01 27 2014 regular meeting

MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 27, 2014 1. OPENING ACTIVITIES The Mount Oli...

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MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 27, 2014

1.

OPENING ACTIVITIES The Mount Olive Township Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, January 27, 2014 at the Mount Olive Middle School, 160 Wolfe Road, Budd Lake, N.J. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by the Board President, Mr. Giordano, with the following announcement: “The notice requirements of the “Open Public Meetings Act” of the State of New Jersey have been satisfied by the inclusion of the date, time and place of this meeting in the notice of regular meetings adopted by this board on January 6, 2014. Such schedule and notice of meetings is posted at the Municipal Building, the Mount Olive Library, the Board of Education offices and the six schools, was submitted to the Daily Record for publication on January 10, 2014, and was filed with the Clerk of Mount Olive Township on January 8, 2014. I direct this announcement be entered into the minutes of this meeting.” Present:

Roll Call

Also in attendance:

Mrs. Cohen Mr. Giordano Mr. Halbur Mrs. Ouimet Mr. Robinson Mr. Schaechter Mr. Strillacci Mr. Werner

Dr. Reynolds, Superintendent Ms. Conroy, Business Administrator Mr. Zitomer, Board Attorney

CONFIDENTIAL SESSION The Board President announced that the Board needs to recess into closed session to discuss a personnel matter. Accordingly, Mr. Giordano moved the following resolution to recess into confidential session at 6:31 p.m.: Resolved, at a public meeting of the Mount Olive Township Board of Education held on January 27, 2014, that, pursuant to Sections 7 and 8 of the “Open Public Meetings Act”, the following items be discussed in a session of the Board of Education closed to the public: Personnel Be it further resolved, that the matters discussed in closed session be disclosed to the public when the reason for confidentiality no longer exists. Seconded by Mr. Robinson and approved by a unanimous affirmative roll call vote. The Board reconvened in open session at 6:53 p.m. 2.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mrs. Ouimet moved to approve the open and closed session minutes of the following meetings: Work Session Meeting – December 9, 2013 Regular Meeting – December 16, 2013

#2.1 #2.2

Seconded by Mr. Halbur. Board Discussion: None

Roll Call: Ayes Mrs. Cohen Mr. Halbur Mr. Giordano Mrs. Ouimet Mr. Robinson Mr. Schaechter Mr. Strillacci Mr. Werner 3.

Noes None

Abstentions None

COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS (BOARD/SUPERINTENDENT) Mrs. Ouimet reported that several middle school students recently participated in the Science Olympiad Northern New Jersey Regional Tournament where they placed fourth overall, with many students earning additional medals in various competitions. Mrs. Ouimet congratulated the students on their achievements and thanked the team advisors, Mrs. Cohen and Mr. Cutro, for their commitment to the students and the science program.

4.

REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1

STUDENT LIAISON’S REPORT Amy DiGerolamo and Heather Muwonge Mukasa, delivered the monthly student liaison report, communicating the various concerns, interests, and activities of the student body.

4.2

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

4.2.1 PATHWAYS TO EXCELLENCE Dr. Reynolds delivered a power point presentation on the new Pathways to Excellence strategic plan. The Superintendent reported that the State has redefined the education standards in New Jersey to include a new standard entitled “college and career readiness”, which raises the bar significantly on how students will be assessed in the future. Dr. Reynolds explained that the new plan is designed to prepare students to meet these new standards. Dr. Reynolds reviewed the following goals set forth in the plan: Raise the percentage of students attaining a minimum SAT score of 1550 from 55% to 82.5% Raise the percentage of students scoring in the “proficient/advanced proficient” range to 95% Raise the percentage of students considered “career ready” to 60% Dr. Reynolds noted that his plan is based on four fundamental elements, detailed as follows: Quality teaching and learning Effective leadership training, close monitoring and systemic metrics Supports for system-wide improvement Embracing technology The Superintendent elaborated on the essential components necessary to achieve each of the elements detailed above. Following his presentation, Dr. Reynolds entertained questions from the Board. In response to an inquiry from Mr. Halbur, the Superintendent described the STEM courses offered by the district. 4.3

