Board Minutes Regular Meeting February 25, 2015 Board ...

Board Minutes Regular Meeting February 25, 2015

Board Office, 7:00 p.m.

Judd School Recorders – 4th and 5th Graders performed with Mrs. Perryman

1. Board President Mr. Liguori, called the Regular Public Meeting of North Brunswick Township Board of Education to order at 7:14 p.m. The meeting was held at the Board Office, Maple Meade School.

2. Flag Salute to Assembly 3. On a Roll call the following members were present: Mr. Brooks, Ms. Dillon, Ms. Gonzalez,

Ms. Guadagnino, Ms. Maharana, Ms. McNulty and Mr. Liguori Absent: Mr. Brockman Student Representatives Absent: Tara Viray, and Gerelis Feliz Present: Superintendent, Dr. Zychowski; Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Petela and Board

Attorney, Mr. Betta Absent: Board Secretary, Ms. Irons 4. Board President’s Statement

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 meetings of public bodies, at which any business affecting their interests is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Law, the public notice of this meeting, which included the time, date and location was distributed by 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 in the following manner: A. Posted on the Bulletin Board reserved for announcements in the Board Office,

Old Georges Road, North Brunswick. B. Mailed to the Home News Tribune, Sentinel and the Clerk of the Township of

North Brunswick. C. Delivered to the nine (9) duly elected board members.

PRESENTATIONS:

1. Rookie Robotics Team – Galaxy 5 Team – group of five girls (4 from North Brunswick Township, 1 from Franklin Park), 4th and 5th graders from Livingston Park and Parsons – Placed Second in the Championship Award and nominated to go to the National Championship to be held in California. The team members are as follows:

Tanisha Bohra – 4th grade – Livingston Park Gauri Banginwar - 5th grade – Livingston Park Sprihaa Singh – 5th grade – Livingston Park Isha Panhye – 5th grad – from Parsons Mrs. Ciarrocca, Principal of Livingston Park congratulated the girls and spoke about their

progress.

Printed: 02-25-15

Regular Public Meeting February 25, 2015 2

BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education that the following resolution be approved:

WHEREAS, the Board of Education recognizes the efforts of all students and wishes

to acknowledge its appreciation for a commitment to excellence, dedication, and extraordinary efforts representing their families, the school, and themselves in an exemplary manner;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this public acclaim be given to

Tanisha Bohra, Gauri Banginwar, Sprihaa Singh and Isha Padhye for their Galaxy 5 Robotics Team second place finish in the Robotics State Championship.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Tanisha Bohra, Gauri Banginwar, Sprihaa

Singh and Isha Padhye shall be recognized appropriately and that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the permanent minutes of this Board.

3. Ryan Catalano, NBTHS Junior – Fusor Presentation – Introduced by Mrs. Andrea

Lamagra, Supervisor of Science at NBTHS o Ms. Dillon asked if Ryan participated in the AT&T Competition this year? o Ryan said that he did in his freshman year but not this year. o Dr. Zychowski asked if Ryan was interning at Princeton? o Ryan has a mentor at Princeton that he works with. o Mr. Brooks asked when and where did Ryan get his scientific interests from? o Ryan stated that he loves to read Popular Science Magazine and feels the future

of energy production is important. o Mr. Liguori asked where he gets his passion for science? o Ryan said he feels good in accomplishing things with science. o Dr. Zychowski asked about patents. Has he done research on copyrights or

patents? o Ryan is improving on objects already made. o Ms. Dillon asked if he was always interested in science. o He said as a child he always worked with Lego’s and Lincoln logs and had an

interested in making objects. o Mr. Higham asked if Ryan networks with other researchers and did he plan to

publish? o Ryan said he works with other amateurs working together for the same goals.

His parents support him. He is on the Robotics and Engineering teams. o Dr. Zychowski thanked Ryan for sharing is project with the Board of Education.

MEETING MINUTES: 5. A motion was made by Mr. Brooks and seconded by Ms. Dillon to approve the following Board

minutes: Reorganization Meeting – January 5, 2015 Executive Session Meeting – January 5, 2015 Conference Meeting – January 14, 2015 Regular Public Meeting – January 21, 2015 Executive Session Meeting – January 21, 2015 The results of the motion were: All present voted aye. 6. Communications: Ms. Dillon – NBTHS participated in the AT & T Student Innovational

Competition – student from NBTHS placed 3rd.

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REPORTS: 7. A motion was made by Ms. Guadagnino and seconded by Mr. Brooks to approve the following

reports: Administrative Report: - Dr. Zychowski:

• NBTHS Girls Bowling Team won the GMC White Division and the GMC Conference Championships. They also won the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III Championship.

• NBTHS Boys Track Team won the GMC White Division Championship. Coach Kevin DiPane was named White Division Coach of the Year.

• NBTHS Girls Track: Nnenna Ibe won the individual high jump championship. She also earned NJSIAA Central Jersey High Jump Championship and placed 2nd in the Tournament of Champions.

• NBTHS Wrestling: Three wrestlers qualified for Regions: o Matthew Mueller o Juan Gonzales o Mitchell Arcianega

• NBTHS Boys Swim Team: Competing in the Tournament of Champions. Vinnie Gibbons is the 2nd overall ranked freestyler in the state.

• Linwood Middle School Girls Basketball Team and Coach Mike Buttita finished the regular season 15 – 0.

