MINE HILL TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
Monday, November 23, 2009

Opening Statement

The Regular Meeting of the Mine Hill Township Board of Education was called to order at 7:32 PM on November 23, 2009, by Board President, Mary Jo Walilko.  Adequate notice of the date and time for this meeting was advertised in the Daily Record on April 28, 2009, in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.

Mrs. Walilko led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Present:
Caryn Battaglia, Patricia Hernandez, Steve Hoh, Bridget Mauro and Mary Jo Walilko
Absent:
Margo Maher and Anthony Novelli
Also Present:
Robert Blodgett, Julia Coyne, Nancy Gulley, Kris Kanzenbach, Pam and Kenneth Knudson, Sam Morris, Michelle Murphy and Robert White

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, the Board accepted the Closed Session minutes and minutes of the Conference/Action meeting held on November 9, 2009.

Roll Call Vote-All Present Voting Yes-Motion Carried

Correspondence - None

Superintendent’s Report-

• Dr. Palestis welcomed everyone to the meeting. 
• Dr. Palestis indicated that a webmaster for the Canfield Avenue School site was on the agenda for approval.
• Dr. Palestis had a very productive meeting with the staff pertaining to parent involvement.  The teachers would like to initiate an email contact list, by homeroom, to strengthen communication between parents and teachers.  In addition, Dr. Palestis will be visiting the teachers’ web pages to ensure that they are kept up to date.
• A meeting between Mine Hill’s Mayor and Business Administrator and Dr. Palestis and Mary Jo Walilko will take place on November 24, 2009.  The discussion will focus on shared services.

November 23, 2009

• The Honor Roll system is in the process of being examined.  The district is looking into how other schools handle their Honor Roll system and specials grading.
• As of this meeting, there are seven (7) candidates for the School Choice program for the 2010-2011 school year.  Ernest Palestis will follow up with Greg Hobaugh about scheduling another School Choice information night for parents to attend.
• The district has applied for a grant from the State of New Jersey that would fund 40 percent of any upcoming construction projects.  The possible projects include HVAC and bathroom renovations.
• A school vehicle will be on the agenda for approval at this meeting.
• The H1N1 clinic that was hosted by Canfield Avenue School was well organized.  The Roxbury Board of Health staff was professional and well prepared. 
• Conversation between the Board and the MHTA will begin to discuss health benefits.
• The previous bus stop issues have been addressed and changes have been made.
• The MHEF has expressed interest in running a program to teach students American Sign Language.
• Dr. Palestis is pursuing a grant titled “Achieve 3000” sponsored by New Jersey Natural Gas.
• The sign in procedure for visitors entering Canfield Avenue School will no longer require the notarized volunteer affidavit.  Visitors will however be expected to sign in at the Main Office and take a visitor’s pass.

Board Discussion/Reports - Census (11/15/2009) No comments were made.

Presentations - None

Business Administrator’s Report - None

Public Discussion

• Nancy Gulley wanted to thank the Dover High School Key Club members from Mine Hill for serving at the Ferromonte Historical Society function.  Brielle Brack, Kevin Hernandez, Leigh Ann Hoffman and Emily Rautenberg did an outstanding job.
• Robert White expressed his concern about the grading system pertaining to the Honor Roll.  Dr. Palestis and the Board are working with the teaching staff from Canfield Avenue along with other districts to determine what changes need to be implemented, if any.  The Board thanked all concerned parents for their patience in the process, which could be lengthy.
• Michelle Murphy expressed concerns about how long the process to change policies takes.

November 23, 2009

• Pam Knudson would like to know exactly how many students received a C or below in Health, specifically. She expressed concerns that students are becoming increasingly unenthusiastic with the class.
• Kenneth Knudson expressed concern about the communication between students and teachers and teachers and parents regarding Health.  He inquired about the grades being changed retroactively if in fact the policy does get amended.  Dr. Palestis said the Board will discuss the situation.
• Mary Jo Walilko suggested that some sort of response go out to families in the next Friday Folder.  She thanked all the concerned parents for their input and attendance at the meeting.

FINANCE Steve Hoh, Patricia Hernandez

Motion by Steve Hoh and seconded by Mary Jo Walilko, the Board approved the payment of the bills as per the amended attached bills list in the amount of $ 277,524.80. Check number 10806 totaling $70.00 was pulled. (Attachment 1)

Motion by Steve Hoh and seconded by Mary Jo Walilko, the Board approved the authorization of the execution and delivery of the Grant Agreement, SDA #3240-030-09-00CC, between the Mine Hill Board of Education and New Jersey School Development Authority in the amount of $146,008.00.

Motion by Steve Hoh and seconded by Mary Jo Walilko, the Board approved the authorization of the execution and delivery of the Grant Agreement , SDA # 3240-030-09-0TAZ, between the Mine Hill Board of Education and New Jersey School Development Authority in the amount of $1,138,095.00.

Motion by Steve Hoh and seconded by Mary Jo Walilko, the Board approved the delegation of authority to School Business Administrator for supervision of the School Facilities Project, SDA #3240-030-09-00CC, in the amount of $146,008.00.

Motion by Steve Hoh and seconded by Mary Jo Walilko, the Board approved the delegation of authority to School Business Administrator for supervision of the School Facilities Project, SDA #3240-030-09-0TAZ, in the amount of $1,138,095.00.

Motion by Steve Hoh and seconded by Mary Jo Walilko, the Board approved the following resolution for cafeteria contract approval:

November 23, 2009

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mine Hill Board of Education approves Dowling Food Service Management, Inc. for the 2009-2010 school year to provide food services to the district’s students, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,  that the Board shall pay a management fee to Dowling Food Service Management, Inc of $824.00 per month, totaling $8,240.00 for 2009-2010, and
BE IT FURTHER RESLOVED, that Dowling Food Service Management, Inc. shall provide a minimum profit to the Board of $3,500.00 for 2009-2010.

Roll Call Vote-All Present Voting Yes-Motion Carried

CURRICULUM AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES  Anthony Novelli, Margo Maher

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, the Board approved the following request for services: (Attachment 2)

Motion by Mary Jo Waliko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, the Board approved the change in date for the Chorus trip to the Senior Citizens Center from December 1, 2009 to December 15, 2009.

Roll Call Vote-All Present Voting Yes-Motion Carried

OPERATIONS      Margo Maher, Mary Jo Walilko

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, the Board approved the amended second reading of Policy 5119 Waiting List For Roxbury High School. (Attachment 3)

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, the Board approved the first reading of Policy 4434 Holidays.
(Attachment 4)
November 23, 2009

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, the Board approved the change in use of facilities for Daisy Girl Scouts from Mondays in room 124 to Tuesdays in room 124.

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, the Board approved the use of facilities for the Soup Sampler, sponsored by the MHEF on Friday, December 11, 2009, from 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, the Board approved entering into a lease agreement for acquisition of a new pick-up truck and snow plow for a total cost of $25,078.00. (Attachment 5)

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, the Board approved changing the Paraprofessional’s calendar days to match certified staff days for the 2010-2011 school year. (Attachment 6)

Explanation:  Including paraprofessionals in certified staff in-service days (first day for staff in September, in service days in October and January) will ensure paraprofessionals receive mandatory DOE training.

Roll Call Vote-All Present Voting Yes- Motion Carried

PERSONNEL                   Patricia Hernandez, Steve Hoh

New personnel employment appointments are contingent upon the required state and federal criminal history background checks in accordance with N.J.S.A. 116, P.L. 1986
And be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board submit to the County Superintendent, as required, applications for emergency hiring and the applicant’s attestations that
they have not been convicted of any disqualifying crime pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A.18A:6-7.1 et.seq.,N.J.S.A. 18A:39-17 et. seq.,or N.J.S.A. 18A:6-4.13 et.seq., on the recommendation of the Superintendent.

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approved the appointment of Lindsay Amato as a Student Council Advisor for the 2009-2010 school year at a stipend of $128.98, effective November 24, 2009, prorated.

November 23, 2009

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approved the appointment of Justin Kraus as Yearbook Advisor for the 2009-2010 school year at a stipend of 644.92, effective November 24, 2009, prorated.

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approved the appointment of Michele Johnston as a K5 Aide at rate of $10.30 per hour, 4 hours per day, no benefits, effective December 1, 2009, prorated.

