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RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION River Vale, New Jersey 07675
REGULAR SESSION MEETING Holdrum School Cafeteria Monday, September 24, 2001
- MINUTES-
Vice President Ratner called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, the Laws of 1975, that public notice has been made at least 48 hours in advance, public notice was posted at the Board of Education, notice was sent to all officially designated newspapers, and notice was filed with the Township Clerk.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. Sheryl Eaton, Mr. William Ellis, Dr. Jeffrey Matfus, Mrs. Bettyanne McGuire, Mr. Dave Zornow, Mr. Mike Ratner
ABSENT: Mr. Bert Ammerman
ALSO PRESENT: Dr. Frank Alvarez, Superintendent Mr. Michael Rinderknecht, Business Administrator
The board and members of the public saluted the flag.
Vice President Ratner asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of September 11th, 2001 tragedy.
Dr. Alvarez introduced Mr. James Tis, Principal at Roberge School, who presented a report on the attainment of goals. Mr. Tis read a prepared report. The first goal was related to researching rubric which included science, social studies, and language arts. Technology was incorporated in this project and all reports were done on the computer and completed in school. The second goal was related to reading. The target goal was a 10% increase in reading comprehension at the 4th and 5th grade levels. The focus will be to incorporate this into a writing intensive course. Dr. Alvarez presented the TerraNova (Grades 3 and 5) and ESPA (Grade 4) test results/scores for Roberge School. He also explained the comparison from last year and the comparison with Woodside School. Board members asked questions. Dr. Alvarez commented that the inadequacies have been addressed. Mr. Tis also reported the goals and initiatives of each grade. Board members asked questions. Mr. Tis thanked parents, teachers and the Board for their support.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Vice President Ratner reported that he received written confirmation from New Jersey School Boards that the entries he submitted for the NJSBA October conference have been received. Those entries included the Power Point presentation on the 2001/2002 budget presented by Mr. Rinderknecht and the district’s web page.
Tables for the computers have been ordered and will be installed in the classrooms.
Vice President Ratner mentioned about the meeting that was conducted at town hall regarding a town wide Solidarity March to raise funds for the WTC. He distributed forms for those wishing to sign up. The cost was $5.00.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS’ REPORT Dr. Alvarez reported on several issues:- He provided information as to the district’s role during the terrorist attack of September 11th. Dr. Alvarez was in contact with the town Police Department. The district proceeded with a semi lock down of the schools and the intention was to try to insure confidence that all children were safe. He also implemented the Crisis Intervention Team for anyone who needed to speak with someone regarding the tragedy. Some professionals in the town volunteered their services to parents and children. Mr. Roy Blumenthal, Town Administrator offered the services of the town Health Department. - School Opening was successful. - District Goals: Working on student achievement as the GOAL program has been re-vamped and re-named to SAGE (Selected Activities in Gifted Education). - Technology Initiative. - Project Referendum Update. - Articulation within the Pascack Valley Region and the need for a Curriculum Coordinator. - Multi-district Board Retreat to be held on Oct. 13th. - Orton Gillingham training for teachers and the regional in-service training on Oct. 8th. - NJ CAP funds. - Smoking Policy to be addressed by the Board due to new legislation. - The PTA’s purchase of a weather station for the district.
Meeting opened to public comments on agenda items at 8:14 P.M.
Public comments:
Fran Darajkian, 598 Faletti Way, commented on the Solidarity March and the fact that there would also be a ceremony. She indicated that the township would plant two trees at the Veterans Memorial to start a Memorial Garden. She further commented on the organization of the Candlelight Vigil and the support it received by everyone she contacted. Over 1,200 people attended the ceremony. Mrs. Darakjian mentioned that she found it very insulting that Dr. Matfus would question the improper nature of the vigil. Mr. Ellis commented that we do not need any more public venom at meetings.
Mark Wolstein, resident of River Vale for 13 years, stated his opinion about one particular board member. He further commented that any negativity towards the people organizing the township’s
Candlelight Vigil was inappropriate and requested that Dr. Matfus step down from his position as Board member.
Stan Marcewicz 736 Rolling Hill Drive, resident of River Vale 35 years, commented that he came to the meeting tonight to hear the information regarding reading. He commended those people who arranged the vigil and feels it is sad to come to the meeting to attack characters.
