|
RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION River Vale, New Jersey 07675
REGULAR SESSION MEETING Holdrum School Cafeteria Tuesday, October 16, 2001
- MINUTES-
President Ammerman 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, Mrs. Bettyanne McGuire, Mr. Dave Zornow, Mr. Bert Ammerman Mr. Mike Ratner arrived at 7:42 PM.
ABSENT: Dr. Jeffrey Matfus
ALSO PRESENT: Dr. Frank Alvarez, Superintendent Mr. Michael Rinderknecht, Business Administrator
There were approximately 9 members of the public present.
The Board and members of the public saluted the flag.
PRESENTATION:Dr. Alvarez introduced Mr. Spatola, Principal at Woodside School. Mr. Spatola presented to the Board and to the public the attainment of the goals for Woodside School. One goal was to focus on writing process for each grade level. Mr. Spatola discussed the process his staff established. The second goal involved the 5th grade on a research project process. This process would include technology. This rubric has been changed to accommodate the goal and the ESPA scores have improved in language arts. Also, this year, the 5th grade students will be using Hyper Studio. Any deficiencies in the research project process found by the teachers have been addressed, and in the spring the students will finalize their research project.
Dr. Alvarez spoke about the Terra Nova test scores for (Grades 3 and 5) and ESPA (Grade 4) test results/scores for Woodside School.
Mr. Spatola reported on the highlights of Woodside School, such as the school store which has been successful. The money generated helps purchase computer software. Teacher training on PC’s continues this year. Kindergarten teachers finished the process of inventory. Mr. Spatola adapted the parent conference format from Roberge School. The SAGE program has been implemented in grades 4 & 5. The Character Education program was implemented due to the receipt of grant money. The Spelling Bee program continues, as well as the Word Masters program. The World Language program has been well received and students remain enthusiastic. In regards to the September 11, 2001
tragedy, the students and teachers were involved selling key chains ($2400 sent to the Red Cross) and other fundraisers, in addition to painting the American flag on the school.
Dr. Alvarez presented the QAAR for the 2000/2001 school year. The public may view a copy of the QAAR at the town library, at the district’s schools, and the business office.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT President Ammerman reported on the Board Retreat held at Woodcliff Lake School District on Saturday, October 13, 2001. He felt the meeting of all five Pascack Valley Boards of Education was an important step. Discussions at the Retreat included Special Education, public relations, shared services, communications, negotiations, etc. President Ammerman felt it was a very positive meeting and a good sign for the future.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS’ REPORT Dr. Alvarez also commented on the Board Retreat held on October 13, 2001
Dr. Alvarez spoke about the following: · There was a Professional Development day on October 8th for all the Valley districts except Woodcliff Lake. Middle and High School teachers participated according to subject areas. Lots of positive feedback. This was the first time this type of workshop was given to all the Valley schools including the high school. Our elementary teachers attended a workshop in the district on technology. Grade level meetings occurred between Roberge and Woodside for articulation on common curriculum. · The PTA forum was held last Wednesday. Approximately 30 people attended. · Two of the school forums with the district’s principals were held recently as part of the Board’s commitment to increase communication with the public. · ESPA testing occurred today for all students in Fifth Grade on Social Studies. · The Board Curriculum Committee will be presenting a resolution this evening to adopt the new Social Studies and SAGE curriculum. · This year the district needs to focus on the World Language curriculum and a committee will be forming shortly. · Diana Lee, Art teacher at Roberge received from the Art Educators Association of N.J., the 2001 Anthony Guardadiello Service Award. This award is presented to one teacher in the state for contribution to his/her profession and the association.
Board members asked questions of Dr. Alvarez.
Meeting opened to public comments on agenda items at 7:36 P.M. Public comments
Joanne Venino, Brook Ave., commented about the SAGE program and asked questions on the in-class enrichment program.
Meeting closed to public comments on agenda items at 7:40 P.M.