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT Mr. Werner reported on the Personnel Committee meeting of January 27, 2014. (Summary attached)

4.4

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION COMMITTEE REPORT Mrs. Ouimet reported on the Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting of January 13, 2014. (Summary attached) Mrs. Ouimet announced that action item #5.3.3 is being removed from consideration this evening, as the parties involved are unable to attend the conference due to scheduling conflicts. Regular Meeting 1/27/2014

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4.5

BUSINESS COMMITTEE REPORT Mr. Halbur reported on the Business Committee meeting of January 22, 2014. (Summary attached) Mrs. Ouimet inquired about a contract extension for the district’s consultant to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and requested a progress update on the services provided to the district thus far. Mr. Halbur responded, asking Ms. Conroy to prepare a report detailing the consultant’s progress to date.

4.6

POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT Mr. Giordano reported on the Policy Committee meeting of January 13, 2014. (Summary attached) Mr. Schaechter requested that policy #5430 be revisited, with the calculation of student standing, which requires semesters at Mount Olive High School to be included in agreed and administratively removed action item #5.5.9 review by the Policy Committee.

4.7

claiming that there may be an issue a student to complete at least three the calculation. President Giordano from consideration, pending further

PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION LIAISON REPORTS High School Parents’ Club – Mr. Halbur commended Vice-Principal Feltmann on his Preparing for College presentation, reporting that the presentation was well received by all.

4.8

BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – No Report

5.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ACTION ITEMS Before proceeding with the action items, the Board President opened the meeting to the public for any comments and/or questions relating to the action items only. Mr. Werner announced that action item #5.2.22 - the reduction in force resolution - would be removed from the agenda and be replaced with a new resolution approving a sidebar agreement between the Education Association of Mount Olive (EAMO) and the Board of Education. For the benefit of the public audience, Mr. Werner read aloud the new resolution containing the proposed sidebar agreement. Several parents and staff members came forward to address action item #5.2.22. A lengthy public segment ensued, with discussion centering on the adverse effect a reduction in force would have on the special education students. Parents and staff emphasized the importance of continuity of service to the special needs students, maintaining that daily changes in personnel would disrupt the routine of the students and the classrooms. Parents spoke of the special rapport the special needs students develop with their classrooms aides, claiming that the students would regress if their daily routine is regularly disrupted. Members of the public audience also questioned the Board’s rationale in singling out the aides, rather than taking an across the board approach, and challenged the Board’s decision to enact cuts in special education while sparing the other instructional programs. Mr. Werner and President Giordano responded to the various comments and inquiries posed by the public audience, emphasizing that the Board’s decision was based solely on budgetary concerns and was not intended to target the special education program. They emphasized that the proposed sidebar agreement allows the aides to maintain their full-time status while providing the district with some budgetary relief by reducing the aides’ health benefit coverage to single status. Mr. Werner declared that a great deal of strategic planning went into the decision in order to have the least amount of disruption to the students and programs. Mr. Werner declared that it is not feasible for the Board to continue to pay full benefits for employees making less than the cost of their benefit plan. In addition, Mr. Werner acknowledged that there is no guarantee of sustaining full time status for these positions going forward, claiming that this depends largely on the State budget and the amount of state aid awarded to the district each year.

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The Board President reiterated that the sidebar agreement allows the aides to retain their current work hours and health benefits through June 30, 2014. On July 1, 2014 their health benefit coverage would change to single status. Mr. Werner also reported that a survey of other area school districts revealed that many districts do not offer health benefits to their non-certified staff members. Mr. Werner declared that no specific group is being singled out. The Board President concurred, conveying that there is language in the EAMO contract that gives the Board the right to impose a reduction-in-force if necessary. However, President Giordano maintained that the Board did not want to reduce the hours of the employees and was able to negotiate a sidebar agreement with EAMO to prevent that from happening. 5.1

MONTHLY EXPENDITURES AND FINANCIAL REPORTS Mr. Robinson made a motion to approve, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, the following action items:

January 27, 2014 Bill List #5.1.1

Approve the January 27, 2014 bill list in the amount of $3,931,075.00.

