of Education/Board... · Web viewThe Board of Education of the East Windsor Regional School...

Minutes of Regular Meeting on APRIL 11, 2016 (BOE: 5/23/16)

MINUTES of the REGULAR MEETING on APRIL 11, 2016

The Board of Education of the East Windsor Regional School District, Hightstown, NJ, held a regular meeting on Monday, April 11, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in the Hightstown High School Cafeteria located at 25 Leshin Lane, Hightstown, NJ.

Members Present: Pete Bussone, Paul Connolly, Bertrand Fougnies, Christine Harrington, Tracy Healy, Robert Laverty (7:37 p.m.), Kennedy Paul (7:41 p.m.)

Member(s) Absent: Lilia Gobaira, Alice WeismanAlso Present: Dr. Richard Katz, Chief School Administrator

Paul M. Todd, SBA/Board Secretary David Coates, Board Legal Counsel

1. WELCOME/SUNSHINE NOTICEBoard Vice President Paul Connolly called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and read the Open Public Meeting Act Statement: “Written advance notice of this meeting has been given in accordance with law. Minutes of this meeting are kept by the Board Secretary and are available to any member of the public requesting them at the Administration building, 25A Leshin Lane, Hightstown, NJ. Minutes will be provided at cost and in accordance with Board policy." Mr. Connolly asked “Are there any Board members present who believe this meeting to be in violation of the Open Public Meeting Act?” (No one objected.) “There being none, we may proceed.”

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. A. MOTION TO APPROVE AGENDAAction: Mr. Fougnies moved, seconded by Mr. Bussone to approve the agenda as submitted. Vote: By a roll call poll of the Board, with all Board members present voting yes, Motion to approve carried unanimously.

3. B RESOLUTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSIONAction: Mr. Fougnies moved, seconded by Mr. Bussone, to approve the following resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the East Windsor Regional School District will hold two executive sessions during its Meeting on Monday, APRIL 11, 2016. These closed session’s concern:

1. Personnel-Employee Matters2. Student Matters – Bullying3. Student Matter – Settlement Agreement4. Negotiations

“Minutes of these closed sessions will be available in accordance with board policy when the need for confidentiality no longer exists.”

Vote: By a roll call poll of the Board, with all Board members present voting yes, Motion to approve carried unanimously.


4. RECOGNITION: 2016 SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS AND HONORABLE MENTIONS1st Place; Aishwarya Billakurthi2nd Place: Nistha Sheth3rd Place: Keerthi KannnanHonorable Mention: Nicolas Famiano, Abigail Carter, Dominique Robinson, Max Letourneau,

Jason Vagrin, Benjamin Ng, Ruhi Patel

Background: The 2016 District’s Elementary Science Fair was held on February 25, 2016 at the Kreps Middle School. Approximately 100 science projects were submitted, judged, and available for public viewing. The science fair is an academic competition designed to challenge students to rigorously apply science process skills and content knowledge in order to investigate scientific questions of their own choosing. Each participant is required to have an adult sponsor, complete a research protocol, and include a science abstract with their project submission. Students earning awards at all levels recently represented the East Windsor Regional School district at the Mercer County Science and Engineering Fair.

At the local level, Perry L Drew 4th grade student Aishwarya Billakurthi earned the top spot for her project “Which Is Quicker? Peppermint dissolving in oil or water?” Potential applications of this experiments are mainly for others to learn which solution is best to use when making something with peppermints. Ms. Billakurthi hypothesized that since sugar dissolves in water and peppermints are made from sugar, therefore, the peppermint should dissolve in the water more quickly. She then placed individual peppermints in both oil and water and recorded their dissolution times. In the end, Ms. Billakurthi determined that her hypothesis was wrong based on a factual error. Further research revealed that the reason the peppermints did not dissolve in water is that they only have 11 grams of sugar.

The 2nd Place prize was awarded to PLD’s 5th grader Nistha Sheth for her project “Which Is The Most Potent Antacid?” Acidity is a common health disorder. It is a result of many factors such as eating and drinking habits, stress, smoking, etc. Symptoms include a burning sensation in the stomach or diaphragm following a meal. Antacids provide a quick relief, which inspired her to explore which antacid was the most potent, and therefore could provide the quickest, and most comprehensive relief. For her work in this area, Ms. Sheth, was also awarded an "Honorable Mention" at the Mercer County Science Fair.

3rd Place was awarded to Keerthi Kannan (PLD, Grade 5) for her project “Why Aren’t All Medicine Pills?” By modeling a single insulin protein with jello pieces, Ms. Kannan tested what happens to these proteins when placed directly into plain water. This allowed her to model an environment similar to injecting insulin into the blood. Next, she placed the jello (insulin) into water with proteases, an environment similar to swallowing an insulin pill. Applications for this experiment include researching what conditions are necessary for medications such as insulin to be ingested rather than injected.

In addition, several students received an honorable mention from the judges. They include: Abigail Carter: “It’s In The Bag” PLD, 4th Grade Nicolas Damiano: “Which Decomposing Food Will Produce the Most Biogas?” PLD, 4th Grade Max Letourneau: “How Does The Amount of Light Affect Plant Growth?” EMK 4 th Grade* Ben Ng: “Patriots or Deflatriots?” PLD 4th Grade Ruhi Patel: “Soda vs. Plant” PLD, 4th Grade Dominique Robinson: “Don’t Burst My Bubble” Perry L Drew, 4th Grade Jason Vagrin: “The Bouba Kiki Effect” Ethel McKnight, 5th Grade

* Max Letourneau took the award for Outstanding Achievement for General Science in the Elementary Division at the 2016 Mercer Science and Engineering Club.


5. RECOGNITION: NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FINALISTS

Four Hightstown High School students were recognized for their academic achievements in the National Merit Scholarship Program and the United States Presidential Scholars Program. Background: The National Merit Scholarship Program has determined which of the 1.5 million students who participated in their program have met all requirements to advance to the standing of finalist. Three of those finalists are Hightstown High School seniors

Timothy J. Aveni Abigail C. Nickerson Swetha Subramaniam

The competition is clearly intense and these three academically talented Hightstown High School seniors are to be commended for achieving the rank of finalist! The East Windsor Board of Education is very proud these students and wish them continued academic successes.