GENERAL RESOLUTIONS
G1. RESOLUTION BY_Mrs. McGuire_SECONDED BY__Mr. Zornow_____ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves the minutes of the following Board of Education Meetings:
September 10, 2001 Work/Closed Session Meetings September 24, 2001 Regular/Closed Session Meetings
Discussion followed.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Nay Dr. Matfus AbsentMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Abstain Mr. Ammerman Aye
G2. RESOLUTION BY__Mrs. McGuire__SECONDED BY__Mr. Zornow__ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board accepts and approves the 2000-2001 Quality Assurance Annual Report, including the School Level Goals for the 2001-2002 school year as approved by Dr. Aaron Graham, Bergen County Superintendent of Schools. VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AbsentMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Absent Mr. Ammerman Aye
G3. RESOLUTION BY__Mrs. McGuire_SECONDED BY__Mr. Zornow___ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves the following Curriculum Guides for the 2001-2002 school year. SAGE (Supplemental And Gifted Education) Social StudiesVOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AbsentMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Absent Mr. Ammerman Aye
G4. RESOLUTION BY__Mrs. McGuire__SECONDED ___Mr. Zornow____ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves the contract with Bergen County Special Services School District for the provision of hospital/home instruction for the 2001/2002 school year at a rate of $38.00 per hour on an as needed basis.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AbsentMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Absent Mr. Ammerman Aye
G5. RESOLUTION BY__Mrs. McGuire_SECONDED __Mr. Zornow ____ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves the “Waiver Application” N.J.A.C. 6:11-14. (This regulation requires the mentoring of all second-year teachers, which now cannot be implemented because the state funds are not available to underwrite the cost of this program. The State funds allocated for the two-year mentoring program has been reduced to a level that allows resources for mentoring only first- year novice teachers.)
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AbsentMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Absent Mr. Ammerman Aye
BUSINESS RESOLUTIONS
B1. RESOLUTION BY___Mr Ellis__SECONDED BY__Mr. Zornow______ 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 August 2001 be approved as attached concurring in the following balances:
Fund 10 - $ 2,879,182.05 Fund 20 - $ 41,171.80 Fund 30 - $11,780,288.50 Fund 40 - $ 157,797.14Total $14,858,439.49
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AbsentMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Aye
B2. RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ellis__SECONDED BY__Mr. Zornow_____ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves the bills list dated September 30, 2001 as follows:
Fund 10 – General Fund - $1,213,509.76 Fund 20 – Special Revenue - $ 29,727.64 Fund 30 – Capital Projects - $ 18,460.02 Fund 40 – Debt Service - $ 698,508.75 Total $1,960,206.17
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AbsentMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Aye
* Note: The board removed bill in the amount of $4,830.00, for Sills, Cummis
B3. RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ammerman__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 September 2001 in the amount of $1,385,733.95.
Board members asked questions.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AbsentMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Aye
B4. RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ellis _SECONDED BY__ Mr. Zornow BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board retroactively approves the list of transfers for the month of September 2001 as per Attachment B4.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AbsentMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Aye
B5. RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ellis _SECONDED BY___ Mr. Zornow BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves the milk bill for the month of September 2001 in the amount of $1,486.14.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AbsentMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Aye
B6. RESOLUTION BY_ Mr. Ellis _SECONDED __Mr. Zornow ____ WHEREAS, the River Vale School District Board of Education (the “Board”) has determined that the services of an environmental engineer is necessary for the School District; and
WHEREAS, PMK Group, Environmental and Consulting Engineers has presented a proposed Agreement relating to pre-construction lead based paint evaluations for the Board’s consideration (the “Proposal”) which Proposal is and annexed to this resolution and made a part hereof; and
WHEREAS, PMK Group, Environmental and Consulting Engineers has previously performed environmental and consulting engineer management services to the Board’s satisfaction; and
WHEREAS, the Board, after due consideration and discussion of said Proposal, has determined that PMK Group will meet the needs of the Board with regard to such services in conjunction with the referendum project; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A: 18A-5a(1) a contract retaining the services of PMK Group can be made and awarded by the Board by resolution, at a public meeting, without public advertising for bids, as the subject matter of said contract involves professional services;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby approves and authorizes a contract with PMK Group for the services outlined in their proposed Agreement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a brief notice of this action shall be printed once in The Record, stating its nature, duration, service and amount, and that the resolution and contract are on file in the office of the Board of Education in the following form: Notice of Contract AwardThe River Vale Board of Education has awarded a contract without competitive bidding as a professional service pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-5a(1). The contract and the resolution authorizing it are on file and available for public inspection in the office of the River Vale Board of Education.
Awarded to: PMK Group
Duration: October 16, 2001-October 15, 2002
Nature and type of contract: Environmental Services – Lead Based Paint Evaluations.