Annette Bergstein, 563 Echo Glen Ave., was impressed with the presentation and thanked the Board.
Rosanna Pansolini, 542 Alosio Dr., thanked Mr. Tis for his presentation, thanked Dr. Alvarez and Dr. Prestia for handling the September 11th situation well.. She commented on the situation between Mrs. Darajkian and Dr. Matfus. She asked Dr. Matfus if he did make efforts to stop the township’s Candlelight Vigil. Dr. Matfus did not respond.
Roy Larkin, 488 Richard Dr., commented on the presentation by Mr. Tis, and he further commented that he is looking forward to raising the test scores at Roberge School.
Meeting closed to public comments on agenda items at 8:31 P.M.
Comments from the Board:
Mr. Ellis stated he hopes we learn lessons from September 11th tragedy and that we refrain from future personal attacks on each other.
Dr. Matfus commented that he did not attend the Candlelight Vigil in order to be with Angel Pena’s family. He indicated that he spent many hours in New York at Montifiore Hospital helping families through the crisis. He felt the comments thrown into his direction tonight were very offensive.
Mr. Zornow asked Dr. Matfus to set the record straight. Mr. Zornow proceeded and asked Dr. Matfus if he made those phone calls he was accused of making. Dr. Matfus commented that he called the police department on behalf of the Pena family to get clarification on the event, and that was all he did. He stated that in no way did he make any efforts to stop the Candlelight Vigil.
GENERAL RESOLUTIONS
G1. RESOLUTION BY__Mrs. McGuire__SECONDED BY__Mrs. Eaton_____ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves the minutes of the following Board of Education Meetings:
August 28, 2001 Work Regular Session Meeting August 28, 2001 Closed Session #1, #2 September 4, 2001 Special Public Meeting
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AyeMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Absent
G2. RESOLUTION BY__Mrs. McGuire__SECONDED BY__Mrs. Eaton_____ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board accepts the Basic Skills Committee Report/Recommendations as presented to the Board at the August 28, 2001 Work/Regular Session Meeting.
Discussion followed.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Abstain Dr. Matfus AbstainMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Absent
G3. RESOLUTION BY__Mrs. McGuire__SECONDED BY__Mrs. Eaton_____ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves the New Jersey Character Education Grant Application FY02.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AyeMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Absent BUSINESS RESOLUTIONS
B1. RESOLUTION BY___Mr. Ratner___SECONDED BY___Mrs. McGuire__ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board acknowledges receipt of the Financial Reports of the School Business Administrator and the Treasurer of School Monies for the month ending July 2001 be approved as attached concurring in the following balances:
General Fund 10 - $ 2,329,118.52 Fund 20 - $ 48,264.82 Fund 30 - $11,871,124.22 Capital Projects - $ 157,797.14Total - $14,406,304.70VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AyeMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Absent
B2. RESOLUTION BY___Mr. Ratner___SECONDED BY__Mrs. McGuire___ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that that the Board retroactively approves the bills list dated August 31, 2001 as follows:
Fund 10 – General Fund - $533,718.13 Fund 20 – Special Revenue - $ 7,093.02 Fund 30 – Capital Projects - $131,099.04 Total $691,907.19
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton Aye Mr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AyeMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Absent
B3. RESOLUTION BY___Mr. Ratner___SECONDED BY___Mrs. McGuire__ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board acknowledges receipt of the purchase order list for the month of August 2001 in the amount of $694,565.35.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AyeMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Absent
B4. RESOLUTION BY___Mr. Ratner___SECONDED BY___Mrs. McGuire__ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board retroactively approves the list of transfers for the month of August 2001 as per Attachment B4.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AyeMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Absent
B5. RESOLUTION BY___Mr. Ratner___SECONDED BY___Mrs. McGuire__ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves a revised transportation contract with Rinaldi Transportation of Closter, NJ for the 2001/2002 school year as follows:
Route 1 $26,038.24 Annually Route 2 $26,038.24 Annually Route 3 $26,038.24 Annually Route 8 $ 95.24 per diem as necessary
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AyeMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Absent
PERSONNEL RESOLUTIONS:
P1. RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ratner____SECONDED BY___Mr. Ellis______ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves the appointment of the following personnel to Schedule B - Miscellaneous Activities for the 2001/2002 school year:
Name Position School Stipend Amount Maureen Monaghan Peer Mediation Holdrum $375.00 Mary Cimirro Peer Mediation Holdrum $375.00 Patricia Sayre Drama Holdrum $375.00 VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AyeMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Absent