• GreenBots Robotics Team participated at the state level FLL Robotics Competition at the University of Pennsylvania. They were awarded runners up for the Championship Trophy. The team members are 8th graders of Linwood Middle School:

Abbie Maharana, Surya Anathu Shakthi Rave

Meher Su7khija Yathatrh Pandey Sunit Pradhan Anudeep Revuri

• The team is invited to participate in the FLL Razorback Invitational to be held on May 14 - 17, 2015, at the University of Arkansas.

• NBTHS will be holding the 30th Annual Rock-A-Thon from 11:00 am Saturday, February 28 through 11:00 am Sunday, March 1. The Rock-a-Thon is a 24- hour rocking chair marathon, which raises money for charity. The students’ rock in their own rocking chairs while playing video and board games, watching movies, talking, and having fun for 24- hours in the NBTHS Commons. This year they are raising money for The Ronald McDonald House in New Brunswick and the North Brunswick Food Bank to help those locally who need our help. They will also be making up care packages for US soldiers overseas and collecting books for RIF.

Student Report: - Students were absent. Committee Reports: Personnel Committee: Mr. Higham

• Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Technology – Twenty-two (22) applicants, Administrative Committee interviewed eight (8). Two (2) candidates went to second round. Dr. Zychowski will be recommending a candidate to the full board; the vetting of this candidate is continuing.

• Linwood Principal Search – position will be advertised in March. • Open non-certified positions were discussed.

Printed: 02-26-15


Negotiations Committee: Mr. Higham • Met on February 23, 2015 with NBTEA towards a successor agreement. • Items discussed are confidential.

Policy/Litigation Committee: Ms. Dillon

• First reading on policies were discussed and are on tonight’s agenda. • Litigation items were discussed and remain confidential

Student Services Committee – Mr. Brooks – Dr. Zychowski gave the report:

• Reviewed Class Trips • Calendar on agenda tonight – NBTEA and NBTAEA helped to develop the calendar. • Budget items relative to Special budget items was discussed

Community Relations Committee – Ms. Maharana

• The committee had discussions about various topics. • One suggestion was to develop a centralized district newsletter (from different schools).

This helps the community comprehend what's happening in other schools. It keeps them informed and the news is vertically articulated amongst all schools.

• This newsletter would be an electronic newsletter basically it will be a segway between different schools.

• The NJDOE auditing of the district also called as QSAC will be visiting the school on February 19th - 20th. This team will evaluate the schools programs and instruction, governance, operations, finance and personnel.

• The search for Linwood principal is on and the community will be involved in this process. A community based committee in conjunction with the informed decisions from independent candidates will help us in our search.

• North Brunswick school district is now involved in the process of strategic planning for 2020.

• Our focus would be on P.A.C.E.S (Parents and community for excellent schools) which truly represents who we are.

• We are very excited to announce that we will have our own channel 15, our own cable channel and the board is very much looking forward to hear about the future developments in this matter.

PAARC Community Night. • Following the community relation meeting we had a very successful PAARC

informational session to inform parents about PARCC. This session was attended by more than 500 parents and guardians

• The NBT Schools Administrative and Teaching Staff did an awesome job for presenting the pertinent information in a concise fashion. Assistant Commissioner of Education , Kimberley Harrington was impressed by the and she had a few takeaway messages that came across loud and clear throughout the evening which clearly represents of who we are:

• “We are not a test prep district but are standards focused through our daily instruction.” • “We didn’t buy devices for testing but rather for teaching.” • “Mindset: do your best, don’t stress.” • NBT India Day celebration on January 31, 2015 from 12 noon - 3 p.m. • There are many exciting activities and cultural programs and it was a great effort by our

former board member who continues to work to bring the community together and the theme was "unity in diversity" .

Printed: 02-26-15


• On February 4th, the North Brunswick Township High School’s Leadership Team held their first of two 8th Grade Parent Orientation Programs. The session was well attended. This Orientation Program (Part I) focused primarily as an overview of the extensive and challenging curriculum and preparation for scheduling for next year’s courses. The program also included a brief tour of NBTHS at the end of the presentation. This informative night was to help smooth transition for our children as they prepare to enter the North Brunswick Township High School Community.

• The Parent Academy continues to inform parents about various educational topics and this month's theme is "Learning with Technology." The teachers shared some of the exciting and innovative things that are happening in their classrooms with technology.

Curriculum Committee – Ms. Maharana:

• PARCC o Discussions included but were not limited to the test roster, refusal rooms for

students who have opted out of test. Approximately 2.5% of the student body has refused to take the test.

o Staff has been trained to administer the PARCC tests and all students have completed one practice test each in both ELA and Mathematics.

o There was an infrastructure mock trial to check the hardware component for PARCC testing. Protocols for staff and technicians have been established.

• 2015-2016 School Year o The budget focused on Curriculum, Instruction, Technology and Professional

Development. o The committee discussed the payment for AP and PSAT tests for our

underprivileged students. These students are enrolled in the AP classes but are unable to pay for the tests since these tests are expensive.

o Around $115,000 would be spent on switch upgrades. These switches are used for routing and managing the internet traffic.

• The committee met with Jennifer Diszler, the new Director of Technology, Curriculum and Instruction. Ms. Diszler shared her plans and vision for the North Brunswick School District.

