MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION

TUESDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 22, 2005

 

Time and Place    Pursuant to notices sent to each member of the Board of Education, the regular meeting

of Meeting           was held on Tuesday evening, November 22, 2005 in the High School North Library,

63 Tindall Road, Middletown, New Jersey. 

 

Call to Order        At 7:30 p.m., the meeting was called to order. 

 

1.                  SUNSHINE NOTICE:

“Adequate notice of this meeting was provided by sending such notice to the Asbury Park Press, the

Independent, the Courier, and the Two River Times and the posting of such notice at the August T.

                Miner Administration Building and each elementary, middle, and secondary school in the district.”

 

2.             PLEDGE OF ALLIGENCE

Mrs. Minnuies asked for a moment of silence for Luke Nesbihal and Mark Fearon.

 

3.             ROLL CALL

Present:                  Laura Agin, Leonora Caminiti, Dawn Diorio, Sherry Gevarter, Joan Minnuies, Kevin Ryan, Carolyn S. Self,

Rose Stallmeyer and Patricia Walsh.

Absent:                  No absentees.

Also Present:        David L. Witmer, William J. Doering, Karen Bilbao, Dan Skelton and Christopher Parton, Esq.

 

4.             STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES FROM HIGH SCHOOLS TO SPEAK:

 

                                High School North                                              High School South

                               

 

 

                               

5.             BOARD COMMENDATIONS (see following pages)

 

6.             OPEN TO PUBLIC – COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS ONLY

                Marjorie Cavalier discussed the health curriculum.

                Sandy McKechnie discussed random drug testing.

                Bonnie Thomson discussed random drug testing procedures and the health curriculum.

 

        7.             MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF: Regular Voting Meeting – October 24, 2005

                               

                                Motion made by Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mrs. Stallmeyer.  Motion carried on voice vote:

                                Ayes:  (9) --           Mrs. Agin, Mrs. Caminiti, Mrs. Diorio, Mrs. Gevarter, Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Self, Mrs. Stallmeyer,

                                                                Mrs. Walsh and Mrs. Minnuies.

                                Noes:  (0)

 

8.             REPORTS

 

A.   Report of the President

1.     Presentation:  Thorne Middle School Students – “Morning Announcements”

 

B.  Business Administrator/Board Secretary

 

1.           Approval of Transfers (see following page)

 

                                Motion made by Mrs. Self, seconded by Mrs. Walsh.  Motion carried on voice vote:

                                Ayes:  (9) --           Mrs. Agin, Mrs. Caminiti, Mrs. Diorio, Mrs. Gevarter, Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Self, Mrs. Stallmeyer,

                                                                Mrs. Walsh and Mrs. Minnuies.

                                Noes:  (0)

       

 

 

 

2.       Motion to accept the reports of the Treasurer and Secretary as being in agreement for the

              month of October, 2005 (Attach #1)

 

                              Motion made by Mrs. Walsh, seconded by Mrs. Diorio.  Motion carried on voice vote:

                              Ayes:  (9) --             Mrs. Agin, Mrs. Caminiti, Mrs. Diorio, Mrs. Gevarter, Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Self, Mrs. Stallmeyer,

                                                                Mrs. Walsh and Mrs. Minnuies.

                              Noes:  (0)

 

3.       Motion to accept the Board Secretary’s Certification that no major budget line item has been

              over-expended for the month of October, 2005.

 

                              Motion made by Mrs. Diorio, seconded by Mrs. Walsh.  Motion carried on voice vote:

                              Ayes:  (9) --             Mrs. Agin, Mrs. Caminiti, Mrs. Diorio, Mrs. Gevarter, Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Self, Mrs. Stallmeyer,

                                                                Mrs. Walsh and Mrs. Minnuies.

                              Noes:  (0)

 

4.           Motion to Approve Bill List for Period October 25, 2005 – November 22, 2005 (Attach #2)

 

                              Motion made by Mrs. Gevarter, seconded by Mrs. Diorio.  Motion carried on voice vote:

                              Ayes:  (9) --             Mrs. Agin, Mrs. Caminiti, Mrs. Diorio, Mrs. Gevarter, Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Self, Mrs. Stallmeyer

                                                                (abst. #28949), Mrs. Walsh and Mrs. Minnuies.