P2. RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ratner___SECONDED BY__Mr. Ellis________ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves the movement on the salary guide for the following staff member effective September 1, 2001 for the 2001/2002 school year at the degree, step, longevity, and total salary set forth below: From To
Laura Barnette BA+30 Step 2 ($40,260.00) MA Step 2 ($41,670.00)
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AyeMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Absent
P3. RESOLUTION BY Mr. Ratner _ SECONDED BY __Mr. Ellis_______ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves the following chaperones for the Seventh Grade Frost Valley Trip, October 18 – 19, 2001 (stipend per contractual agreement)
H. Anderson-Coordinator L. Rosenzweig - Coordinator
J. Cody J. Noone W. Smith J. Gallucci R. Orgera C. Wenckus L. McCrone O. Ziotas K. Rainforth T. Smid P. Sayre N. Mertz, Nurse M. Monaghan M. Heffernan
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AyeMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Absent
P4. RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ratner__SECONDED BY___Mr. Ellis _______ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board accepts with regret the resignation of Janet McDonald, 5th grade teacher at Roberge School for the purpose of retirement, effective October 31, 2001.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AyeMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Absent
P5. RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ratner__SECONDED BY___Mr. Ellis________ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board accepts the resignation of Glen Albert, Lead Custodian at Roberge School effective October 1, 2001.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton Aye Mr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AbstainMrs. McGuire Recuse Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Absent
P6. RESOLUTION BY__Mrs. McGuire__SECONDED BY__Mr. Zornow____ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board accepts the resignation of Michael Barbagallo, part-time substitute custodian, effective September 4, 2001.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus RecuseMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Absent
P7. RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ratner_SECONDED BY___Mr. Ellis_________ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board reaffirms the appointment of Barbara Barbagallo as Executive Secretary to the Business Administrator/Board Secretary for the period of July 1, 2001-June 30, 2002 in accord with her board approved appointment at the April 10, 2001 Work Session Meeting.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AyeMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Absent
P8. This motion was struck from the agenda.
RESOLUTION BY_____________SECONDED BY___________________ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board accepts the resignation of Barbara Barbagallo, Executive Secretary to the Business Administrator/Board Secretary effective November 19, 2001.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES____NOS____ABSENT____
P9. RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ratner___SECONDED BY__Mr. Ellis________ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves the following County Substitute Certificate Applications for:
Phyllis Calabrese* Sharon Webber William Collins Effie Thomopoulos**
*Pending approval of the Emergent Hiring Application by the Bergen County Superintendent of Schools and completion of the Criminal History Review Process. Upon receipt of certificates, this applicant will be added to the 2001/2002 District Substitute List.
** To be reinstated on the District Substitute List.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AyeMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Absent
P10. RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ratner____SECONDED BY__Mr. Ellis_______ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board retroactively approves the appointment of Melissa Dammer, Lunch Aide at Roberge School, 1.5 hours per day, 5 days per week at $9.00 per hour for the 2001/2002 school year, pending approval of the Emergent Hiring Application by the Bergen County Superintendent of Schools and the completion of the Criminal History Review Process.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AyeMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Absent
A. RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ratner____SECONDED BY___Mrs. McGuire___ WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b), the Board of Education of the Township of River Vale may exclude the public from that portion of a public meeting at which the Board discusses any of the matters described at N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(b) (1)-(9);
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education shall forthwith enter into closed session to discuss matters relating to personnel; pending or anticipated contract negotiations; pending or anticipated litigation; matters with the Board Attorney covered by the attorney-client privilege. Said discussion may be disclosed to the public when the reasons for discussing and acting upon it in closed session no longer exist.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AyeMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Absent
The meeting adjourned into closed session at 9:02 P.M.
B. MOTION BY__Mr. Ratner___SECONDED BY__Mrs. McGuire____ that the September 24, 2001 Regular Meeting be adjourned at 9:37 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Rinderknecht Business Administrator/Board Secretary
MR:bb 10/8/01
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