January 15, 2014 Regular Payroll #5.1.2

Approve the January 15, 2014 regular payroll in the amount of $3,295,945.37.

Monthly Treasurer’s Report #5.1.3

Approve the Treasurer’s Report for the month of December 2013.

Monthly Board Secretary’s Report #5.1.4

Approve the Board Secretary’s Report for the month of December 2013.

Monthly Transfer Report #5.1.5

Approve the Transfer Report for the month of December 2013.

Monthly Certification of Funds #5.1.6

Motion to certify that no major account or fund has been overexpended in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11(b) as of December 31, 2013 and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district’s financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Seconded by Mr. Halbur. Board Discussion: None Roll Call: Ayes Mrs. Cohen Mr. Giordano Mr. Halbur Mrs. Ouimet Mr. Robinson Mr. Schaechter Mr. Strillacci Mr. Werner 5.2

Noes None

Abstentions None

PERSONNEL ACTION ITEMS Mr. Werner made a motion to approve, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, the following Personnel action items, as amended:

Resignation of Long Term Substitute Art Teacher #5.2.1

Accept the resignation of Meghan Spitzer, long term Substitute Teacher of Art at Mount Olive High School effective January 8, 2014 with appreciation for four months of service to the Mount Olive Township School District. Regular Meeting 1/27/2014

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Resignation of Lunchroom/Recess Aide 5.2.2

Accept the resignation of Kerrie Jones, Lunchroom/Recess Aide at Sandshore School effective January 24, 2014 with appreciation for four months of service to the Mount Olive Township School District.

Resignation of Part Time Teacher Aide #5.2.3

Accept the resignation of Gladys Seda, part time Teacher Aide at Sandshore School effective January 24, 2014 with appreciation for one and one half years of service to the Mount Olive Township School District.

Approval of Unpaid Leave of Absence #5.2.4

Approve an unpaid leave of absence for Donna Lowery, School Psychologist at Mount Olive Middle School effective January 28, 2014 through February 3, 2014.

Approval of Unpaid Medical Leave of Absence #5.2.5

Approve an unpaid medical leave of absence for Amy Rust, Elementary School Teacher at Tinc Road School effective March 20, 2014 through May 30, 2014; anticipated return June 1, 2014. Benefits will be provided by the Board without interruption.

Appointment of Long Term Substitute Special Education Teacher #5.2.6

Approve the appointment of Dina Carmelengo as a long term substitute Special Education Teacher at CMS Elementary School at the per diem rate of $80.00 for the first twenty consecutive days increasing to $150.00 per day on the 21st day effective March 12, 2014 for the remainder of the 2013-2014 school year, serving for Alicia Arrighi on a maternity leave of absence. (Budgeted)

Appointment of Long Term Substitute Elementary School Teacher #5.2.7

Approve the appointment of Brittany Dungan as a long term substitute Elementary School Teacher at CMS Elementary School at the per diem rate of $80.00 for the first twenty consecutive days increasing to $150.00 per day on the 21st day effective April 3, 2014 for the remainder of the 2013-2014 school year, serving for Alicia Danis on a maternity leave of absence. (Budgeted)

Appointment of Long Term Substitute Elementary School Teacher #5.2.8

Approve the appointment of Cristina DiMaggio as a long term substitute Elementary School Teacher at CMS Elementary School at the per diem rate of $80.00 for the first twenty consecutive days increasing to $150.00 per day on the 21st day effective May 1, 2014 for the remainder of the 2013-2014 school year, serving for Denise Bigora on a maternity leave of absence. (Budgeted)

