MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL
VOTING MEETING
MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF
EDUCATION
THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 2003
Time and Place Pursuant to notices sent to each member of
the Board of Education, the special
of Meeting voting meeting was held on
Thursday, August 7, 2003 in the High School South Theatre, 900 Nut Swamp Road,
Middletown, New Jersey.
1.
CALL TO ORDER
At 8:00 p.m., Mr. Bucco called the special voting meeting to order.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. 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.”
4.
ROLL CALL
Present: Marjorie Cavalier, Thomas Conroy, Leonard Inzerillo, Joan Minnuies, Enrico Paternostro,
N. Britt Raynor, Michael Roberts, Carolyn Self and Robert W. Bucco, Jr.
Also Present: David L. Witmer, William J. Doering, Nancy Whelan, Christopher Halpin and Malachi J.
Kenney, Esq.
Mr. Kenney stated that, after reviewing the statues in regard to the school ethics act, he has advised two Board of Education members that they would not be in violation of the law by participating in this evening’s discussion and vote. He noted that he has advised a third Board member, Mr. Inzerillo, not to participate or vote on tonight’s agenda. Mr. Inzerillo excused himself from the Board’s table.
Dr. Witmer reviewed issues leading up to tonight’s proceedings:
June 31, 2003 Dr. Witmer in receipt of two principal’s resignations.
July 10, 2003 Met with the BOE Personnel Committee and received support
for all reassignments and transfers discussed tonight.
July 11, 2003 Forwarded recommendations to BOE members regarding filling vacancies, including transfers.
July 16, 2003 Closed session scheduled to discuss transfers; meeting cancelled.
July 22, 2003 Transfers pulled from agenda. In the weeks that followed, many statements were received from administrators and staff which included allegations not investigated or shared with the Board.
August 6, 2003 Eight-page confidential letter from Board attorney to Superintendent and Board Members.
Dr. Witmer stated that due to the following facts: (1) serious allegations and statements have been made; (2) the Board has never been exposed to these allegations; (3) the Board does not have all the facts and material and (4) the allegations have never been investigated by an outside source, he is modifying his recommendation to place Mr. Lane on a paid leave of absence until an investigation can be made.
5. OPEN
TO PUBLIC
The following students spoke on agenda items: William Bucco, Scott Martino, Mike Ruinski,
Anthony Strangia, Steve Coleman, Billy Flemming, Jeremy Tout, Laura Gigness, Taylor Holt, Adrien Cinercia, Tim Sullivan, Shauna Saluzzo, Jamie Provine, Mark Longo, Keith Heaney, Kiely Cody, Megan Sweeney, Shawn Kerrik, Ryan Campbell, Dan Staval, Steve Dowins, Art Dane, Greg Stockland, Chris Pascarella, Nicky Savalla, Lindsey Hardy, Lauren William, Bobby Haspill, Jeff Clemins, Graham Highlow, Dave Bonjournis, Jason Peter, Adam Wicca, Dan Flame, Tony Sencotta, Julie Bafardi, Renee Olson, Mike Santanastacia, Paul Scaduci, Carolyn Signer, Patrick
Galindo, Kelly Shaw, Jenna Sherwood, Christy Jones, Alece Rinaldi, Rachael Sugarman, Erin Osborne, Stacey Crawley, Sophie Erlick, Katie O’Reilly, Chris Vopad, Katie Hammond, Christy Shiffeld, Jackie Logan, Lauren Zak, Chris Yamaguchi, Joe Provine, L. Barbalucas, Lisa Syett, Jennifer Lind, Jessica Brownfeld.
The following people spoke on agenda items: Bill Heaney, James Cody, Patty Devine, Robin
Rosnagel, Mark Rosenbloom, John Davis, Andrea Yamaguchi, Brenda Occupinti, Jeanine
Horowitz, John Dowens, John Tulusso, Matt Galindo, David Logan, Jim Folzzi, Vinny Brandt, Phil Martino, Terry Zimmel, Rosanna Holt, Fran Hanley, Bob Osborne, Elaine Gigness, Roseann Nardini, Mary Ansalari, Beverly Corolli, Mike Hager, Susan Nazath, Alex Desivo, Patricia Walsh, Pat Foley, Brian Citron, Lisa Pozzi, Lorraine Lister, George Anthony, Donna Volpetti, Barbara Amadio, Sherry Gevarter, Jill Wilson, Kathy Hager, Tom Pauley, Tim Kirk, Anthony Strangia, Anthony Cinercia, Carmelina Kenny, Janice Henner.
6. REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS:
Approval of resignation for the purpose of retirement:
a). Jerome Ganis (1/3/95), Director of Ed Technology & Special Projects, effective 10/1/03
Motion
made by Mr. Roberts, seconded by Mr. Paternostro. Motion carried on roll call vote:
Ayes: (8) -- Mrs. Cavalier, Mr. Conroy, Mrs. Minnuies, Mr. Paternostro, Mr. Raynor, Mr. Roberts, Mrs. Self and Mr. Bucco.
Noes: (0)
Abstain: (1) – Mr. Inzerillo.
B. Approval of Administrative transfers, effective 8/15/03-6/30/04:
From: To:
Daniel Lane South/Principal* Pt Mon/Principal*
Acct. #11-000-240-103-20-000 *recommendation modified
Dr. Witmer stated that based on the facts and information received since July 11, 2003, the original recommendation to transfer Mr. Lane must be modified. With the concerns stated at the onset of the meeting, Dr. Witmer stated that his recommendation to the Board is to immediately place Mr. Lane on a paid leave of absence until the allegations and statements have been investigated, reviewed and processed. Motion made by Mr. Raynor, seconded by Mrs. Minnuies.
Motion defeated on roll call vote:
Ayes: (4) -- Mrs. Cavalier, Mr. Conroy, Mrs. Minnuies and Mr. Roberts.
Noes: (4) -- Mr. Paternostro, Mr. Raynor, Mrs. Self and Mr. Bucco.
Abstain: (1) – Mr. Inzerillo.
Approval of Administrative transfers, effective 8/15/03-6/30/04:
Diana Cantillo, Ed.D. Fairview/Principal to Ocean/Principal
Motion made by Mrs. Minnuies, seconded by Mrs. Cavalier. Motion carried on roll call vote:
Ayes: (7) -- Mrs. Cavalier, Mr. Conroy, Mrs. Minnuies, Mr. Paternostro, Mr. Raynor, Mr. Roberts and Mrs. Self.
Noes: (1) -- Mr. Bucco.
Abstain: (1) – Mr. Inzerillo.
Approval of Administrative transfers, effective 8/15/03-6/30/04:
Charles Bindig, Ed.D. Ocean/Principal to Fairview/Principal
Motion made by Mr. Roberts, seconded by Mr. Raynor. Motion carried on roll call vote:
Ayes: (8) -- Mrs. Cavalier, Mr. Conroy, Mrs. Minnuies, Mr. Paternostro, Mr. Raynor, Mr. Roberts, Mrs. Self and Mr. Bucco.
Noes: (0) --
Abstain: (1) – Mr. Inzerillo.
Recess Dr. Witmer called for a five-minute recess.
Reconvene Mr. Bucco called the meeting back to order.
Approval of Administrative transfers, effective 8/15/03-6/30/04:
Barry Goldstein North/Principal to South/Principal
Susan Blank North/Asst Prin to South/Asst Prin
Dr. Witmer stated that the above recommendations are being withdrawn.
C. Approval of Administrative changes in assignments:
(Salaries and steps
subject to change upon completion of MTAA salary guides.)
Acting Principals, effective 8/15/03:
Jeff Simon/North* Rate – Step 1 - $100,000 (pro-rated)
Marie
Hartnett/River Plaza Rate – Step 6 -
$102,000 (pro-rated)
Acct. #11-000-240-103-20-000
Dr. Witmer stated that his recommendation will be to move (*) Mr. Simon to Port Monmouth
as Acting Principal, and that the salary noted be changed accordingly. Motion made by Mr.
Raynor, seconded by Mr. Paternostro. Motion carried on roll call vote:
Ayes: (9) -- Mrs. Cavalier, Mr. Conroy, Mr. Inzerillo, Mrs. Minnuies, Mr. Paternostro, Mr. Raynor, Mr. Roberts, Mrs. Self and Mr. Bucco.
Noes: (0)
Mr. Lane thanked the Board and stated that his goal will be to prove the misperceptions they have are truly misperceptions and to work very hard to make everyone proud of South and of him.
6. MOTION
TO ADJOURN
At 12:00 a.m., motion made
and seconded to adjourn the special voting meeting. Motion carried on voice vote.
Respectfully
submitted,
WILLIAM
J. DOERING
School
Business Administrator/
Board
Secretary
/jm
8/18/03