Board Meeting - October 26, 2021

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Dates: 
Friday, October 22, 2021 - 3:15pm

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

METUCHEN, NEW JERSEY

 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021

 

MEETING AGENDA

of the Metuchen Board of Education

Metuchen High School

400 Grove Avenue

Metuchen, NJ  08840

  1. Call to Order

 

  1. Flag Salute

 

  1. Notice of Meeting

 

I hereby make this statement to indicate compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act known as Chapter 231 of the Public Laws of New Jersey, 1975, which became effective 90 days after enactment, January 19, 1976.

 

Notice of this meeting was given by providing the location, time and date of this meeting, and posting of the same on the front door of the Board of Education offices, by delivering copies to the Borough Hall and the Metuchen Public Library, The Home News and Tribune, The Criterion Sentinel, The Star Ledger, and by filing a copy with the Borough Clerk as prescribed by this law.

 

  1. Roll Call

 

Mr. Benderly

 

Ms. Killean

 

Ms. Cook

 

Mr. Lifton

 

Mr. Derflinger

 

Mr. Manley

 

Mr. Glassberg

 

Mr. Suss

 

Dr. Johnson-Marcus

 

 

 

 

  1. Showcase of Success

 

  1. Meeting Open to the Public (for any topic)

 

  1. Presentations 

 

  1. Reports

  • President’s Report

  • Superintendent's Report

  • Committee Reports

 

  1. Old Business

 

  1. New Business

 

  1. Approval of Minutes of the Board of Education Meetings

 

October 12, 2021

  Special Business Meeting (1)

October 12, 2021

  Special Business Meeting (2)

October 12, 2021

  Board Meeting

 

  1. Meeting Open to the Public (for any topic)

 

  1. Recommendations of the Superintendent of Schools

(at this time the Board will take formal action on the following items – see attachments)

 

Often times it may appear to members of our audience that the Board of Education takes action with very little comment and in many cases a unanimous vote. Before a matter is placed on the agenda at a public meeting, the administration has thoroughly reviewed the matter with the Superintendent of Schools. If the Superintendent is satisfied that the matter is ready to be presented to the Board of Education, it is then referred to the appropriate board committee. The members of the board committee work with administration and the Superintendent to assure that the members fully understand the matter. When the committee is satisfied with the matter, it is presented to the Board of Education for discussion before any final action is taken. Only then, is it placed on the agenda for action at a public meeting.

 

  1. PERSONNEL

Motion/Second/Comments/Roll Call

 

  1. Rescind - Instructional Stipend

Move to rescind the instructional stipend for Stefeny Krombholz, MHS Music for $7,499 for the 2021-2022 school year (Agenda 07/20/21, Section 13 A11). 

 

  1. Appointment - Leave Replacement

Move to approve the appointment of Bill Latta, Leave Replacement for Special Education Math Teacher at Metuchen High School, at a rate of $278.38/day, effective October 14, 2021 through approximately April 12, 2022.

 

  1. Appointment - Leave Replacement

    Move to approve the appointment of Jennifer Wirt, leave replacement for Brian Stike, Assistant Principal at Metuchen High School, at a rate of $515/day, effective October 27, 2021 through January 3, 2022.

 

  1. Clubs and Co-Curricular Activities - Edgar Middle School and Metuchen High School

Move to rescind and approve the following co-curricular stipends at Edgar Middle School and Metuchen High School for the 2021-2022 school year (Agenda 8/24/21, Section 13 A14):

 

Co-Curricular/Club

School

Advisor

2021-2022 Stipend

Rescind:

Italian Club 

 

MHS

 

Susan Paredes

 

$1,518

Approve:

Italian Club (.5)

 

MHS

 

Susan Paredes (.5)

 

$759

Rescind:

German Club

 

MHS

 

Susan Paredes

 

$1,518

Approve:

German Club (.5)

 

MHS

 

Susan Paredes (.5)

 

$759

Approve:

String Ensemble Club

 

EMS

 

Christopher McEwan

 

$1,518

 

  1. Volunteer Clubs - Edgar Middle School and Metuchen High School

Move to approve the following additional volunteer clubs at Edgar Middle School and Metuchen High School for the 2021-2022 school year (Agenda 8/24/21, Section 13 A15):

 

Volunteer Club

School

Advisor

Library Club

EMS

Kelsey Comerford

Volleyball Club

MHS

Nick Vosinas

League of Legends Club

MHS

Ann Lezama

 