Business Operations Committee – Mr. Liguori

• Met on February 11, 2015 • New Electric Sign at Linwood • Remediation at Veteran’s Park by the Township • 2015-2016 Budget

o Broad overview o Capital Projects

NBTHS Parking Lot Broadcast Studio Elementary Gym and cafeteria doors Livingston Park Kitchen and Locker Rooms Bleachers

The results of the motion were: All present voted aye. 8. A motion was made by Ms. Maharana and seconded by Ms. Gonzalez to approve the following

consent agenda items, as well as the addendum items, as listed:

Printed: 02-26-15


PERSONNEL: 9. Action relative to certified personnel, for the 2014-2015 school year, as recommended by the

Superintendent of Schools:

a) accept with regret the resignation of Linda Sicora, Academic Support Teacher, John Adams, who is retiring as of February 1, 2015, after 23 years and 5 months of service

b) approve the following resignations:

Robert Halsey, NBTHS, Freshman Boys Volleyball, effective January 20, 2015 Jessica Lewis, Parsons, Grade Level Leader, Grade 3, effective January 16, 2015 Irianela Ruiz, NBTHS, Assistant Girls Lacrosse, effective February 12, 2015

c) approve the following certified personnel:

Lauren Ross, Parsons, Grade Level Leader, Grade 3 (6) $1,495, prorated, effective January 20, 2015

d) approve the appointment of the following non-tenured teaching staff (salary includes

$250 Professional Development stipend): Carmine Genovese, Teacher of Students with Disabilities, NBTHS, at an annual

salary of $57,680, prorated, (Master’s Level, Step E), effective March 9, 2015 (Retirement: J. Deegan)

Ashanti Rimes-Morris, English Teacher, NBTHS, at an annual salary of $54,480, prorated, (Bachelor’s Level, Step D), effective February 26, 2015 (Resignation: P. Res)

e) approve the following NBTHS Coaches, effective February 1, 2015:

Michael Roseborough, Strength and Conditioning, Spring, $2,614 Lyndsay Werner, Freshman Girls Softball, $5,807

f) approve the following Elementary Club Advisor:

Christine Hohwald, Judd, Robotix, $750, prorated, effective February 10, 2015

g) approve the following 6th teaching period assignments:

Marjorie Federico, NBTHS, Special Education, $7,854, effective September 1, 2014 (student needs)

Alex Monaco, Linwood, Special Education, $8,161, prorated, effective February 1, 2015 (student needs)

Printed: 02-26-15


h) approve a change in degree level for the following personnel:

Jennifer Aschettino, Instructional Technology Coach, District, from Bachelor’s Level, Step D to Bachelor’s +30 Level, Step D, effective February 1, 2015

Carol Barry, Speech Teacher, Linwood, from Master’s Level, Step L to Master’s +30 Level, Step L, effective February 1, 2015

Raymond Lepski, Health and Physical Education Teacher, Linwood, From Bachelor’s Level, Step D to Bachelor’s +30 Level, Step D, effective February 1, 2015

Megan Pietrocola, Elementary Teacher, Judd, from Bachelor’s Level, Step D to Bachelor’s +30 Level, Step D, effective February 1, 2015

Alexis Rich, Teacher of Students with Disabilities, Parsons, from Master’s +30 Level, Step D to Doctorate Level, Step D, effective February 1, 2015

i) approve the appointment of the following long-term substitute at the rate of $269.65 per

day without benefits, if assignment exceeds 60 school days benefits will be included: (tentative dates)

Deborah Bonura, Teacher of the Handicapped, NBTHS, effective

February 2, 2015 through end of assignment (Retirement: J. Deegan) Elizabeth Jouvert-Leonardo, Elementary Teacher, Parsons, effective

February 9, 2015 through end of assignment (medical) Kristen Onorato, Elementary Teacher, John Adams, effective February 23, 2015

through end of assignment (medical) Lisa Savino, Elementary Teacher, Judd, effective March 3, 2015 through end of

assignment (medical) Sheena Chan, Elementary Teacher, Parsons, effective January 20, 2015 through

end of assignment (medical) Lisa Weinstock, Elementary Teacher, Parsons, effective February 2, 2015

through end of assignment (medical) j) approve the following stipend (funded by DCH Auto Group) for the 2014-2015 school

year:

Gina Marie Tischio, NBTHS, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), $1,400

k) approve payment to Chad Marcus, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Technology,

District, for the following contractual reimbursable vacation days for a total not to exceed $24,151.95 (acct. #11-000-291-290-77-10):

Per Diem

# Days Rate Total Not to exceed:

Vacation Days:

Earned 13/14 9.00 536.71 4,830.39 Earned 14/15 21.00 536.71 11,270.91

Earned 15/16 15.00 536.71 8,050.65

Total Due:

24,151.95 Resignation date: March 16, 2015

Printed: 02-26-15


l) approve payment to Linda Sicora, Academic Support Teacher, John Adams, for the following contractual reimbursable sick days for a total not to exceed $4,462.00 (acct. # 11-000-291-290-77-10):

Per Diem

# Days Rate Total Not to exceed:

Sick Days:

99/00 and Prior 52.00 79.00 4,108.00

14/15 3.00 118.00 354.00

Total days 55.00

Total Due:

4,462.00 Retirement Date: February 1, 2015 after 23 years and 5 months of service

m) approve the following family medical leave of absence, without pay, for the following certified personnel: (tentative dates)