6. RECOGNITION: 2016 UNITED STATES PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM CANDIDATE: Christian Sherwin

Hightstown High School senior Christian Sherwin, has been named as a candidate in the 2016 United States Presidential Scholars Program. His candidacy was based on an outstanding perfect performance score of 36 on the ACT Assessment. Of the 3.3 million high school seniors graduating this year, he is one of around 4,000 students to receive this invitation. This program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in academic success, leadership and service to school and community.

7. PRESENTATION: DAY OF DIALOGUE BY HIGHTSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Teacher Stuart Wexler provided background on the “Day of Dialogue” held at Rider University. This was attended by several students and staff of Hightstown High School. There were representatives from all the Mercer County high schools. This event promoted tolerance as to race, class and gender and diversity. The students participated in a number of related activities. The goal was to make tolerance a discussion topic as part of the school culture; determine how we can we incorporate this into our schools. At the meeting our high school students who attended, shared their experience with the Board and showed a poster they made of what divides our students but also brings them together. The teachers also spoke on their experience and the importance of the topic of tolerance for diversity.

Dr. Katz added his comments that we already have in place activities that acknowledge and address diversity. This was a great opportunity for students and peers to share feelings and knowledge on these issues and to be reassured that that they are not alone in facing them.

8. FIRST OPPORTUNITY FOR BOARD MEMBERS’ COMMENTSMs. Harrington commented she is very pleased to see all our students being honored this evening and their accomplishments and offered her congratulations to all.Mr. Bussone gave credit to the high school and teachers on their attendance at the Day of Dialogue. He noted that it promotes leadership on a very important topic.

9. FIRST OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT – no one spoke.


10. SECOND READING OF BOE POLICIES AND REGULATIONS – all are REVISED & MANDATEDMr. Fougnies moved as follows:

“I move that the Board approve the following Policies and Regulations on SECOND reading:”

“P & R 3221 Evaluation of Teachers – Revised/Mandated

P & R 3222 Evaluation of Teaching Staff Members, Excluding Teachers and Administrators - Revised/Mandated

P & R 3223 Evaluation of Administrators, Excluding Principals, Vice Principals, and Assistant Principals – Revised/Mandated

P & R 3224 Evaluation of Principals, Vice Principals, and Assistant Principals – Revised/Mandated

P 3431.1 Family Leave – Revised/Mandated

P 4431.1 Family Leave – Revised/Mandated”SECOND: Mr. Paul

VOTE: By a roll call poll of the Board, with all Board members present voting yes, Motion to approve carried unanimously.

BACKGROUND:The AchieveNJ Administrative Code Chapter, N.J.A.C. 6A:10-1.1, implementing the requirements of TEACHNJ concerning certified staff observations and evaluations has been revised several times since its original adoption and implementation for the 2013-2014 school year. The revisions in the Code were very minor and clarified some issues once the new observation and evaluation system was implemented. The Policy and Regulation Guides concerning certified staff member observations and evaluations have been revised to include these minor revisions. N.J.A.C. 6A:10-1 - Educator Effectiveness provides the observation and evaluation requirements for all certified staff referred to in the Administrative Code as “teaching staff members.” Therefore, teaching staff members include all staff members serving in the district requiring an instructional, educational services, or administrative certificate issued by the New Jersey Board of Examiners. TEACHNJ only revised the observation and evaluation procedures for teachers, Principals, Vice Principals, and Assistant Principals and did not specifically address these procedures for educational services certificated staff members such as nurses, guidance counselors, Child Study Team members, or library/media specialist or procedures for administrative certificated staff excluding Principals, Vice Principals, or Assistant Principals such as supervisors, directors, or Assistant Superintendents. However, the AchieveNJ Administrative Code provides observation and evaluation procedures for educational services and administrative certificated staff members that are not teachers, Principals, Vice Principals, or Assistant Principals. As these Administrative Code procedures are different for each group of certified staff members within a school district, Strauss Esmay Associates developed a separate Policy and Regulation Guide for each group as the Chapter of the Administrative Code has some subsections that are applicable for all “teaching staff members” while other subsections are applicable for only an individual group. Having a separate policy and regulation for each group of certificated staff members has been very effective to ensure the Administrative Code procedures are followed for each group. The Policy and Regulation Guides listed below have been revised to include the revisions in N.J.A.C. 6A:10-1.1 et seq.


Policy and Regulation Guides 3221 – Evaluation of TeachersThere have been several revisions and additions in the definition section of the Regulation Guide. The revised Administrative Code includes a new definition for a “designated supervisor” for observation and evaluation procedures and for a “teacher.” The definition of “model evaluation rubric” and “teacher practice instrument” were also added to the Regulation Guide’s definitions. Definitions not used in these Guides have been removed. Additional revisions in the Regulation Guide provide clarification to the original Admin. Code and mostly concern student achievement components (Section K), student growth percentiles, and student growth objectives. The revisions to the Policy Guide revise the definition of “teacher” and the Code citations at the bottom of the Policy Guide. Policy & Regulation Guide 3221 are MANDATED and must be approved by the Board.

Policy and Regulation Guides 3222 – Evaluation of Teaching Staff Members, Excluding Teachers and Administrators – (Educational Services Staff)There have been several revisions and additions in the definition section of the Regulation Guide. The revised Administrative Code includes a new definition for a “designated supervisor” for observation and evaluation procedures and the definition of a “model evaluation rubric” was added to the Regulation Guide’s definitions. Definitions not used in these Guides have been removed. The new Code revisions included a new subsection, N.J.A.C. 6A:10-6.2, that aligns with N.J.S.A. 18A:27-3.1 regarding observations and evaluations for teaching staff members that are not teachers, Principals, Vice Principals, or Assistant Principals, which would apply to the teaching staff members covered in this Policy and Regulation Guide (educational services certificated staff). The revisions in the Policy Guide clarify when the evaluations will be complete and a new Code citation at the bottom of the Policy Guide. The procedures in this Policy and Regulation Guide align with N.J.S.A.18A:27-3.1 and new Code subsection, N.J.A.C. 6A:10-6.2. Policy and Regulation Guide 3222 are MANDATED and must be approved by the Board.