6.    Appointment - Substitutes

    Move to approve the additional substitute teachers for the 2021-2022 school year, effective October 27, 2021, pending completion of substitute paperwork and criminal background clearance (Agenda 8/24/2021, Section 13 A5):

 

Substitute Teacher

Certification

Ray Rate

Amelia Lorenzo

Sub with 60+ college credits

$85/day

Emily Glutz

Sub with 60+ college credits

$85/day

Brendan McCunney

Sub with 60+ college credits

$85/day

 

7.     Coach Appointment Revisions - Edgar Middle School and Metuchen High School 

    Move to approve the following revisions to the 2021-2022 Edgar Middle School and Metuchen High School Coach Appointments (Agenda 6/22/2021, Section 13 A27 and Agenda 9/28/21, Section 13 A6):

 

Name

School

Assignment

Step

21-22 Stipend

Rescind:

James Thomas

 

MHS

 

Girls Swimming Coach

 

3

 

$6,460

Approve:

Julie Youngman

 

MHS

 

Swimming Assistant Coach

 

1

 

$6,410

Approve:

John Butler

 

EMS

 

Boys Basketball Coach

 

-

 

$3,486

Rescind:

Emily Mertz

 

EMS

 

Girls Basketball Coach

 

-

 

$3,486

Approve:

Rebecca Dwyer

 

EMS

 

Girls Basketball Coach

 

-

 

$3,486

Rescind:

Jayson Reid

 

MHS

 

Boys Basketball Volunteer Coach

 

-

 

-

 

8.     Medical Leave of Absence Extension

    Move to extend the medical leave of absence of Rhonda Silverman, Paraprofessional at Metuchen High School, through approximately November 29, 2021.

 

9.     Appointment - Per Diem Assistance

    Move to approve Kathy Glutz, at a rate of $500/day, on an as needed basis, to provide scheduling services. 

 

10.     Appointment - Lunch Aide

    Move to approve the following as a lunch aide in Metuchen Public Schools for the 2021-2022 school year:

 

Name

Rate per Hour

Marcus Farris

$13.75

Gina DelRosso

$13.75

 

11.     After School Nurse Support

    Move to approve Nurse Amanda Marciante and Nurse Nga Pham to provide student support after school, as needed, at the contractual rate of $47 per hour.

    

12.    Appointment - Certificated Staff

    Move to approve the appointment of Edyta Oldakowska, .5 School Psychologist at Campbell School, for the 2021-2022 school year, at a salary of $43,537.50, Step 4-L (.5), prorated, effective October 27, 2021, pending criminal history clearance. 

 

13.    Additional Hours For School Psychologist

    Move to approve Edtya Oldakowska, School Psychologist at Campbell School for additional days at her per diem rate of $470.68, as needed, not to exceed 20 days.

 

14.    Paraprofessional Reassignment

    Move to approve the following paraprofessional reassignments for the 2021-2022 school year, effective October 26, 2021 (Agenda 6/22/2021, Section 13 A12 and Agenda 8/24/21, Section 13 A27):

 

Name

Assignment

21-22 Salary

Rescind:

Michelle Duggan

 

MHS

 

$21,464

Approve:

Michelle Duggan

 

Moss

 

$23,206

Rescind:

Shannon Lyon-Dobranski

 

Campbell

 

$21,785

Approve:

Shannon Lyon Dobranski

 

MHS

 

$21,133

 

15.     Leave Replacement Extension

    Move to extend the leave replacement term of Maurice H. Schwab, leave replacement for Susan Paredes, German Teacher at Edgar School and Metuchen High School, through November 24, 2021.

 

16.     Appointment - Custodian

    Move to approve the appointment of Estela Valdez, Night Custodian at Edgar Middle School for the 2021-2022 school year, at a salary of $37,542/year, prorated, effective November 10, 2021 or earlier if she is released by her current employer.



 

----------------------------end of personnel section--------------------------

 

  1. FINANCE

Motion/Second/Comments/Roll Call

 

  1. Treasurer of School Monies and Board Secretary’s Reports

Move to approve the Treasurer of School Monies’ Report, and Board Secretary’s Report as of August 31, 2021.

 

2.   Payment of Bills

a)  Board Secretary’s Certification

Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6:20-2A.10(d), the Board Secretary has certified that as of October 26, 2021 no budgetary line item accounts have obligations and payments which exceed the amount appropriated by the Board of Education.