Teresa Gordon, Elementary Teacher, Livingston Park, effective March 3, 2015

through May 29, 2015 Jessica Lewis, Elementary Teacher, Parsons, effective March 9, 2015 through

June 12, 2015 Genna Weissman, Teacher of Students with Disabilities, Judd, effective February 17, 2015 through May 15, 2015

n) approve a child care leave without pay or benefits for the following certified

personnel: (tentative dates)

Gina Caplan, Language Arts Teacher, Linwood, effective February 17, 2015 through June 30, 2015

o) approve the following substitute teachers:

Ashraf Samia County Certificate Drachtman Francine County Certificate Kingsley Brendan County Certificate Marrone Theresa County Certificate Mazzeo Kaitlyn County Certificate McCormack Sharon Nurse Substitute Penick Samantha County Certificate Runyon Elaine Nurse Substitute Scala Joseph County Certificate Tracey James County Certificate

p) approve the following Administrator:

Jennifer Diszler, District, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Technology, at an annual salary of $138,500, prorated, effective April 30, 2015 or sooner to be determined by the Superintendent (Resignation: C. Marcus)

q) accept with regret the resignation of Myrna Milan , World Language Teacher,

NBTHS, who is retiring as of April 24, 2015, after 7 years and 1 month of service

Printed: 02-26-15


r) approve the following reassignments:

Ariel Petersen, Occupational Therapist, from .6 Judd to .8 District (student needs)

Kelly Britting, Speech Therapist, from .8 District to full-time District (student needs)

s) approve the following NBTHS Coach, effective March 2, 2015 :

Rosa Buffolino, Assistant Girls Lacrosse, $6,291

t) approve the following volunteer per Board Policy 9181 – Volunteer Athletic Coach:

Ashley Carlino, NBTHS, Girls Spring Track, effective March 2, 2015 10. Action relative to non-certified personnel, for the 2014-2015 school year, as recommended by the

Superintendent of Schools:

a) accept with regret the resignation of Clara Ramirez, Custodian, Livingston Park, who is retiring as of July 1, 2015, after 15 years and 4 months of service

b) accept with regret the resignation of Barbara Ruppert, Secretary, Board Office, who is

retiring as of May 1, 2015, after 13 years and 8 months of service

c) approve payment to Clara Ramirez, Custodian, Livingston Park, for the following contractual reimbursable vacation and sick days for a total not to exceed $4,738.31 (acct. # 11-000-291-290-77-10):

Not to exceed: Per Diem # Days Rate Total Vacation Days: 15/16 Earned 20.00 187.66 3,753.20 Contract # Days Rate Total Sick Days: 21.00 46.91 985.11 Total Due: 4,738.31

Retirement Date: July 1, 2015 after 15 years and 4 months of service

d) accept the resignation of the following non-certified personnel: Ana Ruiz, Part-Time Custodian, Livingston Park, effective

February 16, 2015 e) approve the following non-certified personnel:

Martha Abdelmalek, Instructional Aide, Livingston Park, at an hourly rate of

$12.20, Step E, 6.75 hours daily (salary includes $1,209 Custodial aide stipend), effective February 19, 2015 (student needs)

Alessio Ardita, Student Worker, Board Office, at an hourly rate of $8.25 (1st year), effective December 1, 2014

Kathleeen Bonilla, Substitute Classroom Aide, District, effective March 17, 2015 or sooner as determined by the Superintendent

Printed: 02-26-15


f) approve a leave of absence, without pay or benefits, for the following non-certified personnel: (tentative dates)

Barbara Wegner, Bus Aide, District, effective February 23, 2015 through

June 30, 2015

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION:

11. Approve the following action relative to Curriculum and Instruction items for the 2014-2015 school year: a) amend the motion (clerical error) of January 21, 2015 approving Certified Behavior

Analyst, DiNovi & Associates, LLC, Brett DiNovi, $115 per hour, up to 11 hours FROM: $115 per hour TO: $175 per hour

b) terminate home instruction for the following student:

Student ID # Termination Date Placement 147455 January 28, 2015 154720 December 17, 2014 159582 January 20, 2015 165201 December 12, 2014 176252 February 13, 2015 177070 January 9, 2015 195242 February 9, 2015 209162 February 20, 2015 For Keeps Program 1640716 February 4, 2015 1870107 December 30, 2014 2090986 January 20, 2015

c) terminate the out of district placement for the following students:

Student ID # Placement Effective Date

165201 Raritan Valley Interim Alternative Educational Program February 9, 2015

189169 CPC Health Care, High Point January 30, 2015

1740653 Mercer County Special Services School District February 6, 2015

1760364 UMDNJ – University Behavioral Healthcare January 30, 2015

Printed: 02-26-15


d) approve home instruction for the following students:

Student # Effective Date Placement 159510 January 9, 2015 165201 February 9, 2015 175108 February 3, 2015 Princeton House 186047 January 20, 2015 through January 29, 2015 195242 January 30, 2015 through February 9, 2015 1540527 February 12, 2015 through February 20, 2015 1540574 January 19, 2015 through February 6, 2015 Princeton House 1640040 January 20, 2015 1740653 February 17, 2015 1790224 January 27, 2015 – May 8, 2015 Embrace Kids/Home Instruction 1840067 January 5, 2015 1860572 January 30, 2015 through February 9, 2015 1865452 January 29, 2015 through February 5, 2015 1870107 January 26, 2015 through January 30, 2015 1965030 February 3, 2015 through February 11, 2015 1990606 February 23, 2015 through March 2, 2015 2065715 January 21, 2015 Silvergate 2070146 January 24, 2015 Rutgers Univ. Behavioral Health 2160088 January 26, 2015 2355470 January 15, 2015 2360164 February 2, 2015 2360448 January 6, 2015 through June 30, 2015 2370568 February 9, 2015 2260317 February 2, 2015 2790877 December 22, 2014 – January 27, 2015 18701017 January 26, 2015 through January 30, 2015 21901027 November 3, 2014 through February 5, 2015 For Keeps Program