Appointment of Bus Mechanic #5.2.9

Approve the appointment of Joseph Cicchino, Bus Mechanic in the Transportation Department at step one (1) - $44,133 on the Mechanics Salary Guide prorated, eight (8) hours per day, five (5) days per week effective February 1, 2014 for the remainder of the 2013-2014 school year, replacing Gary McConnell. (Budgeted)

Appointment of Certified Instructional Assistant #5.2.10

Approve the temporary appointment of Diane Rochotte, certified Instructional Assistant at Mount Olive High School for HSPA Press Mathematics, at step eight (8) - $14.87 per hour on the Aide Salary Guide, twenty-four (24) hours per week, effective January 13, 2014 through March 3, 2014. (Budgeted)

Temporary Appointment of Certified Instructional Assistant #5.2.11

Approve the temporary appointment of Paula Fulper, certified Instructional Assistant at Mount Olive High School for HSPA Press English/Language Arts, at step eight (8) - $14.87 per hour on the Aide Salary Guide, fifteen (15) hours per week, effective January 22, 2014 through March 3, 2014. (Budgeted) Regular Meeting 1/27/2014

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Temporary Appointment of Certified Instructional Assistant #5.2.12

Approve the temporary appointment of Megan Maffettone, certified Instructional Assistant at Mount Olive High School for HSPA Press English/Language Arts, at step eight (8) $14.87 per hour on the Aide Salary Guide, ten (10) hours per week, effective December 16, 2013 through March 3, 2014. (Budgeted)

Change of Employment #5.2.13

Approve the change of employment for April Teller from Lunchroom/Recess Aide to part time Teacher Aide at Sandshore School at step one (1) - $12.41 per hour on the Aide Salary Guide, twenty-nine (29) hours per week effective January 28, 2014 for the remainder of the 2013-14 school year, replacing Gladys Seda. (Budgeted)

Appointment of Lunchroom/Recess Aide #5.2.14

Approve the appointment of Deborah Hrynoweski, Lunchroom/Recess Aide at Sandshore School at step one (1) $12.41 per hour on the Aide Salary Guide, three (3) hours per day, five (5) days per week effective January 28, 2014 for the remainder of the 2013-2014 school year, replacing April Teller. (Budgeted)

Appointment of Certificated Staff to the Mount Olive Middle School Academy #5.2.15

Approve the employment of Jenny Sisca, certificated staff to the Mount Olive Middle School Academy (formerly Imagine Program) at $42.00 per hour for the 2013-2014 school year. (Budgeted)

Approval of Stipend Payment for Administration of Perkins Grant #5.2.16

Approve payment to Timothy Kelly for the administration of the Carl D. Perkins Grant at the stipend amount of $957 for the 2013-2014 school year. (Funded through Carl D. Perkins Grant)

Employment of Aides for the After School Imagine Program #5.2.17

Approve the employment of the following Aides for the Tinc Road After School Imagine Program at current hourly rate for the 2013-2014 school year: (Budgeted) Sheila Staszak

Kim Davies

Appointment of Theater Club Advisor #5.2.18

Approve the appointment of Kathleen Kennedy to the Mount Olive Middle School Extra Pay for Extra Service position of Theater Club effective January 28, 2014 for the remainder of the 2013-2014 school year. (Budgeted)

Approval of Additions to the List of Substitute Teachers #5.2.19

Approve the following additions to the list of substitute teachers for the 2013-2014 school year:

Approval of Monthly Substitute Teachers #5.2.20

Name

Crs/Degree

Institution

Jennifer DiGiacomo Stacey Harrington

B.A. 108 crs

College of St. Elizabeth The College of New Jersey

Approve the following substitute teachers on a month-tomonth basis for the month of February, 2014 at the rate of $100 per day of service as follows: Substitute Teacher Kevin Mulcahy Janine Carratura Brittany Dungan Lynne Mowbray Joy Sylvester Lisa Cooper