 

________________________________________                  _______________

Michael A. Harvier, Board Secretary                         Date

 

b)  Approve the Following Items Submitted by the Board Secretary

Payment of bills and claims, as shown on the attached list(s) that have been certified by the Board of Education and filed in the Business Office.

 

3.   Budget Transfers

Move to approve budget transfers effective August 31, 2021. 

 

4.  Nonpublic Security Aid

    Move to approve the following nonpublic security aid for the 2021-2022 school year. These expenditures are required for the district to fulfill certain legal obligations under state legislation to administer federal or state funds provided to nonpublic schools within our jurisdiction:

 

School

Vendor

QTY

Item #

Description

Total

St. Francis Cathedral School

Ascend Construction Mgmt. Inc.

16

Laborer

For tasks not included in Task Catalog & as directed by owner

$1,461.22

   

64

Painter

Painter for tasks not included in Task Catalog & as directed by owner

$5,163.11

   

48

Installation

Project Manager

$9,408.00

   

24

Installation

Scaffolding w/Bracing Accessories

$576.95

   

302

Installation

6 Mil Plastic Sheeting

$142.06

   

2

EA

Equipment delivery, pickup, mobilization etc.

$547.70

   

1

Installation

30 CY Dumpster

$627.18

   

228

Installation

2” Polyethylene Backer Rod

$694.90

   

3

Installation

½ x ¾ “ Joint Sealant

$1,489.85

   

3

Installation

Custom Match Coloring

$140.21

   

2

Installation

6’x7’ Wide Stile Aluminum Entrance Doors

$18,333.70

   

2

Demolition

Wood veneer

$2,137.24

   

2

Installation

For 10’ High door, add

$3,783.80

   

30

Installation

Aluminum Storefront Framing Assembly

$1,182.47

   

30

Installation

For Various color Class I Anodized

$57.04

   

30

Installation

70% Fluoropolymer Exterior Finish

$94.96

   

14

Installation

Covered Steel Mullions

$493.92

   

28

Installation

Full Surface, Aluminum Continuous Hinge

$1,197.21

   

28

Installation

For Bronze Finish

$279.89

   

4

Installation

Night Latch w/Cylinder

$1,960.82

   

4

Installation

Satin Chrome Plated US26D

$329.91

   

4

Installation

Bright Brass or Chrome Plated US26

$490.27

   

4

Installation

3’ Push Bar Exit Device

$6,085.21

   

4

Installation

For Satin Bronze US 10

$709.17

   

4

Installation

For Quiet Electric Latch Retraction

$1,493.87

   

4

Installation

Surface Mounted Heavy Duty Door Closer

$1,808.88

   

4

Installation

Fusible Link Arm

$155.23

   

4

Installation

Plated Finish /Clear Coat

$498.62

   

28

Installation

Locking Springbolt

$1,091.29

   

12

Installation

11/16” Neoprene Insert, Aluminum Retainer

$225.79

   

12

Installation

6” Width ½’ Height Aluminum Saddle

$462.64

   

12

Demolition

Threshold

$120.78

   

30

Installation

¾” Thick Tempered, Clear Glass

$1,464.12

   

30

Installation

Tinted Glass

$164.64

   

30

Installation

Reflective Coated Glass

$296.35

   

30

Installation

Glass removal & New Glazing

$805.85

 

5.     Transportation Jointure 2021-2022

Move to approve the Transportation Jointure for the 2021-2022 school year with the Educational Service Unit at the Burlington County Special Services School District. 

 

6.     Professional Development

Move to approve the following professional development activities as shown on the following chart: 

 

Start Date

End Date

Activity Title

Name

Building

Requested Expense Total

Approved Expenses

Payment Method

FPPI Proposal Number

10/5/21

10/19/21

Teaching the Sustainable Development Goals

Kato, Yoko

MHS

$375

$375

Other

 

10/19/21

10/19/21

Essential Back to School Guide for Addressing School Avoidance

Gilbride, Kaitlin

EMS

0

0

No cost

 

10/25/21

10/25/21

Day of Dialogue Team Facilitator Training

Porowski, Edward

MHS

0

0

No cost

 

10/25/21

10/25/21

Day of Dialogue Team Facilitator Training

Schlavis, William

MHS

0

0

No cost

 