                              Noes:  (0)

 

a.                 C.  Report of the Superintendent

                    Dr. Witmer discussed district activities in November such as the NJEA convention, American Education Week, staff

                    development, drama productions in the high schools, parent/teacher conferences and first-marking period report cards.

                    Dr. Witmer also discussed the evacuation of our two high schools on two separate days.  He noted that the situations are

                    being investigated by the police department.

                         

9.           RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

 

A.      Curriculum Committee  (Rose Stallmeyer, Chair)

                     

                      1.     Suspension Report (Attachment #3)

 

                              Motion made by Mrs. Walsh, seconded by Mr. Ryan, for acknowledgement of Curriculum Item #1.  Motion carried

                              on voice vote:

                              Ayes:  (9) --             Mrs. Agin, Mrs. Caminiti, Mrs. Diorio, Mrs. Gevarter, Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Self, Mrs. Stallmeyer,

                                                                Mrs. Walsh and Mrs. Minnuies.

                              Noes:  (0)

 

           B.    Finance Committee (Sue Self, Chair)

 

        Mr. Doering introduced Kevin Frenia, from the auditing firm of Holman & Frenia, to discuss the District Audit.  Mr. 

        Frenia commented that the state has pushed the surplus amount down to 2%, noting that he was not comfortable with that

        amount and that $1.7 million was not enough for a district this size.  Mr. Frenia stated that the audit went very well and

        the firm had no comments to report.  Mrs. Minnuies thanked Mr. Doering for another great audit.

 

  1.     Acceptance of the 2004-2005 District Audit as presented by Holman & Frenia, P.C., and Approval

          of  District Corrective Action Plan  (see following pages)

 

                              Motion made by Mrs. Self, seconded by Mrs. Diorio.  Motion carried on voice vote:

                              Ayes:  (9) --             Mrs. Agin, Mrs. Caminiti, Mrs. Diorio, Mrs. Gevarter, Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Self, Mrs. Stallmeyer,

                                                                Mrs. Walsh and Mrs. Minnuies.

                              Noes:  (0)

 

C.    Pupil Services/Special Education Committee (Joan Minnuies, Chair)

 

1.           Discussion:  Random Drug Testing (will be done at the end of the night)

 

             

                      2.       Acceptance of IDEA-B, FY2006 Basic Funds of $2,385,013 and Preschool Funds of $96,571. (Attach # 4)

 

3.       Reimbursement to parent of K.S. for 7.5 hours of Conductive Education Program at $30.00 per hour for 38 weeks

          not to exceed $8,500.  (as per I.E.P. for K.S.)  Charge to Account No. 11-000-100-566-00-000

 

                      4.       Approval of Special Services to Classified Handicapped Students (Attach #5)

 

5.       Approval of Individual Instruction at Home (Attach #6)

 

                              Motion made by Mrs. Gevarter, seconded by Mr. Ryan, for approval of Pupil Services Items 2, 3, 4 & 5.  Motion

                              carried on voice vote:

                              Ayes:  (9) --             Mrs. Agin, Mrs. Caminiti, Mrs. Diorio, Mrs. Gevarter, Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Self, Mrs. Stallmeyer,

                                                                Mrs. Walsh and Mrs. Minnuies.

                              Noes:  (0)

 

              C.    Co-Curricular/Sports Committee (Leonora Caminiti, Chair)

 

                      1.       Change of Date

                                H.S. South Holiday Wrestling Tournament, From December 28, 2005 to December 29, 2005

 

                              Motion made by Mrs. Walsh, seconded by Mr. Ryan, for approval of Co-Curricular Item #1.  Motion carried on

                              voice vote:

                              Ayes:  (9) --             Mrs. Agin, Mrs. Caminiti, Mrs. Diorio, Mrs. Gevarter, Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Self, Mrs. Stallmeyer,

                                                                Mrs. Walsh and Mrs. Minnuies.