Policy and Regulation Guides 3223 – Evaluation of Administrators, Excluding Principals, Vice Principals, and Assistant PrincipalsThere have been several revisions and additions in the definition section of the Regulation Guide. The revised Administrative Code includes a new definition for a “designated supervisor” for observation and evaluation procedures and the definition of a “model evaluation rubric” was added to the Regulation Guide’s definitions. Definitions not used in these Guides have been removed. The new Code revisions included a new subsection, N.J.A.C. 6A:10-6.2, that aligns with N.J.S.A. 18A:27-3.1 regarding observations and evaluations for teaching staff members that are not teachers, Principals, Vice Principals, or Assistant Principals, which would apply to the teaching staff members covered in this Policy and Regulation Guide (administrative certificated staff). Additional revisions in the Regulation Guide provide clarification to the original Administrative Code. The procedures in this Policy and Regulation Guide align with N.J.S.A. 18A:27-3.1 and the new Code subsection, N.J.A.C. 6A:10-6.2. Policy and Regulation Guide 3223 are MANDATED and must be approved by the Board

Policy and Regulation Guides 3224 – Evaluation of Principals, Vice Principals, and Assistant Principals There have been several revisions and additions in the definition section of the Regulation Guide. The revised Administrative Code includes a new definition for a “designated supervisor” for observation and evaluation procedures and the definition of a “model evaluation rubric” was added to the Regulation Guide’s definitions. Definitions not used in these Guides have been removed. A “supervisor” definition was also added to the definition section of the Regulation Guide. Additional revisions in the Regulation Guide provide clarification to the original Administrative Code and mostly concern student achievement components of Principal Evaluation Rubrics (Section J).


One revision to the Policy Guide provides for a designated supervisor to complete an observation and the other change is Code citations at the bottom of the Policy Guide. Policy and Regulation 3224 are MANDATED and must be approved by the Board.

Policies: 3431.1/4431.1 – Family Leave (Revised)The Federal (FMLA) and State (NJFLA) Family Leave Acts are two very complex laws. Implementing these laws is problematic because the laws are slightly different and employees are entitled to the best benefits of each law. The provisions of the NJFLA have not changed; however, the FMLA has been revised for an eligible employee to care for a covered service member or veteran. Therefore, the FMLA section of Policy Guide 3431.1 covering teaching staff members and 4431.1 covering support staff members have been revised to incorporate definitions and eligibility requirements relative to service members and veterans have been added to these Guides. A comprehensive list detailing the two new types of FMLA military leave, “qualifying exigency leave” and “military caregiver leave” has also been incorporated into these Guides. These Policy Guides have also been updated to reflect general FMLA and NJFLA eligibility based on the recent Untied States Supreme Court decision on same sex marriage. These updated Guides provide clarification regarding the use of sick time concurrent with FMLA or NJFLA leave time. These Policy Guides clarify the granting of simultaneous leave to more than one eligible employee from the same family under NJFLA, as well as district requirements under NJFLA for leaves of absence beyond the period of requested family leave. A section addressing the processing of complaints for both FMLA and NJFLA has also been added to these Guides. Strauss Esmay considers these Guides as mandated in compliance with the FMLA and the NJFLA a topic of high importance, even though a Policy on the FMLA or the NJFLA is not required in either law. Policy Guide 3431.1 and Policy Guide 4431.1 are MANDATED

11. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTDr. Katz updated the Board on the progress of the following District Goals:

Goal: Improve the frequency, quality, and consistency of existing district communications in order to reach all members of the school community and engage stakeholders in our focus on student achievement.

Update: PTO Presidents Meeting –The PTO Presidents and Dr. Katz met for the first of what will be regular, periodic meetings throughout the school year. The purpose of the meetings is to allow parent leaders to provide feedback about district initiatives and operations, as well as to dialogue about strategies for collaboration between the PTOs. The next meeting will be in July to discuss ways the PTOs can work more closely together next year. HEWSEPAG Meeting –Dave Roe, Michelle Tiedemann and Dr. Katz met with the Hightstown-East Windsor Special Education Parent Advisory Group. After some brief introductions, Mr. Roe shared a preview of his larger presentation scheduled for the April 25 BOE meeting to provide parents with an understanding of the vision and priorities of the special education department moving forward. The discussion that followed offered parents an opportunity to share their concerns, past experiences, and ideas for improvement. It was a collaborative conversation and we look forward to building this relationship. Please note, these meetings are not just for parents of special education students and topics are often relevant to any child at any grade level in the district.

Goal: Create a more philosophically cohesive district leadership team through the implementation of a leadership team study group, which develops conversation, empowerment, and shared vision among leaders. This goal is designed to reunite school leaders after several superintendent transitions over the last 6 years.


Update: The District leadership team is starting a book study group based on Robyn Jackson’s Never Underestimate Your Teachers. The book concentrates on instructional leadership and motivating and connecting with teachers at the individual level. This study will offer our leadership team the opportunity to discuss leadership styles and practices, and to ensure that we are operating consistently so that all members of our educational community are aware and confident in the expectations and best practices we promote as a district.

Goal: Create a parent education program to help build a closer home-school partnership, with a specific focus on academic topics.

Update: As we started to conceptualize these programs we started with the idea of answering two questions: 1) what does my child do all day? and 2) how can I support that learning at home? Out of this, we decided to develop programs where sessions run concurrently and parents can choose topics of interest to them. More details will follow soon; however, here is some save the date information for you…

May 16 - Elementary Night for all schools to be held at Grace N. Rogers Elementary School. Parents will choose to participate in 3 30-minute sessions from a total of 6 offerings such as an introduction to the new report cards, using Think Central and Parent Portal at home, information about apps and strategies for helping your child with homework, updates on GO Math, and positive reinforcement and discipline.