10/28/21

10/28/21

IXL Live Virtual

Bruno, Kristin

EMS

$75

$75

FFPI

22-033

10/29/21

10/29/21

Racialized trauma conference

Joyce, Tiffani

Moss/CES

$99

$99

FFPI

22-030

11/12/21

6/10/22

Central Jersey Directors of Counseling

Kurtin, 

Ilana

Central Office

0

0

No cost

 

11/18/21

5/19/22

Culturally Responsive Arts Education (4-Day Series)

Jaye, 

Ashley

Central Office

$275

$275

Other

 

12/1/21

12/2/21

Complex Trauma in Children

Nalepa, Lindsay

MHS

$120

$120

FFPI

22-032

12/6/21

12/6/21

Social Emotional Character Development

Burnett, Ann

MHS

0

0

No cost

 

12/6/21

12/6/21

Social Emotional Character Development

Nalepa, Lindsay

MHS

0

0

No cost

 

12/9/21

12/10/21

Advanced Training in Collaborative & Proactive Solutions

Cohen, Richard

Central Office

$395

$395

Other

 

12/14/21

12/14/21

Zones of Regulation Full Day Webinar

Young, Kelsee

Moss

$190

$190

FFPI

22-034

12/15/21

12/18/21

The Midwest Clinic

Flynn, John

CES

$1316.50

$175

FFPI

22-035

12/15/21

12/18/21

The Midwest Clinic

McEwan, Christopher

EMS

$1066.50

$175

FFPI

22-036

12/15/21

12/18/21

The Midwest Clinic

Messenger, John

MHS

$1316.50

$1066.50

FFPI

22-037

2/16/22

2/16/22

Examining and Understanding Diversity of Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

Nalepa, Lindsay

MHS

$60

$60

FFPI

22-031

 

----------------------------end of finance section--------------------------

 

  1. POLICY

Motion/Second/Comments/Roll Call

 

  1. School Bus Emergency Evacuation Drill Reports

Move to accept the following reports on the completion of the School Emergency Evacuation Drill: 

 

  • 10/18/2021 8:37 AM, Moss School, in back of school. Van 16. Supervised by Marissa Plancher, Lisa Amend, and Karen Calantoni

  • 10/18/2021 9:02 AM, Moss School, in back of school. Van 12, Van 6, Van 14. Supervised by Marissa Plancher, Lisa Amend, Katie McKenna, and Karen Calantoni

  • 10/18/2021 11:48 AM, Moss School, in back of school. Van 2. Supervised by Marissa Plancher, Rick Cohen, and Karen Calantoni

  • 10/19/2021 7:42 AM, Edgar School, back bus loop and front of school. E8, E7, E6, E1, E4, E3, E5, E2, Van 16. Supervised by Neyda Evans and Marissa Plancher.

  • 10/20/2021 8:30 AM, Metuchen High School, back parking lot, Van 18. Supervised by Brian Stike and Marissa Plancher.

  • 10/20/2021 9:45 AM – 11:05 AM, Campbell School, side driveway of building, Bus 27 and Bus 25 were used for the whole school to practice. Supervised by Marissa Plancher, Joe Fitzgibbon, and William Ortman. Classes came out one at a time and went on 1 of 2 busses to practice a bus evacuation. 

 

2.     First Reading of Policies and Regulations

Move to approve the first readings of the following policies and regulations:

 

P2425     Emergency Virtual or Remote Instruction Program (New)

P & R 5751     Sexual Harassment of Students

 

3.     Technology Equipment Disposal

    Move to approve the disposal of the technology equipment as shown on the attached list.

 

----------------------------end of policy section--------------------------

 

  1. CURRICULUM

Motion/Second/Comments/Roll Call

 

    

  1. Textbook Disposal 

Move to approve the disposal of the following textbook:

 

Textbook

ISBN

Copyright

Environmental Science for AP

ISBN 9780716738497

2012

 

  1. Virtual or Remote Instructional Plan

Move to approve the Metuchen Public Schools Local Educational Agency Guidance for Chapter 27 Emergency Virtual or Remote Instruction Plan for the 2021-2022 school year, in compliance with executive order P.L.2020, c.27.

  1. Field Trips

Move to approve the following field trips for students in the Metuchen School District as shown:

 

School

Destination

Class/Group/

Purpose

Teachers/

Advisors

Date(s)

No. Of Students

Board Cost-

Transportation

Board Cost – Subs.