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approved the following leaves of absence:

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board accepted the resignation of Kathy Bernstein as a K5 Aide effective November 25, 2009.
(Attachment 7)

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board accepted the resignation of Lora Wegner, part time resource teacher, effective November 13, 2009.

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board accepted the termination of employment for Tammy O’Leary Gummerson, lunch aide, effective November 9, 2009.(Attachment 8)

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent,  the Board approved the following appointment of Substitute Teachers for the 2009-2010 school year:

November 23, 2009

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board  approved the appointment of Paul Krzywicki as Webmaster for the 2009-2010 school year, at a stipend of $773.90, effective November 24, 2009, prorated.
(Attachment 9)

Roll Call Vote-All Present Voting Yes-Motion Carried

COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC RELATIONS       Caryn Battaglia, Bridget Mauro

• Caryn Battaglia met with Senior Citizens and distributed school calendars.  The Seniors expressed interest in attending the Soup Sampler and other functions at Canfield Avenue School.  Dr. Palestis expressed interest in accompanying Caryn Battaglia to a future meeting.

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS    Bridget Mauro, Caryn Battaglia

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, the Board approved the authorization of Change Order #1, totaling $9,600.00, with ACP Contracting, per the attached list. (Attachment 10)

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, the Board approved the authorization of Change Order #2, totaling $8,226.00, with ACP Contracting, per the attached list. (Attachment 10)

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, the Board approved the authorization of Change Order #3, totaling $2,938.00, with ACP Contracting, per the attached list. (Attachment 10)

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, the Board approved the authorization of Change Order #4, totaling $2,233.00, with ACP Contracting, per the attached list. (Attachment 10)

Motion by Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia, the Board  approved the authorization of Change Order #5, totaling $2,397.00, with ACP Contracting, per the attached list. (Attachment 10)

Roll Call Vote-All Present Voting Yes-Motion Carried

November 23, 2009

Dover Report                     Anthony Novelli 
None

MHEF Report                    Margo Maher
None

Old Business
None

New Business

• Patricia Hernandez attending mandated training on November 14, 2009.  The training contained a lot of material that was covered by QSAC last year.
• Steve Hoh attending mandated training and expressed concerns about not enough time being given for questions.
• Bridget Mauro attended the mandated training session for new Board members on November 14, 2009.
• Board members were thanked by Dr. Palestis for their commitment to service in attending various training sessions.
• Dr. Palestis suggested a joint meeting between Mine Hill and Wharton for December’s session.  The Board was in full support.

CLOSED SESSION

On the motion of Mary Jo Walilko, and seconded by Caryn Battaglia at 8:27 PM, the Board approves the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A.10:4-11, permits the Board of Education to meet in closed session to discuss certain matters, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Board of Education adjourns to closed session to discuss: (select one or more)                      
1)   a matter rendered confidential by federal or state law
2)   a matter in which release of information would impair the right to receive government funds
3)   material the disclosure of which constitutes an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy
4)   a collective bargaining agreement and/or negotiations related to it
5)   a matter involving the purchase, lease, or acquisition of real property with public funds
6)   protection of public safety and property and/or investigations of possible violations or violations of      law
7)    pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiation and/or matters of attorney-client privilege
8)   specific prospective or current employees unless all who could be adversely affected request an open session
November 23, 2009

9)   deliberation after a public hearing that could result in a civil penalty or other loss;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the minutes of this closed session be made public when the need for confidentiality no longer exists.

Note: This closed session will include items in categories __7___. It may be adjourned while business is conducted in public then reconvened after public business has been completed.

RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION
On the motion of Mary Jo Walilko and seconded by Caryn Battaglia at 8:40 PM, the Board returns to the regular session meeting

Public Discussion

• Nancy Gulley asked about how many meetings were scheduled for the month of December.  The Board informed her there was only one scheduled for December 21, 2009.
• Sam Morris asked about the status of the plowing being done by the Township of Mine Hill.  He also questioned the leasing agreement of a new truck with plow before the meeting with the Municipality.  Mary Jo Walilko stated that the issues would be addressed at the meeting with the Township’s Mayor and Business Administrator.

ADJOURNMENT
On the motion of Mary Jo Walilko, seconded by Caryn Battaglia, the Board adjourns the meeting at 8:51 PM.