadonte Ð aye

Mr. Gibney Ð aye

Mrs. Willis Ð aye

 

PERSONNEL:

EMERGENT HIRES                  1A. 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:

 

Beverly Dibilio Ð Teacher Assistant

Greta McGilligan Ð Special Education Teacher

April McDonough Ð Social Studies Teacher

Mary DeLauro Ð Lunch Monitor

Robert Cavallo Ð Substitute Teacher

Laura DiMaro Ð Home Instructor

Roll Call Vote:

Mrs. Ahmed Ð aye

Mrs. Cevasco Ð aye

Mrs. Monahan Ð aye

Mr. Brancato Ð aye

Mr. Ferguson Ð aye

Mr. Novosielski Ð aye

Mr. Casadonte Ð aye

Mr. Gibney Ð aye

Mrs. Willis Ð 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                             12-17-02            $34,206.27

                                                                                                         1-7-03              $242,615.40

                                                                                                                                 $276,821.67

 

                                                Payroll                                               11-19-02         $     1,556.90

                                                                                                         12-13-02            906,741.54

                                                                                                         12-20-02            875,185.44

                                                                                                                              $1,783,483.88

 

                                                General Activities                              12-5-02          $         103.77

                                                                                                         12-6-02                       20.00

                                                                                                         12-9-02                     963.00

                                                                                                         12-10-02                   344.08

                                                                                                         12-11-02                3,303.00

                                                                                                         12-12-02                   857.46

                                                                                                         12-17-02                   229.63

                                                                                                         12-17-02                1,700.00

                                                                                                         12-18-02                2,805.50

                                                                                                         12-19-02                1,582.88

                                                                                                         12-20-02                   380.00

                                                                                                         12-20-02                1,109.59

                                                                                                         1-2-03                       655.00

                                                                                                                                   $14,053.91

 

                                                Total                                                                       $2,074,359.46

 

Roll Call Vote:

Mrs. Ahmed Ð aye

Mrs. Cevasco Ð aye

Mrs. Monahan Ð aye

Mr. Brancato Ð aye

Mr. Ferguson Ð aye

Mr. Novosielski Ð aye

Mr. Casadonte Ð aye

Mr. Gibney Ð aye

Mrs. Willis Ð aye

 

NEW BUSINESS:  (Action will not be taken)

PERSONNEL:

Chairperson Ahmed reported on Personnel items to be acted upon at the January 13, 2003 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.

 

KATHLEEN REGAN                 1. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ Mrs. Kathleen Regan as a second shift custodian at Union School effective 1/1/03 through 6/30/03 at the annual salary of $27,045 (step 2 pro-rated) plus $1,623 (6% pro-rated) when working the second shift.  This is a replacement for Mr. Arce.

 

BEVERLY DIBILIO                   2. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ Ms. Beverly Dibilio as a teacher assistant at Lincoln School effective 1/6/03 for 18 hours per week at the hourly rate of $12.50.  This is a new position.

 

PAMELA BRILLANTE              3. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ Ms. Pamela Brillante as the ABA Therapy Program Coordinator effective 12/15/02 for 4 hours per month at the hourly rate of $37.00.

ABA HOME THERAPY             4. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ the following to provide ABA Home Therapy services at the hourly rate of $25.00:

 

Laura DiMaro

Louis Cuomo

Pamela Brillante

 

LISA GARCIA                          5. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve a transfer for Lisa Garcia, custodian at Union School, from 2nd shift to 3rd shift effective 1/1/03.  Her third shift differential salary figure will be $2,164 (8% pro-rated) when working the third shift.

 

WEIGHT ROOM ADVISOR       6. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve Mr. Roger Kotlarz as a Weight Room Advisor at the high school effective 12/9/02 at the hourly rate of $15.00.

 

ALLISON DI COSTANZO         7. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve Ms. Allison DiCostanzo as a long-term substitute at Washington School effective 1/2/03 through 5/2/03 at the per diem rate of $178.45.  This is a replacement for Mrs. Gioia.

 

MARILYN BARBIRE                 8. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve an unpaid medical leave with benefits for Mrs. Marilyn Barbire, Union School special education teacher, under the provisions of the Federal Family Leave Act effective 12/9/02 through 2/7/03.

 

MICHAEL DAVIDSON              9. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve Mr. Michael Davidson for 100 hours of technology curriculum work (CISCO Academy) at the rate of $15.00 per hour.

 

GRETA MC GILLIGAN             10. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ Ms. Greta McGilligan as a special education teacher at Union School effective 1/1/03 through 6/30/03 at the annual salary of $43,265 (step 7, level 3 pro-rated).  This is a replacement for Ms. Steen.

 

APRIL MC DONOUGH              11. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ Ms. April McDonough as a social studies teacher at Pierrepont School effective 3/1/03 through 6/30/03 at the annual salary of $37,701 (step 4, level 1 pro-rated).  This is a replacement for Mrs. Giannisis.

 

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS       12. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ the following as substitute teacher(s) effective 1/7/03 at the per diem rate of $70.00 and in accordance with law:

 

Robert Cavallo

April McDonough

Pat Wester

 

MARY DE LAURO                    13. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ Ms. Mary DeLauro as a lunch monitor at Pierrepont School effective 1/7/03 at the hourly rate of $8.25.  This is a replacement for Ms. Regan.

 

ABOLISH POSITION                14. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to abolish the 10-month position of Administrative Assistant to the Principal at Pierrepont School effective 7/1/03.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION                 15. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve the following job description for Assistant Principal:

BOARD OF EDUCATION                                                                                              LOCATOR: 1-136

RUTHERFORD                                                                                                 PAGE 1 of 2

 

Position:                                   Assistant Principal

 

Responsible to:                        Principal/Superintendent

 

Qualifications:              1.         Valid New Jersey Principal Certificate or eligibility

2.         Minimum experience as determined by the board

3.         Demonstrated leadership capability in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and student management

4.         Strong interpersonal and communication skills

5.         Required criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.

 

Terms of Employment:  12 months as per RAA contract.

 

Goal:                                        To assist the principal in providing school wide leadership

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

1.         Assists the principal in duties related to instruction, supervision, evaluation and the overall administration of the school

2.         Serves as building administrator in the absence of the principal

                              3.         Assists with requisitions supplies, texts and equipment, conducts inventories, maintains records and reviews receipts and purchase orders for such materials

                              4.         Assists in planning and conducting of safety inspections and safety/crisis drills practice activities

5.         Assists in coordinating transportation, custodial, food service and other support services

6.         Supervises the reporting and monitoring of student attendance

7.         Assists in developing student behavior management programs and in maintaining discipline throughout the school; deals with special cases as necessary

8.         Makes recommendations to the principal for changes in policies, personnel practices and other such matters that may result in a more effective school administration.

9.         Performs such record-keeping functions as the principal may direct

10.       Supervises teachers and departments as assigned by the principal

11.       Assists in scheduling students and teachers

12.       Assists in the supervision of students during lunch periods and before/after school

13.       Supervises extracurricular programs, assembly programs and assignment of faculty members to assist at school functions

14.       Assists in the coordination and supervision of special programs

15.       Assists in the planning and supervision of activities to promote student and employee health and safety

16.       Performs such duties as may be assigned by the principal or superintendent

 

Evaluation:       Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with state law and provisions of the boardÕs policy on evaluation of certified staff

Adopted:         

 

CREATE POSITION                 16. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to create the 12-month position of Assistant Principal at Pierrepont School effective 7/1/03 at a salary range up to $95,000 based upon experience.

 

STEVEN ALBIN                       17. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to appoint Mr. Steven Albin as Assistant Principal at Pierrepont School effective 7/1/03 through 6/30/04 at the annual salary of $103,851.

 

PARENT EDUCATION              18. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve

COORDINATOR                       the agreement between the Rutherford Education Association and the Rutherford Board of Education establishing the annual stipend of $2,000 for the Parent Education Coordinator.

 

BOARD GRANTED                  19.  BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve

SICK DAYS                             eight (8) Board granted sick days to Mr. George Tourian to take him through his disability leave pending retirement on 1/1/03 after his accumulated sick, personal, and vacation days have been used, to be deducted from his total upon retirement.

 

SIDE BAR AGREEMENT         20.  BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve a sidebar agreement between the Rutherford Board of Education and the Rutherford Education Association to permit staff members to donate eight (8) sick days to Mr. George Tourian to take him through his disability leave pending retirement on 1/1/03.

 

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION:

Chairperson Novosielski reported on Curriculum items to be acted upon at the January 13, 2003 meeting.

 

BILINGUAL ESL                      1. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to adopt the 2002-2005 Bilingual ESL/Three Year Program Plan as approved by the state.

 

SCHOOL CALENDAR              2.  Discussion of School Calendars for 2003-2004 and 2004-2005

 

FINANCE:

 

POLICY:

 

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS:

 

OLD BUSINESS: (No action to be Taken)

 

MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:  10:14 P.M.

Jackie Waldron gave input to the Board concerning the future school calendars and the need for a winter recess in February.

 

Meeting was then closed to the public at 10:17 P.M.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION:          Motion by Mr. Novosielski, seconded by Mr. Ferguson that an Executive Session be held at 10:20 P.M. for the purpose of discussing negotiations.  Action may or may not be taken.  The Board expects to return within 30 minutes.

 

                                               Approved.

 

Mr. Novosielski left the meeting at this time. (10:20 P.M.)

 

The Board returned at 10:55 P.M.

 

ADJOURNMENT:                    Motion by Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mr. Casadonte that the meeting be adjourned at 10:56 P.M.

 

                                               Approved.