Amount of Contract: $10,000.00/Rates as set forth in proposal dated September 28, 2001.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AbsentMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Abstain Mr. Ammerman Aye
B7. RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ellis _SECONDED ___Mr. Zornow ___ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board authorizes the Business Administrator/Board Secretary to dispose of the following obsolete items:
Quantity Item Location
15 Student Chairs Holdrum Middle School 21 Student Desks Holdrum Middle School 1 Podium Holdrum Middle School
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AbsentMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Aye
PERSONNEL RESOLUTIONS
P1. RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ammerman_SECONDED __Mr. Ellis________ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board accepts the resignation of Kristin Schmid, Grade Eight, Special Education Teacher at Holdrum Middle School, effective December 8, 2001.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AbsentMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Aye
P2. RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ammerman SECONDED __Mr. Ellis ______ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves the additions/revisions/changes to “Schedule B” 2001/2002 as follows:
ADDITIONS:
Name School Activity
Robert Fencik Holdrum Yearbook Photography Christine Wenckus/Richard Orgera Holdrum Drama- Costumes Leni Rosenzweig Holdrum Drama - Sets Robert Fencik Holdrum Bowling League
RESIGNATIONS:
Name School Activity
Kristin Schmid Holdrum Yearbook - Literature Steve Presa Roberge Newspaper Club Lisa Nilsson Roberge Art Club Daniel Beyer Roberge Poetry Club
CHANGES:
Name School Activity
Richard Orgera Holdrum From Yearbook-Photography To Yearbook – Literature
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AbsentMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Aye
P3. RESOLUTION BY___Mr. Ammerman_SECONDED ___Mr. Ellis______ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves the appointment of Debbie Mazzo, Substitute Teacher’s Aide/Clerical Aide for the 2001/2002 school year, pending approval of the Emergent Hiring Application by the Bergen County Superintendent of Schools and completion of the Criminal History Review Process.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AbsentMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Aye
P4. RESOLUTION BY Mr. Ammerman __SECONDED BY _Mr. Ellis____ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves the following to the 2001/2002 District Substitute List:
Danielle Griesbach - NJ Certification Sook-Ya (Sue) Park - NJ Certification Maria Sudano - County Sub Cert. K-12 All Subjects
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AbsentMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Aye
P5. RESOLUTION BY Mr. Ammerman_SECONDED BY __Mr. Ellis____ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves the County Substitute Applications for the following:
Eric E. Alleyne Aphrodite Vogel
*Pending receipt of transcripts, approval of the Emergent Hiring Applications by the Bergen County Superintendent of Schools and completion of the Criminal History Review Process. Upon receipt of certifications, they will be placed on the 2001/2002 District Substitute List.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AbsentMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Aye
Motion by Mr. Ammerman, seconded by Mr. Ratner for the Board to enter into closed session to discuss Item P6. The Board adjourned into closed session at 7:45 PM.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Aye Dr. Matfus AbsentMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Aye
The Board returned from closed session at 8:00 PM.
P6. RESOLUTION BY Mrs. McGuire__SECONDED BY __Mrs. Eaton__ BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves Michael Rinderknecht, Business Administrator/Board Secretary at an annual, prorated salary of $110,000.00 for the period of November 1, 2001-June 30, 2002, and furthermore approves his appointment as Business Administrator/Board Secretary for the period of July 1, 2002-June 30, 2005 in accord with the terms and conditions as set forth in his employment agreement.
VOTE: Mrs. Eaton AyeMr. Ellis Nay Dr. Matfus AbsentMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Aye
Meeting opened to public comments at 8:03P.M.
Public comments President Ammerman commented on the meeting with parents and Dr. Prestia.
Meeting closed to public comments at 8:04 P.M.
Mr. Ratner commented on the resolution awarding a contract to PMK regarding the lead paint evaluation/testing of the district. Discussion followed.
A. RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ammerman_SECONDED BY_Mr. Zornow___ 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 AbsentMrs. McGuire Aye Mr. Zornow Aye Mr. Ratner Aye Mr. Ammerman Aye
B. MOTION BY__Mr. Ammerman__SECONDED BY__Mr. Ratner_____ that the October 16, 2001 Regular Session Meeting be adjourned at 8:34 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Rinderknecht Business Administrator/Board Secretary
MR:bb 11/02/01
|