May 10 – Middle School Night where parents will choose to participate in 4 20-minute sessions from a total of 8 offerings such as information about apps and strategies for helping your child with homework, literature circles, science labs, centers in the social studies classroom, computer labs, art instruction, Growth Mindset, and Google Classroom.

A High School night is still in the planning stages and a date will be shared with you soon.

RE: Board of Education Resolutions The Board of Education will vote on two resolutions that will be shared with our local and state legislators that speak to the passion and commitment your elected representatives have for advocating for your children, the East Windsor Regional School District, and responsible leadership. Full copies of these resolutions will be posted on our district website.

The first resolution urged the New Jersey Department of Education and State Board of Education to withdraw its pending graduation requirement proposals from consideration and implement the recommendation of the Governor’s College and Career Ready Task Force that does not establish a minimum passing score as graduation requirement on the new PARCC Assessments. Currently, New Jersey is considering making PARCC the only pathway to graduation beginning with the class of 2021. As a result, our Board further asked that NJ continues to provide multiple pathways to a high school diploma that include alternatives not based on standardized tests.

In the second resolution, the Board referred to the “Roadmap to Resolution” issued by the Governor appointed New Jersey Pension and Health Benefits Study Commission, which proposed burdensome changes in how public employee benefits are administered, including shifting the financial burden of the state’s current and/or future public employee retiree pension and medical benefits from the state to local school districts, either directly or indirectly. While the Board supports the goal of reducing the costs to taxpayers, it also urged the state Legislature and Governor to ensure that the employers’ and state obligations for pensions and post-retirement medical benefits are not transferred to the local district in any way, have no impact on local school district budgets, and avoid the significant and irreparable detrimental impact such a shift would have on the ability to maintain educational programming.


Paul Todd, Business Administrator reported on the following topics: Update on Testing for Lead Content in Water

On March 9, a news story broke about the presence of lead in the drinking water of Newark City Schools. As a proactive measure, we partnered with the East Windsor Municipal Utility Authority to have our water supply tested for the presence of lead in our facilities. As a water supplier, the East Windsor MUA maintains a full lab facility to test its own water supply. Samples were collected on March 28 from each of our 4 elementary schools, on March 30 from Kreps Middle School and Hightstown High School, and April 11 from our two administrative buildings. The samples were drawn from all 6 school kitchen facilities and representative water fountains throughout the schools. We are happy to report that the first set of samples from the elementary schools has been returned and there were no instances of lead exceeding recommended safety levels. The remaining test results should be in within the next week. You may have heard over the weekend that two Hamilton Township schools tested positive for excessive lead. This highlights the growing concern that excessive lead does not only exist in large cities. The BOE is committed to maintaining safe and secure schools for all of our students and staff. As the State of NJ is currently developing guidelines for annual testing and remediation of lead, we will remain in the vanguard in this respect and continue to monitor our facilities. We will release the results of the remaining tests as soon as we receive them.

Professional Services – Request for ProposalsMr. Todd noted that going forward it would be a beneficial business practice to advertise for professional services through the RFP (Request for Proposal) process as rates can change and be competitive between vendors. We will start off with and RFP for auditing services and expect to do one for Architectural services soon after that.

GNR and WCB Roof RenovationsWe have the GNR and WCB roof renovations this summer and Epic Engineering will be our Construction Management Company for the project.

12. EXECUTIVE SESSION: the Board went into closed session at 8:35 p.m. Return to Open Session: 8:57 p.m.

13. SECOND OPPORTUNITY FOR BOARD MEMBERS’ COMMENTSMr. Fougnies spoke about the finance meetings; they are going well and very informative.Ms. Healy congratulated Mr. Bussone and his wife for being honored at and receiving the Mayor’s “Shining Star Award”.Mr. Laverty also offered his congratulations.Mr. Connolly spoke about the sidewalk study on the East Windsor Township website. There are missing pieces of sidewalk, lack of bike lanes on school routes. This matter needs letters of support from the public. Mr. Todd added he will speak to the new transportation supervisor on her recommendations for this.

14. SECOND OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT – no one spoke.

15. MOTION TO APPROVE ROUTINE ITEMS BY EXCEPTION

Motion: Mr. Fougnies moved, seconded by Mr. Paul to approve the following agenda items by exception.A. Staffing - (as submitted – on last page of minutes)B. Bullying Report presented to Board on March 21, 2016C. Approval of Settlement Agreement - as discussed during executive session.


D. ChazMaTazz Formalwear ScholarshipMr. Chaz Roeleveld, of ChazMaTazz Formalwear, 3522 Brunswick Pike (Route 1), Princeton, NJ 08540 would like to create a scholarship with a monetary value of $500. The scholarship is entitled the ChazMaTazz Formalwear Scholarship and will be given yearly to a graduating senior pursuing a major in modeling, fashion, or business school. The proposed scholarship will be presented at the Senior Awards Ceremony on June 15, 2016.

E. Field Trip Locations

4/22/2016 HHS Project Green – G. Contreras Memorial Park, Downtown Hightstown, NJ

6/7/2016 HHS Biology Resource – N. TomaselloPhiladelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19104

F. Elementary & Secondary Act (ESEA) Accountability Action Plan-2015 Participation Rate

The federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) requires that states use the results from their statewide assessment system to measure the academic progress of students. Additionally, the legislation requires “the participation in such assessments of all students.” Ninety-five percent (95%) of students enrolled in a tested grade must participate in the statewide assessment for a district or a school to meet the participation requirement. Districts/schools not attaining the 95% participation rate for any subgroup are required to complete an action plan. As Hightstown High School did not have 95% participation rate for White Students on the Language Arts PARCC Test, we are required to implement an action plan. Most of the activities on the plan have already been implemented.