                              Noes:  (0)

 

              D.  Policy Committee (Laura Agin, Chair)

 

1.           First Reading of Amendment to Existing Policy No. 4133, Reimbursement of Expenses While on Board Business,

                        to be in compliance with  N.J.A.C.6A:23B Travel and Related Expenses Reimbursement and which has been reviewed

                        by the Middletown Township Board of Education Policy Committee.  No action will be taken. (Attachment # 7)

 

                                Dr. Witmer acknowledged that the first reading has been accepted.

 

E.  Personnel Committee  (Sherry Gevarter, Chair)

Note:  All appointments of the district staff are contingent upon satisfying the requirements of the Criminal History Review.

 

                                1).            Approval of resignations for the purpose of retirement:

 

                                                a).  Wallace Hartsgrove (7/15/79), HS South, Custodian, effective 2/1/06

                                                b).  Michael Jakub (1/1/86), Harmony, Custodian, effective2/1/06

 

                                2).            Approval of resignations:

 

                                                a).  Deborah Applegate, Substitute Teacher, for personal reasons, effective 11/7/05

                                                b).  Theresa Cella, Harmony, Paraprofessional, for personal reasons, effective 8/15/05

                                                c).  Vivien Dusko, Substitute Teacher, to accept another position, effective 11/1/05

                                                d).  Diane Copeland, Substitute Teacher, to accept another position, effective 10/10/05

                               

                                3).            Approval of resignation from assigned hours:

 

                                                a).  Theresa Colacino, Thompson, Paraprofessional, for personal reasons, effective 10/17/05

                                                b).  Tracy Cardella, Thompson, Paraprofessional, for personal reasons, effective 10/31/05

                                                c).  Eleanor Tanburella, Middletown Village Paraprofessional, for personal reasons, effective 9/30/05

 

                                4).            Approval of leaves of absence:

 

                                                a).  Kim Covelli, New Monmouth, Paraprofessional, for medical reasons, effective

                                                      10/27/05 through 12/2/05 – Unpaid Leave

 

 

                                                b).  Kelly Hegel, Leonardo, Grade 4, for maternity, effective

                                                      1/3/06 through 1/31/06 – Paid – Sick Leave

                                                      2/1/06 through 4/25/06 – Unpaid Family Leave Act

                                                      4/26/06 through 5/31/06 – Unpaid Leave

                                                      Acct. #11-120-100-101-20-000

 

                                                c).  Frances Pierce, HS South, Home Economics, for medical reasons, effective

                                                      11/14/05 through 2/12/06 – Unpaid Family Leave

 

                                                d).  Nicole Varno, Thorne, Special Education, for maternity, effective

                                                      1/31/06 through 3/28/06 – Paid – Sick Leave

                                                      3/29/06 through 5/31/06 – Unpaid Family Leave Act

                                                      Acct. #11-213-100-101-00-000

 

                                5).            Approval of new hires:

 

                                                a).  Donna Fitzgerald, Bayshore, Language Arts, Monmouth University, MA

                                                      Certification – MS Language Arts  (CEAS)

                                                      Rate – MA – Step 1 - $53,015  (Pro-rated)

                                                      Effective – 10/1/05 through 6/30/06

                                                      Acct. #11-130-100-101-03-000

 

                                                b).  Sarah W. Strabel, Harmony, Grade 1, Ohio University, BS

                                                      Certification – Elementary

                                                      Rate – BA – Step 2 - $44,050  (Pro-rated)

                                                      Effective – 1/3/06 through 5/24/06

                                                      Acct. #11-120-100-101-20-000

                               

                              Motion made by Mrs. Walsh, seconded by Mr. Ryan, for approval of Personnel Items 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.  Motion carried

                              on voice vote:

                              Ayes:  (9) --             Mrs. Agin, Mrs. Caminiti, Mrs. Diorio, Mrs. Gevarter, Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Self, Mrs. Stallmeyer,

                                                                Mrs. Walsh and Mrs. Minnuies.

                              Noes:  (0)

 

                                6).            Approval for 14 hrs in-service on 6/29/05 and 6/30/05 at $36.42/hr, $509.88 each:  (4,079.04)

 

                                                Monica Conrad                    Kathleen Talky

                                                Danielle Duffy                      Maureen Longo

                                                Meghan Harmon                  Ann Lanza

                                                Lauren Ryerson                    Tara Flynn

                                                Acct. #20-250-100-100-06-000

                                               

                              Motion made by Mrs. Walsh, seconded by Mr. Ryan, for Personnel Item #6.  Motion carried on voice vote:

                              Ayes:  (5) --             Mrs. Agin, Mrs. Caminiti, Mrs. Gevarter, Mrs. Self and Mrs. Stallmeyer.

                              Noes:  (4) --             Mrs. Diorio, Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Walsh and Mrs. Minnuies.

                                                                               

                                7).            Approval of Special Contracts:

 

                                                Patricia Ouellette                  North/FBLA                          Step 1     $3009.00

                                                Acct. #11-401-100-100-01-000

                                                Christen Tummillo                South/Asst Tech (pp)          Step 1     $1027.00

                                                Acct. #11-401-100-100-02-000

                                                Shirley Gonzalez                   Baysh/Sub Abuse                               Step 1     $1078.80 (pro-rated)

                                                Acct. #11-401-100-100-03-000

                                                Jennifer Mess                       Thorne/Music Dir  (pp)       Step 4     $1438.00

                                                Acct. #11-401-100-100-05-000

                                Mike Iasparo                         North/Boys Bsktbl Asst.    Step 1     $3993.00

Newton Hausmann              North/Boys Bsktbl Frosh   Step 1     $3505.00

Will Mayer                     North/Baseball Frosh      Step 4   $3406.00

Acct. #11-402-100-100-01-011

 

Kevin Murawinski               South/Boys Bsktbll Frosh  Step 1     $3505.00

Chris Reginio                        South/FroshWrestling        Step 1     $3505.00

Acct. #11-402-100-100-02-011

                                               

Correction:

                                                Rae Koumoulis                     South/Poli Sci                       Step 4     $2319.00

                                                Resignations:

                                                Svetlana Nosova                  Thorne/Music Dir               

                                                Michael Isparro                    North/Frosh Boys Basketball

                                                                                                                                               

                                8).            Approval of substitute personnel:                                                                                                                                   

                                                Paraprofessionals:                               Custodians:                           Secretary:

                                                Cathy Mazza                                         Bruce Briggs                         Diana Rothmann

                                                Deborah Slook                                      William Roehrig III

                                                Vincent Esposito

 

                                 9).           The following employee of Chartwells Food Service, an approved District

                                                vendor, has completed an Emergent Application pending approval:

                                                                Cosma Chiappetta

                                                                Lisa Kowaleski

                                                                Barbara Mandile

 

                                10).          The Superintendent of Schools recommends the termination of employment of the following employees:

                                                                Dahlijani Makhija

                                                                Georgianna Percia

 

                        11).          Approval of the following to the approved list of Substitute Teachers per the following page:  SUB-1                                                                             

                                12).          Approval of Paraprofessionals per the following conditions of employment as displayed on the following

pages.

                                    All Paraprofessional appointments subject to budgetary constraints, enrollments and IEP requirement and

                                                may be changed or eliminated during the term of the assignment.

                                                                                                                                                               

                                13).          Approval of salary adjustment due to temporary stipend, effective 10/11/05:

 

                                                Ralph Gentile, HS North Chief Night Custodian, $49,102

 

                                14).          Approval of the following Curriculum Committees:

 

                                                                a)  Latin Mid-Term and Final Exam Committee for 10 hrs. each @ $36.42  ($728.40)

                                                                David Way

                                                                Thomas Isherwood

                                                                Acct# 11-000-223-110-28-141

 

                                                                b) Fundamentals of Science Curriculum Writing Committee for 22 hrs. each @ $36.42 ($3,204.96)

                                                                Valerie Downs

                                                                Corrine Jennings

                                                                Kelly Matri

                                                                Kevin Sullivan

                                                                Acct# 11-000-223-110-28-141

 

                                                                c)  AP Calculus Curriculum Writing – AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC for 20 each @ $36.42 ($1,456.80)

                                                                Dona Coffey

                                                                Pat Giordano

                                                                Acct# 11-000-223-110-28-141

 

                                                                d)  ESL Enrichment for Newly Arrived Students for 90 minutes a week for 8 weeks @ pro rata ($879.76)