Approval of Additional Homebound Instructor #5.2.21

School Assignment Mount Olive High School Mount Olive Middle School CMS Elementary School Mt. View School Sandshore School Tinc Road School

Approve the addition of Judy Wyckoff to the list of Homebound Instructors at the hourly rate of $30.00 for the 2013-2014 school year. Regular Meeting 1/27/2014

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Approve Sidebar Agreement with EAMO #5.2.22

Approve the following Resolution to implement a sidebar agreement between the Mount Olive Board of Education and the Education Association of Mount Olive: WHEREAS, the Mount Olive Board of Education (“Board”) and the Education Association of Mount Olive (“Association”) are parties to a collective negotiations agreement (“Agreement”) in effect for the period July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2014; and WHEREAS, the Agreement encompasses the terms and conditions of employment for various non-certificated staff employed by the Board including Instructional Assistants, Teacher Aides, Clerical Aides, Hall Monitors and Cafeteria Workers (hereinafter “non-certificated staff”); and WHEREAS, Article 6 of the Agreement provides that Board agrees to provide family health insurance coverage to these full-time non-certificated staff; WHEREAS, the parties wish to modify the Agreement to change the level of benefits provided to these non-certificated staff; NOW, THEREFORE, the Board and the Association agree as follows: 1. The Board agrees not to RIF any of these noncertificated staff through June 30, 2014. 2. Effective July 1, 2014, the insurance coverage to be provided to all of the aforesaid full-time noncertificated staff (those working 30 hours per week or more) will be changed from the coverage level currently provided to each such employee (family, husband/wife, etc.) to single (employee only) coverage, substantially equal to or better than the single plan currently offered. These employees will still be responsible for the State-mandated contributions toward the premium cost. 3. Effective July 1, 2014, Article 6(D)(2) the Agreement shall be amended to require that for the non-certificated staff, the Board shall pay the full premium cost of the health and dental coverage for a period of six months after the effective date of the reduction instead of for one academic year. 4. Any full-time non-certificated staff member may elect to purchase dependent coverage (2 party, parent/child, family, etc.) through a payroll deduction at 100% of the difference in cost from single coverage. 5. These terms shall be incorporated into the successor collective negotiations agreement. 6. This Agreement is subject to Board approval. 7. All other terms and conditions of the parties’ collective negotiations Agreement shall remain unchanged.

Seconded by Mr. Strillacci. Board Discussion: None Regular Meeting 1/27/2014

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Roll Call: Ayes Mrs. Cohen Mr. Giordano Mr. Halbur Mrs. Ouimet Mr. Robinson Mr. Schaechter Mr. Strillacci Mr. Werner 5.3

Noes None

Abstentions None

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION ACTION ITEMS Mrs. Ouimet made a motion to approve, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, the following Curriculum and Instruction action items: (Action item #5.3.3 was administratively removed from the agenda.)

Approval of Court Mandated Social Skills Training for Out-ofDistrict Placement #5.3.1

Approve for the 2013-2014 school year, Denise Matulewicz, Newton, NJ to provide court mandated social skills training to out-of-district student #364 from September 3, 2013 to June 30, 2014 at $50.00 per hour for an estimated 30 hours. Classification: AUT Total estimated cost: $1,500.00 (Budgeted)

Approval of Educational Services for Hospitalized Student #5.3.2

Approve St. Clare’s Hospital, Boonton, NJ to provide educational instruction to student #320124 from January 6, 2014 to January 17, 2014 at $54.00 per hour for an estimated 10 hours. Classification: MD Total estimated cost: $540.00 (Budgeted)

Seconded by Mr. Robinson. Board Discussion: None Roll Call: Ayes Mrs. Cohen Mr. Giordano Mr. Halbur Mrs. Ouimet Mr. Robinson Mr. Schaechter Mr. Strillacci Mr. Werner 5.4

Noes None

Abstentions None

BUSINESS ACTION ITEMS Mr. Halbur made a motion to approve, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, the following Business (finance and facilities) action items:

Approval of Lease Agreement with Mt. Olive Child Care #5.4.1

Approve the lease agreement with the Mount Olive Child Care and Learning Center for the use of Sandshore Elementary School during the summer of 2014.