G. HHS Overnight Trips

1. Robotics Team to St. Louis, MOThe Robotics Team of Hightstown High School would like to participate and compete in the 2016 FIRST Robotics World Championship Robotics Event being held at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri on April 26-May 1, 2016. This trip is contingent upon qualification at Mid-Atlantic Robotics Championship at Lehigh on April 13-16, 2016.

2. Project Green to Bridgewater, NJThe HHS Project Green Club would like to participate in the NJ Envirothon Competition at North Branch Park, Bridgewater, NJ on May 13-14, 2016.

3. Ecology Club to Seaside Park, NJThe HHS Ecology Club would like to visit the Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center for a 3 day, 2 night field trip experience run by the Director of Aquatic Education, Mrs. Karen Byrne, from the State of NJ Department of Fish and Game from May 13-15, 2016.

Students will raise awareness in community for environmental concerns in celebration of Earth Day. Students will walk from the high school and back.

For Specials Education students to be able to experience Science beyond the classroom. Students will choose an animal of their choice to observe and learn about while on the trip (i.e. habitat, adaptations of the animal and how they are used.)


H. Travel and Related Expenses BALANCE FORWARD $50,205.86

NAME DEPT/SCHOOL DATE EVENT PER PERSON/ EVENT

TOTAL

M. DzwonarM. Beckman

Curriculum/ Student Services

May 11-13, 2016

Two registrations to attend NJASA/NJAPSA Spring Conf., Atlantic City, NJ

525.00 1,050.00

M. DzwonarM. Beckman

Curriculum/ Student Services

May 11-13, 2016

Anticipated expenses to attend NJASA/NJAPSA Spring Conf., Atlantic City, NJ

300.00 600.00

W. Conley Student Services April 15, 2016 Registration to attend Selective Mutism in the School Conference, Cherry Hill, NJ

225.00 225.00

J. MassaJ. Jutcovich

Student Services April 14-15, 2016

Two registrations to attend 2016 NJSHA Convention, Long Branch, NJ

350.00 700.00

M. Cote 6/1 & 2 R. Dias 6/2 & 3 V. Lubrano 6/1 & 2 S. Kaminsky 6/2 D. Nemeth 6/2 M. Dzwonar 6/2 & 3 R. Paco 6/1 J. Reyes 6/1 Y. Santiago 6/1 J. Rivera 6/2 J. Friere 6/2 M. Casalino 6/1 & 2 K. Mills 6/1 J. Becerra 6/1 L. Tanakawa-Brown 6/1 A. Martinez 6/1 & 2 B. Teran 6/2 E. Garcia 6/1 & 2 L. Keener 6/1 & 2R. Perez 6/1

Elementary Teachers/Curriculum

June 1-3, 2016

Twenty registrations to attend annual NJTESOL, New Brunswick, NJ

8@344(2 days)

12@264(1 day)

5,920.00

Registrations and expenses paid with Title II funds.

D. Nemeth Curriculum June 2, 2016 Anticipated expenses to attend TESOL, New Brunswick, NJ

32.00 32.00

M. Dzwonar Curriculum June 2-3, 2016 " 64.00 64.00S. Kaminsky Curriculum June 2, 2016 " 13.00 13.00R. Dias PLD June 2-3, 2016 " 26.00 26.00J. Rivera GNR June 2, 2016 " 33.00 33.00B. Teran GNR June 2, 2016 " 13.00 13.00J. Freire GNR June 2, 2016 " 32.00 32.00K. Mills GNR June 1, 2016 " 31.00 31.00J. Becerra EMK June 1, 2016 " 32.00 32.00L. Tanikawa-Brown GNR June 1, 2016 " 33.00 33.00Y. Santiago EMK June 1, 2016 " 13.00 13.00J. Reyes EMK June 1, 2016 " 13.00 13.00R. Paco EMK June 1, 2016 " 13.00 13.00


E. Garcia WCB June 1, 2, 2016 " 26.00 26.00L. Keener PLD June 1, 2, 2016 " 26.00 26.00A. Martinez WCB June 1,2, 2016 " 26.00 26.00V. Lubrano PLD June 1,2, 2016 " 26.00 26.00M. Cote PLD June 1, 2, 2016 " 26.00 26.00R. Perez GNR June 1, 2016 " 13.00 13.00

I. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR STUDENTSThe special education department requires services of consultants to provide children with disabilities a free appropriate public education as defined by The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Name Type of Service Rate Not to Exceed P.O. #The Bilingual Child Study Team

Battelle BDI EvaluationMandarin Language Per fee Schedule $1,100.00 16-02997

J. Approval of Minutes for March 7, 2016 Meeting - as submitted. Posted on District website.

K. RESOLUTION: PENSION AND HEALTH BENEFITS REFORMThe NJ Pension and Health Benefits Study Commission, appointed by Governor Christie, has proposed burdensome changes in how public employee benefits are financed and administered. These changes will effect a shift of the financial burden of the public employee retiree pension and medical benefits from the state to the local school districts. It is in the best interest of the EWRSD Board of Education to join with other NJ school boards/districts in opposing these reforms by Resolution as follows:

WHEREAS, the health of New Jersey’s public employee retirement systems affects the state’s economy and its citizens’ quality of life, and impacts critical functions, ranging from the state’s ability to borrow to finance public works projects to its annual budget including state aid to education and, consequently, the operation of the public schools; and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Pension and Health Benefits Study Commission (the “Study Commission”), appointed by Governor Chris Christie in 2014, last year issued a report, “A Roadmap to Resolution,” which proposes burdensome changes in how public employee benefits, particularly the Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund (“TPAF”) and the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program (“SEHBP”), are financed and administered; and

WHEREAS, on February 11, 2016, the Study Commission issued a follow-up report, “Supplemental Report on Health Benefits,” which proposes further changes; and taken together, the two Study Commission reports propose to shift the financial burden of the state’s current and/or future public employee retiree pension and medical benefits from the state to local school districts, either directly or indirectly; and