21901027 February 7, 2015 through February 16, 2015 Rutgers University Behavioral Health

e) approve the out of district placement and tuition for the following students:

Student ID # Placement Effective Date Annual Tuition 176252 Cranford Achievement (CAP) February 17, 2015 $47,522.00 (prorated) 1565356 Middlesex County Academy February 17, 2015 $16,200 (prorated) 1640040 Middlesex County Academy February 17, 2015 $16,200 (prorated) 1760364 New Road Somerset February 2, 2015 $47,728.40 (prorated) 1870107 Middlesex County Academy February 17, 2015 $16,200 (prorated)

f) approve the contract with the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually

Impaired, to provide Level I services at a cost of $1,800 each, effective October 23, 2014 through June 30, 2015, for the following student:

#2355286 #3095003

g) approve NJ Virtual School/Monmouth Ocean Educational Service Commission to provide courses for additional students with disabilities, identified to participate in the Triple A program for school credit, in compliance with their IEP’s, at a cost not to exceed $13,650 for the remainder of the 2014-2015 school year

Printed: 02-26-15


h) approve Liberty Healthcare Services, for a transportation medical aide, 5 days a week, not to exceed 5 hours a day, at a cost of $39.00 an hour (LPN) $41.24 (RN), cost not to exceed $20, 280.00, effective January 26, 2015, for the following student:

#3095003 i) approve payment for 2013-2014 adjusted tuition rates, for students:

Student ID# Placement Adjusted Tuition 116675 New Road Somerset $2,644.35 146943 New Road Parlin $7,242.90 176319 The Woodcliff Academy $ 872.00 1340566 New Road Parlin $7,242.90

j) approve Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B, FY 2013-2014,

carryover Basic and Pre-School Grant Funds in the amounts of:

Basic $108,630 Preschool $ 24,324

k) approve Cranford Achievement Program to provide 30 minutes of speech therapy per

week for 19 weeks, at the rate of $75 per hour for the following student: # 205145

l) approve an independent follow-up behavioral consultation by Board Certified Behavioral Analyst, Brett DiNovi &Associates, LLC, at a rate of $125 per hour (as per settlement agreement)

m) approve attendance for the following professional workshops:

Staff Member Workshop Title Registration Transportation

Meals and/or

Lodging Dates Cole, Veronica FIT Teaching $489.00 4/14 and 4/15/2015 Dailey, Kathleen NJIDA Spring Conference $170.00 3/3/2015

Dwyer, Monica Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Practical Strategies for More Intelligible Speech $235.00 3/25/2015

Farrell, Kevin Delaying with Difficult People: How to Communicate with Tact & Skill $79.00 3/11/2015

Federico, Marjorie Facing the Future 23 $175.00 3/20/2015 Gartner, Kirsten Autism NJ 2nd Annual Transition Conference $65.00 4/20/2015

Gupta, Ritu Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Practical Strategies for More Intelligible Speech $235.00 3/25/2015

Hock, Rosa Systems 3000 Human Resource Training 0 $19.84 3/25/2015

Kuehner Jr., Raymond School Transportation Supervisors of New Jersey $325.00 $55.18

4/29 , 4/30, and 5/1/2015

Noonan, Kristine Autism NJ Transition Conference $65.00 4/20/2015

Petela, John 2015 Rider University School of Education Career Fair $50.00 3/5/2015

Ruzich, Francine Making Best Use of the iPad and Apps in a School-Based Occupational Therapy Program $235.00 3/2/2015

Printed: 02-26-15


n) approve the following personnel for student fieldwork/observations/Student Teachers:

College Student Name School Dates/Requirement Kean University Christopher Weir Livingston Park 3/16 through 5/18/2015 Caldwell University Ashley Kloc John Adams 60 hours observation

o) approve the following out of state or overnight competitions/tournaments:

Trip Date School Class/Teacher Destination/Location Rationale

2/27/2015 NBTHS Social Studies- C. Genovese United Nation, New York, New York History

3/25/2015 NBTHS Human Rights Club- B. Passner Museum of Tolerance, New York, New York Human Rights Coalition

3/28/2015 (Saturday) NBTHS

Alchemists- J. Chesler Paper Mill Playhouse, Milburn, New Jersey Alchemists

3/27 through 3/29/2015 NBTHS Key Club-B. Passner

Ocean Place Resort & Spa, Long Branch, New Jersey Key Club

3/28/2015 District English Language ArtsTeachers

Columbia University, New York, New York – Lifting the Level of Writing Instruction

Bus Transportation being provided to transport teachers to this Program

p) approve the following list of teachers and parent volunteers to attend the John Adams

School 5th Grade Stokes –New Jersey Conservation Environmental Trip in Branchville, New Jersey on March 25, 2015 through March 27, 2015:

John Adams Staff: Driscoll, Susan Isabella, Carly Koster, Deborah Mitchell, Daniel Hadzimichalis, Jason Johnson, Frederick Krynski, Melissa Ostroski, Jacalyn Holowienka, Vanessa Kapusta, Arwen Luna, Vivian Randazza, Maria

Parent Volunteers: Cruz, Danny Karim, Shazard Strzeminski, Mark Williams, Lamont

Gaskell, Michael Phipps, Nykeme Warren, Jack

q) approve six (6) Board of Education buses and one box truck to be used as transportation for the NBTHS Chorus, Band and Orchestra for Graduation at the Sun National Bank Arena on June 22, 2015 at 11:00 am.

r) approve the contract with Grief Speaks, not to exceed $1,200, for the Title I Funded Parent Workshop, "On Supporting And Nurturing Resiliency In Youth Experiencing Grief, Loss & Other Transitions" on April 15, 2015.

s) approve the adoption of the 2015-2016 school calendar:

SCHOOL CALENDAR, 2015 – 2016 September School Days Tuesday, September 1 Staff Orientation 14 Wednesday, September 2 Staff In-Service Day Monday, September 7 Labor Day (Schools Closed) Tuesday, September 8 Schools Open- First Day for Students Monday & Tuesday, September 14, 15 (Rosh Hashanah) Schools Closed Wednesday, September 23 Yom Kippur (Schools Closed)

Printed: 02-26-15


October 22 November Tuesday, November 3 Election Day – (Schools Closed) 16 In-Service Day for Staff Thursday & Friday, Nov.5, 6 N.J.E.A. Convention (Schools Closed) Wednesday, November 25 4-Hour Session for All Schools Thursday & Friday, Nov. 26, 27 Thanksgiving (Schools Closed) December Wednesday, December 23 4-Hour Session for All Schools 17 Thursday, December 24 through Thursday, December 31 Winter Recess (Schools Closed) January Friday, January 1 New Year’s Holiday (Schools Closed) 19 Monday, January 4 School Reopen Monday, January 18 Martin L. King's Birthday (Schools Closed) February Friday, February 12 4-Hour Session for All Schools** 20 Monday, February 15 February Recess (Schools Closed) March Thursday, March 24 4-Hour Session for All Schools 18 Friday, March 25 through Spring Recess (Schools Closed) Thursday, March 31 April Friday, April 1 Spring Recess (Schools Closed) 20 May Friday, May 27 4-Hour Session for All Schools** 21 Monday, May 30 Memorial Day (Schools Closed) June Wednesday, June 22 Last Day for Students/Staff/HS Graduation 14 Thursday, June 23 In-Service for Staff Friday, June 24 Make-up Flex Day for Staff ________ Student Days: 183 Staff Days: 188 Adopted: 2/25/15

* Three snow days have been added to the calendar. If there are any unused snow days, they will be deducted from the calendar. For planning purposes, please be aware of the following: If any additional days are needed, they will be taken from the following scheduled holidays: January 18; February Recess (Feb. 15); Spring Recess (dates to be determined), Memorial Day (May 30). Use of personal days will not be approved for any planned vacations during these holiday periods. ** Designated as half-day in-service day for staff

Printed: 02-26-15


t) approve submission of The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey 2014-2015 U Got Brains Champion School Grant: a program to help keep new safe drivers on the road in the amount of $1,000 effective February 25, 2015 through June 30, 2015

u) approve the following home instructor: Marie Fedorczyk

MISCELLANEOUS: 12. Approve the following action relative to miscellaneous items for the 2014-2015 school year: a) approve the job description for Assistant Dispatcher/Safety (J.D.15.2)

b) approve the donation of a piano, worth $500, from Nan and Bruce Kessler, to John Adams School

FINANCE: 13. Approve the following financial reports: a) Board Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Reports dated January 31, 2015, which are in

agreement b) Budget Status Report dated January 31, 2015 which includes budget transfers and

certifies that there has not been an over expenditure of a budget line item. c) Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-16.10(c)3, that as of January 31, 2015 the members of

the North Brunswick Township Board of Education, after reviewing the Secretary’s monthly financial report (appropriations section) and upon consultation with the appropriate district officials, certify that to the best of their knowledge no line item or account has encumbrances and expenditures which in total exceed the line item appropriation in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.16.10(a), and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district’s financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year.

d) Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23-16.10(c)4. that as of January 31, 2015 the members of

the North Brunswick Township Board of Education, after review of the Board Secretary’s and Treasurer’s monthly reports, and upon consultation with the appropriate district officials, certify to the best of their knowledge that no major account or fund has been overextended in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A23-16.10(b).

14. Approve the following bill list dated February 20, 2015: General Funds - $3,364,938.10 Supplementary - $11,336,718.13 Capital Projects - $4,724.20 15. Approve the following Finance items for the 2014-2015 school year: a) approve Cifelli & Son General Construction, Inc. to remove and replace concrete

sidewalk and concrete curb at Judd, as per quote 2014 Educational Data Bid #6080 Masonry, Concrete #24B, at a cost not to exceed $35,900

Printed: 02-26-15


b) approve the submission of a Safety Grant application through the New Jersey Schools Insurance Group (NJSIG) and Educational Risk Insurance consortium-North (ERIC NORTH) Subfund, in the amount of $13,412 for the period July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.

c) approve a resolution for Capital Improvement Project, School Facilities Project, at

NBTHS

WHEREAS, The North Brunswick Township School District, in the county of Middlesex, New Jersey, (the “Board”), desires to proceed with an “other capital project,” generally consisting of the renovation of the existing high school TV Studio and related areas,

WHEREAS, The Board now seeks to take steps in order to proceed with the

project and comply with NJAC 6A:26-5.2 and 5.3 and related sections of the code; and

WHEREAS, The New Jersey Department of Education reviews and approves

other capital reserve projects. WHEREAS, The District is NOT seeking ROD Grant Funding. WHEREAS, Funds for the project will be taken from the capital reserve

account. WHEREAS, The District requires engineering services related to the design and

construction in connection with the project. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED That the North Brunswick Township

School District Board of Education does hereby authorize and direct the architectural firm of USA Architects, Planners + Interior Designers and the School Business Administrator, as applicable, to prepare the Department of Education Submission Package in connection with the project, prepare the bidding documents in connection with the project and oversee the project until final completion.

That the Architect and the School Business Administrator, as applicable, to

prepare an amendment to the district’s Long Range Facility Plan in connection with the project.

That the Architect, School Business Administrator, Bond Counsel, and Board

Attorney as applicable, are hereby authorized to undertake all related actions necessary in connection with the project.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the North Brunswick Township School

District Board of Education authorizes the submission of the project to the New Jersey Department of Education for consideration and approval.

This resolution shall become effective immediately.

Printed: 02-26-15


d) approve the amendment to the Joint Compromise Settlement Agreement and Mutual General Release Agreement, the Side Letter and the entry into the Property Information Statement (PIS) regarding the Township of North Brunswick v. Avery Dennison Corporation, et als. as follows:

WHEREAS, the North Brunswick Township Board of Education filed an action

in Superior Court, Middlesex County, Docket MID-L-5722 against various Defendants seeking to recover various expenses incurred by the Board for the costs of remediation of the Board’s High School property and the Board’s construction delay damages;

WHEREAS, those Defendants against whom the litigation was filed include,

but are not limited to, Church & Dwight, Co. Inc. as successor to Armkell,LLC, and Carter Wallace; Meda Pharmaceuticals, formerly known as Medpointe Healthcare, Inc., and Public Service Enterprise Group, formerly known as Public Service Electric & Gas; and The Okonite Company, as successor in interest to Studebaker,Corp.; and PEPSICO,Inc. also known as PepsiCo; hereinafter collectively referred to as the Settling Defendants, and the Settling Defendants are among other Defendants in the litigation;

WHEREAS, the Board and the Township have worked diligently to resolve the

litigation in the best interests of the taxpayers of North Brunswick Township by minimizing the costs of litigation, and, to the greatest extent possible, maximizing the recovery;

WHEREAS, the Board and the Township have worked diligently to obtain the

settlement of the Board’s action and the Township’s companion case with the Settling Defendants and have entered into a Settlement Agreement which was approved by the Superior Court of New Jersey on May, 2014 and by the Board prior thereto and provided for the payment of $1.2 million, which amount has been received and has been placed in the Hoagland Longo Attorney Trust account for the benefit of the Board and the Township;

WHEREAS, the Settlement Agreement with the Settling Defendants contained

a “Most Favored Nation” Clause which provided that if the Settlement Agreement with the Johnson & Johnson Defendants contained a more favorable provision regarding Natural Resource Damages, personal injury, contribution protection and or indemnity that the Settling Defendants would, at their discretion, be entitled to invoke the provision;

WHEREAS, the Settling Defendants have invoked the “Most Favored Nation”

Clause; WHEREAS, the Board and the Township have worked diligently with the

Settling Defendants to address the issues raised by the Settling Defendants and have prepared an Amendment of the Settlement Agreement and a Side Letter to address issues related to the Settlement Agreement and said Settlement Amendment and Side Letter are attached hereto as Attachments A and B respectively;

Printed: 02-26-15


WHEREAS, the proposed Settlement Amendment will, among other things, require the Board to file a Property Information Statement (PIS) on the Board’s property and the Township will file a PIS on its properties in the same format the Board previously approved and filed for the Johnson & Johnson Defendants;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED on this 25th day of February, 2015

that the Board’s representatives and officers are hereby authorized to execute the Amendment to the Settlement Agreement with the Settling Defendants, the Side Letter and Property Information Statement.

TRANSPORTATION: 16. Approve the following Transportation items for the 2014-2015 school year: a) amend the motion of November 19, 2014 approving the Special Needs to and from

wheelchair transportation route, contracted through Middlesex Regional Education Services Commission, effective November 12, 2014:

FROM: TO:

Acct # 11-000-270-512-57-60 - Special Needs Route # Destination Total Cost

T-182 Judd School – Wheelchair – prorated cost for 136 days remaining $33,804.16

Acct # 11-000-270-512-57-60 – Special Needs Route # Destination Total Cost

5406

Judd School – Wheelchair Cost is prorated for 89 days Route was temporary and is now permanent $14,809.80

Printed: 02-26-15


b) amend the motion of September 17, 2014 approving the Special Needs Out of District, Public Vocational, Alternate and Charter School to and from transportation routes, contracted through Middlesex Regional Education Services Commission, effective September 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015: FROM:

TO: c) approve the following to and from homeless transportation route contacted through

Middlesex Regional Education Services Commission for the 2014-2015 school year:

Acct. # 11-000-270-514-53-60 Homeless/Displaced Route # Destination Annual Cost

N144 Linwood School from Edison Shelter Student #2192580

$7,687.68 Cost prorated for 84 days

POLICY: 17. approve the first reading for adoption of the following policies and procedure:

P 1522 School Level Planning – ABOLISHED P 2622 Student Assessment Procedure 2622 Student Assessment Procedure P 5339 Screening for Dyslexia

Acct # 11-000-270-514-52-60 OOD Special Needs

Route # Destination Total Annual Cost

1609 New Roads- Somerset $43,196.40

Acct # 11-000-270-512-57-60 Alternate School Route Destination Total Annual Cost 4090 Middlesex County Academy $35,079.41

Acct # 11-000-270-514-52-60 OOD Special Needs

Route # Destination Total Annual Cost

N-128

New Roads- Somerset- 2 students, Effective February 2, 2015 9,456.72

Acct # 11-000-270-512-57-60 Alternate School Route Destination Total Annual Cost T-226 Middlesex County Academy $32,198.40

Cost prorated for 90

days

Printed: 02-26-15


Dr. Zychowski asked Mrs. Gibbons to introduce Jennifer Diszler, who is on the addendum for the Director

of Curriculum, Instruction and Technology position. Mrs. Gibbons spoke about how difficult she thought it would be to replace Mr. Marcus. She feels that the traits Ms. Diszler exhibited during the interview were confident, articulate and aligned with what we were looking for. She has a strong math and science background, spans grade levels, worked with IDE , has budget experience and a strong vision with technology. Mrs. Gibbons introduced Ms. Diszler.

Ms. Diszler said she has big shoes to fill and is looking forward to working with all of the Board. Thank you for this opportunity.

The results of the motion were: Aye: Mr. Brooks, items 8 through 17 Ms. Dillon, items 8 through 17 Ms. Gonzalez, items 8 through 17 Ms. Guadagnino, items 8 through 17 Mr. Higham, items 8 through 17 Ms. Maharana, items 8 through 17 Ms. McNulty, items 8 through 17 Mr. Liguori, items 8 through 17 Dr. Zychowski and the Board of Education congratulated Ms. Diszler and welcomed her to North

Brunswick Township Schools. 18. PUBLIC SESSION:

Ms. Anderson, President of the NBTEA – on March 15, 2015, the NBTHS Peer Tutoring Program under Mr. Garcelino was recorded by NJN News 12 and taped in December. It will be shown on March 15, 2015 at 12 noon and again at 7:30 p.m. – Classroom Closeup.

Mr. Zielinski – Teacher at NBTHS said the he had just gotten an update regarding the Freshman Boys Basketball . They just won the GMC Championship.

Mr. Chesler spoke about the Rock-A-Thon – donations are being accepted. On April 6th, there will be a trip to see GiGi on Broadway. One of his former students, Jenna Sigall-Katz is the lead producer on this Broadway play.

Dr. Zychowski thanked Joanne Anderson for being instrumental in being the liaison for Classroom Closeup.

Dr. Zychowski also told the Board about that we passed the preliminary QSAC audit on February 19, 2015. He thanked Ms. Anderson for attending a workshop in Trenton led by Saul Rubenstein regarding association and administration relations on February 19, 2015.

A motion was made by Ms. Dillon and seconded by Ms. Guadagnino to close the public portion of the meeting.

The results of the motion were: All present voted aye. 19. CLOSED SESSION: A motion was made by Ms. Dillon at 8:30 P.M. and seconded by Mr. Brooks that pursuant to the

Sunshine Act, N.J.S. 10:4-12 and 13, the Board of Education go into closed session to discuss Personnel, Litigation and Student Matters. The matter discussed will be disclosed to the public as soon as the reason for confidentiality no longer exists.

The results of the motion were: All present voted aye.

Printed: 02-26-15


20. OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Ms. Guadagnino at 10:17 P.M. and seconded by Ms. Gonzalez that the

meeting be returned to open session. The results of the motion were: All present voted aye. 21. A motion was made by Ms. McNulty and seconded by Ms. Gonzalez to approve the

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Report as submitted for the month of February 2015 The results of the motion were: All present voted aye. 22. A motion was made by Ms. McNulty and seconded by Ms. Guadagnino to approve a five (5) day

suspension, without pay, for the following non-certified personnel, effective March 15, 2015 Employee #4344 The results of the motion were: All present voted aye. 23. A motion was made by Ms. Dillon and seconded by Mr. Higham to approve the retirement of the

following certified personnel, effective March 1, 2015 with benefits through March 31, 2015: Employee #4277 The results of the motion were: All present voted aye. 24. A motion was made by Ms. Dillon and seconded by Ms. Gonzalez to approve a Professional

Architectural Services contract with USA Architects & Planners & Interior Designers for Pre and Post Referendum Services in accordance with their existing Architect of Record Agreement between the North Brunswick Township Board of Education and USA Architects & Planners & Interior Designers.

The results of the motion were: All present voted aye. 25. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Mr. Higham at 10:21 p.m. and seconded by Ms. Dillon that the meeting be

adjourned. The results of the motion were: All present voted aye. John Petela, Secretary Pro Tem

Printed: 02-26-15

Board Minutes Regular Meeting February 25, 2015 Board ...

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