Budget Transfers #5.4.2

Approve the following budget transfers for the 2013-14 school year: From: 11-000-270-512 Contr. Transp. - Vendors

Regular Meeting 1/27/2014

To: 11-000-270-513 Contr. Transp. - Joint Agreements

Amount $650

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Approval of Professional Development Programs #5.4.3

Professional Services Agreement - Grant Writer #5.4.4

From: 12-000-252-730 Technology-Equip over $2,000

To: 12-000-261-730 Maintenance-Equip over $2,000

Amount $16,600

11-190-100-610 Instr. Equip. under $2,000

12-130-100-730 Instr. Equip. over $2,000

$3,000

11-000-262-490 Bldgs & Grnds – Leases

11-000-262-420 Bldgs & Grnds – Contracted Srvcs.

$40,000

BE IT RESOLVED that the Mount Olive Township Board of Education approve the following staff members to attend the following professional development program as deemed appropriate and approved by the Superintendent of Schools, subject to State Payment Guidelines as established by the Department of Treasury and guidelines as established by the Federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Estimated Expense $325 Registration + mileage

Name Nancy Rosikiewicz

Conference School Transportation Supervisors Conference

Date March 24 - 25, 2014

Location Atlantic City, NJ

Don Todd

School Transportation Supervisors Conference

March 24 - 25, 2014

Atlantic City, NJ

$325 Registration + mileage

Ryan Klos

School Transportation Supervisors Conference

March 24, 2014

Atlantic City, NJ

$125 Registration + mileage

Adopt the following resolution to retain a grant writer: WHEREAS, the Mount Olive Township Board of Education requires the services of a grant writer to assist the district in the TEQ Grants Initiative; and WHEREAS, the Public Schools Contracts Law (N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-5) allows the awarding of a contract for professional services to be made without public advertising for bids; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mount Olive Township Board of Education that TEQ Grants Initiative be appointed as the District’s grant writer for the period January 1, 2014 through August 31, 2014; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the total cost shall be $4,500 in accordance with the proposal presented by Tequipment Incorporated, Huntington Station, NY.

Seconded by Mr. Schaechter. Board Discussion: None

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Roll Call: Ayes Mrs. Cohen Mr. Giordano Mr. Halbur Mrs. Ouimet Mr. Robinson Mr. Schaechter Mr. Strillacci Mr. Werner 5.5

Noes None

Abstentions None

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION ITEMS Mrs. Cohen made a motion on the recommendation of the Superintendent, the following Administrative action items, excluding action item #5.5.9:

Approve Policy #1240 #5.5.1

Approve Policy #1240 “Evaluation of Superintendent”, as attached, on first reading.

Approve Policy #3142 #5.5.2

Approve Policy #3142 “Nonrenewal of Nontenured Teaching Staff Member”, as attached, on first reading.

Approve Policy #3144 #5.5.3

Approve Policy #3144 “Certification of Tenure Charges”, as attached, on first reading.

Approve Policy #4146 #5.5.4

Approve Policy #4146 “Nonrenewal of Nontenured Support Staff Member”, as attached, on first reading.

Approve Policy #3221 #5.5.5

Approve Policy #3221 “Evaluation of Teachers”, as attached, on first reading.

Approve Policy #3222 #5.5.6

Approve Policy #3222 “Evaluation of Teaching Staff Members, Excluding Teachers and Administrators”, as attached, on first reading.

Approve Policy #3223 #5.5.7

Approve Policy #3223 “Evaluation of Administrators, Excluding Principals, Vice-Principals, and Assistant Principals”, as attached, on first reading.

Approve Policy #3224 #5.5.8

Approve Policy #3224 “Evaluation of Principals, VicePrincipals, and Assistant Principals”, as attached, on first reading.

Authorize a Canine Sweep at Mt. Olive High School #5.5.10

Authorize the Mt. Olive Township Police Department to conduct a canine sweep of Mt. Olive High School, as guided by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Directive.

Appointment of Board Member #5.5.11

Whereas, the Mt. Olive Township Board of Education (“Board”) has a vacant board seat caused by the resignation of an elected Board member; and Whereas, a Notice of Board Vacancy was advertised multiple times in the Daily Record and the Mt. Olive Chronicle soliciting applications with a closing date of December 31, 2013; and Whereas, the Board has received a single application from former board member, Sheryl Licciardi-Colligan; Now therefore be it resolved, that the Board hereby appoints Sheryl Licciardi-Colligan to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of an elected Board member, and Be it further resolved, that the appointed Board member’s term will expire when the Board reorganizes on January 5, 2015.

Seconded by Mr. Halbur. Regular Meeting 1/27/2014

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Board Discussion: None Roll Call: Ayes Mrs. Cohen Mr. Giordano Mr. Halbur Mrs. Ouimet Mr. Robinson Mr. Schaechter Mr. Strillacci Mr. Werner 5.6

Noes None

Abstentions None

BOARD GOALS Before proceeding with the board goals, President Giordano polled the Board, inquiring if any Board members would like to withdraw or amend any of the goals listed on the agenda. Mrs. Ouimet conveyed that the C&I Committee recommends withdrawing action item #5.6.1 and #5.6.5. Mr. Strillacci proposed that all of the board goals be withdrawn on the basis that the full Board did not engage in any discussion of the goals. Mr. Werner requested that action item #5.6.8 be removed from consideration. There being no further objections or amendments from the members of the Board, President Giordano made a motion to adopt the following Board Goals for the 2013-2014 school year, excluding action items #5.6.1, #5.6.5, and #5.6.8:

Adopt Board Goal #5.6.2

Investigate integrated STEM courses (iSTEM) and pre-defined specialized programs.

Adopt Board Goal #5.6.3

Investigate efficiencies in the business office process (utilize the computerized accounting system to its maximum capabilities).

Adopt Board Goal #5.6.4

Continue the practice of tracking graduates.

Adopt Board Goal #5.6.6

Raise participation in the PSAT exam.

Adopt Board Goal #5.6.7

Expand the District’s career readiness program.

Adopt Board Goal #5.6.9

Reach a decision regarding the sale and/or use of the Administration Building.

Adopt Board Goal #5.6.10

Pursue revenue generating measures in the Transportation Department (maximize earning potential).

Seconded by Mr. Halbur. Board Discussion: Mr. Robinson inquired about the feasibility of pursuing revenue-generating measures in the Transportation Department as cited in action item #5.6.10. Mr. Halbur conveyed that there was some question of legalities with certain measures, explaining that Mr. Todd is reviewing all available options. Mr. Strillacci objected to Board Goal #5.6.10, maintaining that the Board is voting on something without knowing the outcome. Mr. Halbur explained that the purpose of this goal is “to pursue” revenue generating measures, not to implement those measures. In addition, Mr. Halbur reported that some of the revenue generating options reviewed by Mr. Todd were not financially or legally viable; however, there might be other more beneficial options available. Regular Meeting 1/27/2014

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Roll Call: Ayes Mrs. Cohen Mr. Giordano Mr. Halbur Mrs. Ouimet Mr. Robinson Mr. Schaechter Mr. Werner 6.

Noes None

Abstentions Mr. Strillacci

PUBLIC COMMENTS The Board President again opened the meeting to the public for any comments and/or questions relating to the Mount Olive School District. Seeing none, this segment of the meeting was promptly closed.

7.