WHEREAS, the East Windsor Regional School District Board of Education (the “Board”) is a public employer under the laws of the state of New Jersey; and

4/11/16 Total $ 8,986.00Sub Total $59,191.86Adjustments -0YTD Total $59,191.86Maximum expenditure for 2015-16 $59,965.00


WHEREAS, because the Board is a public employer, Board employees must be enrolled in one of the New Jersey state pension plans, the TPAF or the Public Employees Retirement System (“PERS”); as members of these state plans, the Board and each Board employee is required by law to contribute (and has contributed) a portion of a Board employee’s salary to the state pension fund until the employee retires and receives his or her retirement pension and medical benefits; and

WHEREAS, the Board is concerned that the uncertain financial position of the current state pension funds may cause its current or retired employees to lose their expected benefits from the fund or receive a substantially reduced benefit, through no fault of their own; and such changes would have an unfair and economically devastating effect on lives and well-being of the Board’s employees and their families; and

WHEREAS, the Board believes that any pension or retiree benefit reforms that in any way impact local school districts’ budgets will have a profoundly negative effect on a local school boards’ ability to provide comprehensive educational programming, maintain facilities and optimize employment of teachers and staff; and

WHEREAS, all public employee retirement benefits are established by the state and not through local school board action; and

WHEREAS, post-retirement medical benefits are provided to public retirees primarily through state legislation, not local school board action; and

WHEREAS, the Board believes that the TPAF and/or any new or successor retirement program for public school employees must be funded by the state government, without direct or indirect financial or administrative impact on local school districts; and

WHEREAS, the transferring of the obligation for payment of the employer’s contribution to the teacher retirement plan and post-retirement medical benefits from the state to local school districts would have a significant and irreparable detrimental impact on the districts’ resources and ability to maintain educational programming and necessary staffing levels,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education urges the state Legislature and Governor to ensure that the employers’ and state obligations for teacher pensions and post-retirement medical benefits—financial obligations created by the state—are not transferred to local school districts in any way, directly or indirectly; and be it further

RESOLVED, that while the Board of Education supports the goal of reducing the overall costs to taxpayers of public employee health and retirement benefits, it urges the state Legislature and Governor to take a careful and comprehensive approach that 1) ensures the solvency and sustainability of the public employee retirement programs for the current and future benefit of the Board’s employees and all of the state’s public education professionals, and 2) has no impact whatsoever on local school district budgets; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education urges the New Jersey School Boards Association to work in cooperation with public employees’ unions and associations in the state to lobby New Jersey’s state legislators and Governor for a comprehensive legislative solution to the current pension crisis that does not impose any additional costs on, or cause any additional costs to be passed through to, local school districts or their employees; and be it further

RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be delivered to Governor Chris Christie, State Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney, Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto; and the 16th Legislative District’s representatives in the state Senate and General Assembly; and the board secretaries of each public school district in Mercer County; and be it further

RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the New Jersey School Boards Association.


L. RESOLUTION OF THE EAST WINDSOR REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION CONCERNING CHANGES TO GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

New Jersey is transitioning to a new assessment system, with new State tests known as the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (“PARCC”) Assessments. As the NJDOE is proposing to eliminate all other testing options besides PARCC as ways to satisfy State graduation requirements, the Board will approve by Resolution its opposition to the current changes proposed by the NJDOE to current graduation requirements as follows:

WHEREAS, as Members of the East Windsor Regional School District Board of Education who are entrusted with ensuring that the students of our district graduate with the requisite college and career readiness skills, we are deeply concerned with the recent changes to the graduation requirements, and

WHEREAS, New Jersey (“NJ”) is transitioning to a new assessment system with new state tests known as the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (“PARCC”) Assessments; and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Education (“NJDOE”) has replaced the High School Proficiency Assessment (“HSPA”), which had passing rates of 80-90%, with PARCC Assessments that less than half of all NJ high school seniors have passed; and

WHEREAS, the NJDOE failed to adequately inform students and parents about the potential consequences for graduation when the PARCC Assessments were given in Spring 2015; and

WHEREAS, beginning with the class of 2016, the NJDOE has proposed new high school graduation requirements that rely heavily on PARCC, before the validity and reliability of those assessments have been established; and

WHEREAS, NJ is the only state in the nation using the new PARCC Assessments as a graduation exit test; and

WHEREAS, the NJDOE has eliminated the Alternative High School Assessment (“AHSA”), previously used to satisfy state standards by thousands of students unable to pass the HSPA, including many of the State’s English Language Learner (“ELL”) graduates; and

WHEREAS, over 50,000 seniors in the class of 2016 who did not pass the PARCC Assessments must now access the NJDOE’s other “options” in order to graduate this June, requiring districts to devote valuable staff time and resources to help students meet these new requirements through even more tests and a time-consuming new graduation appeals process; and

WHEREAS, some of the “options” authorized by the NJDOE for class of 2016 seniors who did not pass the PARCC Assessments include the Scholastic Aptitude Test (“SAT”) & American College Test (“ACT”), which tests require fees, thereby denying equal access to public school students throughout NJ; and

WHEREAS, some of these “options”, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) and Accuplacer, are not aligned with state curriculum standards; and

WHEREAS, all of the NJDOE’s designated “substitute assessments” are “English only” tests that do not provide appropriate accommodation for ELL students; and

WHEREAS, the NJDOE and the State Board of Education (“SBOE”) have not yet legally adopted the regulations required to implement the proposed new graduation policies, and none of the additional “options” proposed by the NJDOE as alternative ways to satisfy the new graduation requirements are authorized by the current assessment regulations, so these new policies cannot fairly or legally be imposed on current seniors who are entitled to graduate under the rules that have been in place throughout their high school careers and that remain in effect today; and

WHEREAS, legal issues arising from the NJDOE’s graduation proposals have led to a court challenge by parents represented by the Education Law Center and the American Civil Liberties Union of NJ (“ACLU-NJ”), and these issues could expose district boards of education to legal challenges by students denied diplomas on the basis of improperly imposed new graduation rules; and

WHEREAS, these policies have neither firm legal footing nor the public understanding, support, and awareness needed for such a dramatic shift in high school graduation standards; and


WHEREAS, beginning with the class of 2021, the NJDOE has proposed requiring students to pass the PARCC ELA10 and Alg. I Assessments in order to graduate, despite the fact that the current passing rates on those tests are 37% and 36% respectively; and

WHEREAS, beginning with the class of 2020, the NJDOE has further proposed additional regulations that would deny parents the right to opt their children out of PARCC Assessments, making it impossible for students who opted out of the PARCC Assessments to graduate high school; and

WHEREAS, the Department is proposing to eliminate all other testing options besides PARCC as ways to satisfy state graduation requirements; and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey High School Graduation Act (“the Act”) requires an 11 th grade test in math and ELA with retesting opportunities for seniors in 12th grade, and the PARCC end of course exams do not conform to the requirements of the Act; and

WHEREAS, NJ has had four graduation tests since the Act was passed in 1979 and has never attached diploma stakes to a new test after a single administration; and

WHEREAS, the Governor’s own College and Career Ready Task Force recommended a multi-year transition to a new state assessment system during which “the Department of Education will not establish a minimum passing score as a graduation requirement,” recommending instead that “graduation will be dependent on satisfactory completion of required courses, as established by local boards of education”; and

WHEREAS, the new graduation requirements proposed by the NJDOE do not conform to the recommendations of the Governor’s College and Career Ready Task Force; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the East Windsor Regional School District Board of Education (“the Board”) hereby: (1) Urges the NJDOE to withdraw its pending graduation requirement proposals from consideration before the SBOE; and (2) Urges the NJDOE to implement the recommendation of the Governor’s College and Career Ready Task Force, including a multi-year transition to a new assessment system that does “not establish a minimum passing score as a graduation requirement” on the new PARCC Assessments; and (3) Urges the legislature and the SBOE to take the necessary steps to implement this recommendation and allow students to graduate during this multi-year transition period on the basis of credits earned, grade point averages, and successful completion of all attendance, service, and other local graduation requirements; and (4) Urges that this multi-year transition to a new assessment system be used to conduct a broad public dialogue among all stakeholders to develop a new consensus around the transparent and equitable assessment policies all our students deserve; and (5) Urges that NJ continues to provide multiple pathways to a high school diploma that include alternatives not based on standardized tests, and that it continues to respect the right of parents to make decisions about the assessment alternatives that are most appropriate for their children; and (6) Urges that the legislature review/hold hearings on the impact of the Department’s proposed graduation rules on the class of 2016; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED this resolution be certified and submitted to our State Representatives, the New Jersey School Boards Association, local municipal leaders, the board secretaries of each school district in the county, the County Office of Education, and the Office of the Commissioner of Education.

M. Increase of Travel Expense Maximum for 2015-16 School YearThe total of approved funds budgeted for the 2015-16 school year was approved for $59,965. at the March 23, 2015 meeting. This amount is close to being exceeded as we approach the end of the school year. It is prudent to raise this number to include the remaining balance remaining on the travel budget account and amend the 2015-16 maximum travel expenditure total to be $85,359.00


N. Renew Service Provider Contract: Parker McCay PA as Student Services AttorneyThe District will retain the services of Frank P. Cavallo, Jr. Esq. of the firm Parker McCay, PA of Mount Laurel NJ, as the attorney/firm designated as responsible for the legal work necessary with matters related to Student Services; per the terms of the attached contract agreement for 2015-16 school year.

O. Board Secretary and Treasurer’s Report for February, 2016WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the report of the Board Secretary and Treasurer for the month of FEBRUARY, 2016 submitted pursuant to N.J.S.A 18A:17-9, and WHEREAS, in compliance with N.J.A.C. 6:20-2A.10 (d) the Board Secretary has certified that, as of the date of the reports, no budgetary line item account has obligations and payments (contractual orders) which in total exceed the amount appropriated by the District Board of Education; andWHEREAS, the report of the Treasurer of School Monies is in agreement with the Report of the Secretary;NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education accepts the above referenced reports and certifications, and certifies that after review of the Secretary’s Monthly Financial Report (appropriation section), and Treasurer's Report, to the best of its knowledge, no major account or fund has been over expended in violation on N.J.A.C.6:20-2A.10 (a)(1), and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district’s financial obligations for the remainder of the year.

P. Transfer Report for February, 2016The EWRSD Board of Education certifies to the best of its knowledge that no major account or fund has been over expended in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11 and that sufficient funds are available to meet the District’s financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year. RESOLVED, that the Board of Education ratifies the attached transfers between budget line items that have been approved by the Superintendent of Schools and reported to them pursuant to Board policy and State regulation.

Q. Bill List for April 11, 2016 in the amount of: $14,393,907.62

Discussion on exception items: Ms. Harrington asked about the increase in the travel maximum amount. Mr. Todd responded that this amount reflects what was budgeted for initially.Mr. Laverty commented on the resolutions that were Board approved this evening. They deal with very important topics and it is crucial that we as a district go on the record in supporting them.Ms. Harrington asked if the resolutions should have been acted on separately, and not included with the exception items. It would give them more exposure.Dr. Katz replied that we will put them on the district website where they will garner more attention than in the agenda. They will also be posted with the meeting minutes.Dr. Katz welcomed Erin Servillo, new Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Nicole Foulks, our new McKnight school principal to the District.

Action/Vote: By a roll call poll of the Board, with all Board members present voting yes, Motion to approve the routine agenda items was carried unanimously.

16. Executive Session (optional) – not needed17. Adjourn: 9:07 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Paul M. Todd, BA/Board Secretary


Appendix: A. STAFFINGAcevado, Tiffany

Appoint LEPK Instructor

GNR $19.20/hr 3/22/16 6/30/16 Revised start date

DeLaRosa, Teresa

Appoint LEPK Instructor

PLD $19.20/hr 3/22/16 6/30/16 Revised start date

Foulks, Nicole Appoint Principal EMK $128,000 7/1/16 6/30/17 Supervisor (Stand)-pending clearance

Larkin, Edward

Appoint Teacher of H&PE

HHS 1 BA $57,492 4/12/16 6/30/16 Teacher of Health & PE (CEAS)

Pearson, Leonora

Appoint Educ. Assistant

WCB 5 $25,523 4/13/16 6/30/16 From Turning Pt. Lead Inst.

Servillo, Erin Appoint Assistant Sup't.

Admin $159,000 6/13/16 6/30/16 School Admin. (CE)-pending contract approval from Exec. County Supt./criminal history clearance

Servillo, Erin Appoint Assistant Sup't.

Admin $159,000 7/1/16 6/30/17 School Admin. (CE)-pending contract approval from Exec. County Supt.

Malacrida, Michelle

Appoint/LOAR Counselor HHS 1 MA $59,222 4/4/16 6/22/16 Counselor (Stand) for employee #5312

Devaney, Brian

Extra pay AP Exam Proctor

HHS $100/per test

6/30/16

Diffenbach, Robert

Extra pay AP Exam Proctor

HHS $100/per test

6/30/16

Jeros, Ethan Extra pay AP Exam Proctor

HHS $100/per test

6/30/16

Trost, Erik Extra pay AP Exam Proctor

HHS $100/per test

6/30/16

Branstron, Mary

Extra pay Event HHS $37 per event

6/30/16

D'Alessandro, Pat


6/30/16

Gazaleh, Amy Extra pay Event HHS $37 per event

6/30/16

Inglisa, Lora Extra pay Event HHS $37 per event

6/30/16

O'Connor, Erine


6/30/16

Schupak, Ellen


6/30/16

Ridge, Robert Extra pay Supervisor Admin $417.54 per diem

6/30/16 Sell back 2 vacation days

Annette, Christina

Extra pay Teacher MHK $37/hr 3/24/16 6/1/16 100% After School Title 1

Bennett, Felicia


Byrwa, Nancy Extra pay Teacher MHK $37/hr 3/24/16 6/1/16 100% After School Title 1

Caceres, Tamara


Cooley, Rebecca


DaSilva, Jennifer


Harrison, MaryAnn


Judd, Elizabeth


Meagher, Melissa


Nagy, Jennifer Extra pay Teacher MHK $37/hr 3/24/16 6/1/16 100% After School Title 1

Paladino, Vanessa


Reyes, Estephany


Rice, Courtney


Ridge, Sharon Extra pay Teacher MHK $37/hr 3/24/16 6/1/16 100% After School Title 1

Salvemini, Extra pay Teacher MHK $37/hr 3/24/16 6/1/16 100% After School Title 1


GabrellaSomer, Elizabeth


Taitt, Patricia Extra pay Teacher MHK $37/hr 3/24/16 6/1/16 100% After School Title 1

Vogel, Jennifer


Waldron, Barbara


Wertheimer, Brittany


Young, Dana Extra pay Teacher MHK $37/hr 3/24/16 6/1/16 100% After School Title 1

Employee #4082

LOA 2/16/16 4/12/16 Revised date: FMLA

Employee #5618

LOA 6/13/16 6/22/16 SD

Employee #5618

LOA 9/1/16 1/31/17 9/1-11/18 NJLA, 11/21-1/31 Unpaid Leave

Employee #5831

LOA 2/22/16 6/3/16 Revised dates: SD 2/22-3/11, NJFLA 3/14-6/3

Employee #6039

LOA 4/4/16 6/22/16 4/4-4/13 SD, 4/14-4/27 SD minus sub pay, 4/28-6/22 FMLA

Keener, Lauren

Mentor fee Caamano, Virginia

PLD $183.30 6/30/16 Elem. Teach (CEAS)

Corbitt, Michelle

Resigned Clerk 12-month

Admin 4/15/16 Reason: personal

Haeuptle, Nicole

Resigned Teacher Elem.

GNR 6/30/16 Reason: relocating

Hart, Kathleen Resigned Tchr. Spec. Ed.

HHS 6/30/16 Accept resignation w/anticipated retirement effective 6/30/16 (Yrs: 34 corrected)

Koch, Lynn Resigned Teacher H&PE

GNR 6/30/16 Accept resignation w/anticipated retirement effective 6/30/16; yrs: 31

Leventhal, Shari

Resigned Teacher-Elem.

PLD 6/30/16 Accept resignation w/anticipated retirement effective 6/30/16; yrs: 24

Pearson, Leonora

Resigned Lead Turning Pt.

GNR 4/12/16 Reason: accepted another position within the district

Yacyk, Peter Resigned Teacher-LA

MHK 6/30/16 Accept resignation w/anticipated retirement effective 6/30/16; yrs: 38

Wetherill, William

Resigned Teacher-Ind. Arts

HHS 6/30/16 Accept resignation w/anticipated retirement effective 6/30/16; yrs: 19

Nitossa, Leah Salary adj. Teacher MHK 4BA+30 $59,702 3/28/16 6/30/16 From BA+15 @ $59,352

Barrett, Gordan

Summer Grounds Keeper PT

Dist $12.50/hr 4/12/16 12/30/16

Funda, John Summer Grounds Keeper PT

Dist $12.50/hr 4/12/16 12/30/16 Pending clearance

Grelis, William

Summer Grounds Keeper PT

Dist $12.50/hr 4/12/16 12/30/16 Pending clearance

Magee, Deborah

Reassignment Educ. Assistant

WCB 4/18/16 6/30/16 From HHS

Rahman, Salma


GNR 1 $24,149 4/18/16 6/30/16 From .5 to full time

Platizky, Deena


GNR 4/18/16 6/30/16 From HHS

Vetere, Laura Principal EMK 2/11/16 6/30/16 Revised end date

of Education/Board... · Web viewThe Board of Education of the East Windsor Regional School...

Documents

Transcript of of Education/Board... · Web viewThe Board of Education of the East Windsor Regional School...