                                                                Laurie Weimer                      $73.31

                                                                Acct# 20-241-100-100-06-000

 

 

                                                                e)  Algebra I – Midterm & Final Exam Committee for 2 hrs. @ $36.42 ($72.84)(replacement for Mark Sessa)

                                                                Leslie Castle

                                                                Acct# 11-000-223-110-28-141

 

                                                                f)  Sixth Grade Mathematics Curriculum Committee for 25 hrs. each @ $36.42($6,373.50)

                                                                Jessica Accurso

                                                                Michelle Kane

                                                                Ellen Scheurer

                                                                Maria Lambrinos

                                                                Scott Capro

                                                                Rick deJaager

                                                                Abby Tice (Alternate if required)

                                                                Brendan Hodnett

                                                                Catherine Commander (Alternate if required)

                                                                Acct# 11-000-223-110-28-141

 

                                                                g)  Seventh Grade Social Studies Curriculum Committee for 20 each @ $36.42  ($2,913.60)

                                                                Marcia Barnard

                                                                Kevin Graham

                                                                Regina Schaffer

                                                                Bill Durr

                                                                Acct# 11-000-223-110-28-141

 

                                                                h)  Seventh Grade Mathematics Program Recommendation for 2 hrs. @ $36.42  ($437.04)

                                                                John Cholette

                                                                Marissa McSorley-Smith

                                                                Eileen Teel (Alternate if required)

                                                                Ellen Scheurer

                                                                Leslie Castle

                                                                Jacqueline Tishler

                                                                Marianne Waltsak

                                                                Sean Dunphy (Alternate if required)

                                                                Acct# 11-000-223-110-28-141

 

                                                                i)  Broadcast Communications – Grade 7 & 8 Curriculum Committee for 6 hrs. @ 36.42 ($655.56)

                                                                Jennifer Mess

                                                                Jacqueline Houruzy-Maffucci

                                                                Michael D. Gannon

                                                                Acct# 11-000-223-110-28-141

 

                                                                j)  Middle School Theater – Grade 7/Drama – Grade 8 Curriculum for 6 hrs.@ $36.42 ($655.56)

                                                                Jennifer Mess

                                                                Anne Kaufman

                                                                Stephanie Paroumakian

                                                                Acct# 11-000-223-110-28-141

 

                              Motion made by Mrs. Gevarter, seconded by Mrs. Walsh, for approval of Personnel Items 7 through 14.  Motion

                              carried on voice vote:

                              Ayes:  (9) --             Mrs. Agin, Mrs. Caminiti, Mrs. Diorio, Mrs. Gevarter, Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Self, Mrs. Stallmeyer,

                                                                Mrs. Walsh and Mrs. Minnuies (no on #9).

                              Noes:  (0)

 

Random         Karen Bilbao introduced the subject of random drug testing.  She noted the new law allowing school districts to

Drug               create written policies for randomly drug testing students.  Mrs. Bilbao stated that the purpose of a random drug

Testing          testing program is to allow school districts to intervene early to help students and to be a deterrent to substance abuse.                            She noted it also gives students a reason to say no.  Mrs. Bilbao stated that tonight’s introduction to this program is to

ask the Board to consider taking the required steps to develop a policy for this district.  Mrs. Bilbao noted that a

public hearing is being scheduled for January on this topic.

 

 

 

 

 

                                               

10.    BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

        Mrs. Diorio (Negotiations) stated that the Board and the Teamsters, on behalf of the Paraprofessionals, have agreed to a mutual

        declaration of impasse and are seeking assistance from a PERC mediator. 

 

11.    OLD BUSINESS – no old business.

       

12.    NEW BUSINESS – no new business.

 

13.    OPEN TO PUBLIC

                Linda Shope discussed school activities, and thanked administrators for an efficient evacuation of the high schools.

                Alyssa Guygerich discussed class size.

 

12.        14.  MOTION TO ADJOURN

                                Motion made and seconded at 9:35 p.m. to adjourn the voting meeting to closed session.  Motion carried on voice vote.

 

             

                                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                WILLIAM J. DOERING

                                                                                                                School Business Administrator/Board Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/jm

12/8/05