BOARD COMMENTS Mr. Halbur thanked Dr. Reynolds for his Pathways to Excellence presentation. Mr. Halbur maintained that there was no attempt to single out the aides when it came to negotiating the EAMO sidebar agreement, acknowledging that the Board must make strategic planning decisions where needed. Mr. Strillacci agreed that it was important to maintain continuity for the students in special education classes and declared that he was pleased that the District was able to maintain the status quo in the work hours for the aides. In addition, Mr. Strillacci hoped to continue with the status quo in the future. Mrs. Ouimet also thanked Dr. Reynolds for tonight’s presentation, stating that she is pleased that the District is moving forward with STEM and Career Readiness programs. In addition, Mrs. Ouimet expressed her appreciation to EAMO for the outcome of the sidebar agreement negotiations. Mr. Werner congratulated the high school boys’ basketball team for their first place standing in the Morris County Tournament, noting that it was the first time in Mount Olive’s history that the basketball team has attained this honor. Mrs. Cohen reported on the recent Mount Olive High School Alumni Panel that she attended along with a group of freshman college students, who were seniors at Mount Olive High School last year. Mrs. Cohen explained that current Mount Olive students were able to interact with the panel, asking questions about first year college experiences. Mrs. Cohen expressed her enthusiasm with the program, declaring that she was very impressed with the caliber of students participating on the panel. In addition, Mrs. Cohen noted that there were many positive comments from the panel members about how well Mount Olive High School prepared them for college life, both academically and socially. Mr. Giordano thanked Dr. Reynolds for this evening’s presentation on Pathways to Excellence. President Giordano also expressed his appreciation to EAMO for the successful negotiation of the sidebar agreement. Mr. Giordano explained that the Board’s decision to reduce the health benefits coverage for the paraprofessionals was not taken lightly, empathizing with the employees and their current situation. The Board President explained that it was important to the Board to maintain the current work hours for the aides and pursued EAMO in order to reach an agreement that benefits both sides. The reduction in health care coverage was implemented strictly for budgetary purposes and with the hope to avoid massive lay-offs in the future. In conclusion, Mr. Giordano acknowledged the outstanding Special Education Program offered by the Mount Olive School District, praising Dr. Reynolds for his care and concern of the special needs students.

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8.

CONFIDENTIAL SESSION At 8:10 p.m. Mr. Giordano moved the following resolution to recess into confidential session: Resolved, at a public meeting of the Mount Olive Township Board of Education held on January 27, 2014, that, pursuant to Sections 7 and 8 of the “Open Public Meetings Act”, the following items be discussed in a session of the Board of Education closed to the public: Confidential Pupil Matters Be it further resolved, that the matters discussed in closed session be disclosed to the public when the reason for confidentiality no longer exists. Action may be taken. Seconded by Mr. Robinson and approved by a unanimous affirmative roll call vote. The Board reconvened in open session at 9:18 p.m. at which time Mr. Giordano moved the following motions:

Pupil Suspension

RESOLVED, that pupil ID 110158 is hereby suspended for thirty (30) calendar days; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the pupil shall be placed on home instruction at board expense; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the pupil is not permitted on school property or to attend any school sponsored events or activities during the suspension period.

Pupil Suspension

RESOLVED, that pupil ID 110096 is hereby suspended for sixty (60) calendar days; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the pupil shall be placed on home instruction at board expense; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the pupil is not permitted on school property or to attend any school sponsored events or activities during the suspension period.

Seconded by Mr. Robinson. Board Discussion: None Roll Call: Ayes Mrs. Cohen Mr. Giordano Mr. Halbur Mrs. Ouimet Mr. Robinson Mr. Schaechter Mr. Strillacci Mr. Werner 9.

Noes None

Abstentions None

ADJOURNMENT At 9:20 p.m. Mr. Giordano made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Robinson and unanimously carried. Respectfully submitted,

Lynn Jones, Board Secretary Regular Meeting 1/27/2014

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