EMS

Campbell Elementary School

9th – 12th Grade - Students work to prepare a variety of Halloween/Pop music to be played at the annual Campbell Halloween Parade

McEwan

Messenger Gallagher

10/29/21

45

$250

$285

EMS

Wegmans

5th – 12th Grade- 

This Wegmans trip will provide opportunities for students to practice independent living skills and concept skills from the classroom in a natural environment. 

Thomas

Dybas 

Valovcin

Paraprofessionals

11/12/21

14

$0

$380

EMS

Six Flags Great Adventure

8th Grade - Students will be able to combine math and science skills to analyze the structural design of roller coasters and other rides and the physics behind them.

TBD closer to the date. There are usually about 13 to 14 teachers who chaperone the trip. These are mostly 8th grade teachers. Often a para and the school nurse participate as well.

5/20/22

185

$0

Students Pay

$4,800

$1,520

MHS

Dismal Swamp

11th – 12th Grade - 

Students will conduct Stream Water Quality Sampling

Kato

10/27/21

25

$50

$95

MHS

Dismal Swamp

11th – 12th Grade - 

Students will conduct Stream Water Quality Sampling

Kato

10/28/21

18

$50

$95

 

School

Destination

Class/Group/

Purpose

Teachers/

Advisors

Date(s)

No. Of Students

Board Cost-

Transportation

Board Cost – Subs.

MHS

Six Mile Run State Park

9th – 12th Grade - Students in the Outdoor Wellness Club will participate in a 4-mile hike

Girin

Cermak

Vosinas, 

Nalepa

11/3/21

40

$150

$380

MHS

Cheesequake State Park

9th – 12th Grade - Members of the Outdoor Wellness Club will participate in a 4-mile 

Girin

Cermak

Vosinas,

 TBD

11/24/21

40

$165

$380

MHS

9/11 Museum, Frick Museum, Broadway Show Six

12th Grade - 

Impact of 9/11 on the United States politics and government.

European Art from 15th to 19th century. Wives of Henry VIII

Robbins

Lezama

Ortega

Cicchetti

Blaze

12/9/21

51

$0

Students Pay Train Fare

$475

MHS

Harvard Model Congress

9th – 12th Grade -Government simulation conference

TBD (3 Teachers) 

2/24/22

2/25/22

32

$0

Students Pay

$156

$285

MHS

Music Festival Dorney Park

7th – 8th Grade -

Students perform in an adjudicated festival where conductors from colleges and universities are their adjudicators 

Krombholz

McEwan

Keyes

Gallagher

6/3/22

80

$0

Students Pay

$68

$380

 

  1. Field Trips - Retroactive

Move to retroactively approve the following field trips for students in the Metuchen School District as shown:

 

School

Destination

Class/Group/

Purpose

Teachers/

Advisors

Date(s)

No. Of Students

Board Cost-

Transportation

Board Cost – Subs.

MHS

Virtual Field Trip held in the library

12TH Grade - 

Safety Summit for Safety Ambassadors. I will supervise students in the library while the attend the virtual field trip.

Karger

10/5/21

8

$0

$95

MHS

Walmart/

Subway

12th Grade - Students will shop in the community to learn how to make appropriate food choices, compare prices, and be responsible for monetary transactions. 

Valovcin

Schultz

Dimeglio

Grant

10/15/21

4

$60

$380

MHS

Community Based Instruction to: Grounds for Sculpture

9th – 12th Grade - 

Community Based Instruction focused on recreation including enjoying art, socializing with friends, walking for pleasure and exercise, and eating appropriately in a restaurant.

Karger

Dybas

Valovcin

Aswani

Dellasala 

Schutz

Dimeglio

Molfetto 

Leitner 

Nurse

Grant  

10/22/21

14

$110

$1045

 

----------------------------end of curriculum section--------------------------

 

  1. Meeting Open to Public (for any topic)

 

  1. Announcements

 

  1. Motion to Go Into Executive Session (when applicable)

 

Resolution to Close Meeting

 

BE IT RESOLVED, pursuant to the Sunshine Act, N.J.S. 10:4-12 and 13, that the Board of Education will now meet in executive session to discuss _____________________________________ and that matters discussed will be disclosed to the public as soon as the reason for confidentiality no longer exist.

 

  1. Adjournment

Groups audience: