RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION

                                                     River Vale, New Jersey 07675

 

                                                     WORK SESSION MEETING

                                                  Holdrum Middle School Cafeteria

                                                         Monday, October 8, 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, Dr. Jeffrey Matfus, Mr. Dave Zornow, Mr. Mike Ratner, Mr. Bert Ammerman

 

ABSENT:                               Mrs. Bettyanne McGuire

                                                Mr. Bert Ammerman left the meeting at 7:40 PM

                                               

ALSO PRESENT:                 Dr. Frank Alvarez, Superintendent

                                                Mr. Michael Rinderknecht, Business Administrator

                                               

The board and members of the public saluted the flag.

 

PRESENTATION:               

Dr. Alvarez introduced Dr. Phyllis Prestia, Principal at Holdrum Middle School. Dr. Prestia spoke about the school goals for this year. The first goal dealt with proficiency in math skills. In the 2000/2001 school year, 87% of the 7^th graders exceeded the proficiency. The second school goal involved writing. This is also the second year for this goal. Teachers received training in writing strategies. A new goal will be added demonstrating that 80% of the students in grade 6 will complete a school community service requirement and by June 2003 the objective will be assessed. Parents and staff requested the establishment of this goal as a graduation requirement.  Dr. Prestia spoke about the following curriculum information for Grade 8; maintaining pre-algebra and algebra skills, continuing math journals and small class sizes in math classes. Board members asked questions.

 

Dr. Alvarez spoke about the test score results of the Terra Nova in grades 6 & 7. Board members asked questions.

 

Dr. Alvarez mentioned that at this time of the year, the Board addresses budget development. Mr. Rinderknecht presented to the Board Committee chairpersons a form to aid the board committees through the budget process.  He also asked the Board for their direction through the budget process.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS                          

 

Building Project:

Mrs. Bettyanne McGuire, Chairperson              –          No Report

Mr. Ratner reported that the PTA was having a forum on Wednesday with representatives from Prisco & Edwards, AIA.  The Building Project committee will be meeting in the near future.

 

Buildings & Grounds

Mr. Mike Ratner, Chairperson, reported that the committee met before tonight’s Board meeting. Mr. Ratner spoke about the pristine conditions of all of the buildings in the district and thanked Mr. Rinderknecht and Mr. Peterson. Mr. Ratner stated that an additional drinking water fountain test was completed, and the district was well within the standards.  ACT 1000 has been initiated and work orders have been completed in a timely manner. Mr. Ratner spoke about a maintenance reserve account similar to the capital reserve account. Mr. Ratner indicated that the committee reviewed the Long Range Facility Plan. There was discussion about a budgetary number to put into the capital reserve account. The committee discussed many factors. Mr. Ratner reported that Room 107 at Woodside will be re-videoed to check the pipes, etc.

 

Curriculum/Education                       

Mrs. Sheryl Eaton, Chairperson, spoke about the presentations given on SAGE and Basic Skills, as well as the information presented by Dr. Prestia this evening. The committee will be meeting tomorrow regarding curriculum for SAGE and Social Studies. These reports will be presented to the full board at the October 16, 2001 Board meeting.

 

Finance

Mrs. Bettyanne McGuire, Chairperson  –         No Report.

 

Negotiations                          

Mrs. Bettyanne McGuire, Chairperson –          No Report

 

Personnel

Mr. Bill Ellis, Chairperson                                 –          No Report for open session.

 

Technology

Mr. Dave Zornow, Chairperson, asked if the documents that have been discussed, such as SAGE and Basic Skills will be put on the Web.  He asked about the ethics document.

Mr. Zornow spoke about the contribution by the 8th graders to the Web page. Mr. Zornow spoke about the relationship between ACT 1000 and technology. One of the goals for the committee is to have district forms, such as permission slips for field trips, to be put on the Web.          

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

Mr. Zornow mentioned that information on Board members will be added to the district’s Web page.

 

 NEW BUSINESS

 

Mrs. Eaton reported that at a recent NJSBA seminar, it was requested of all school districts to appeal to the state to continue funding the IDEA program.

 

Dr. Alvarez mentioned that he will ask the board to hold off on the teacher mentoring program, as the legislation passed but not the funding. A resolution regarding a waiver will be in the packet.

 

Dr. Alvarez reported that in addition to the revised curriculum subjects that Mrs. Eaton mentioned earlier, Visual Arts and Physical Education curriculums are also being worked on by the staff.

 

Dr. Alvarez informed the public about the school forum calendar and the Board Retreat on October 13, 2001.

 

Meeting opened to public comments at 8:07 P.M.

 

Public comments

 

Mr. James Hanna, 381 Sunset Road, commented on the verbal attack at last month’s Board meeting about Dr. Matfus. He explained his view on the situation between Dr. Matfus and Mrs. Darakjian. Mr. Ellis commented that the Board owes Dr. Matfus an apology for the comments made at last month’s meeting and would like those negative comments stricken from the minutes. Mr. Zornow also commented.

 

Mr. Roy Martin, 188 Richard Drive, commented on the 8th grade scores on language arts and asked for a comparison with other districts on their scores.  Board members commented.

 

Meeting closed to public comments at 8:20 P.M.

 

A.        RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ratner__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                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Dr. Matfus                    Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Absent

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Aye

Mr. Ammerman            Absent

 

B.        MOTION BY___Mr. Ratner____SECONDED BY___Mr. Zornow___

that the October 8, 2001 Work Session Meeting be adjourned at 8:40 P.M.

 

 

Respectively submitted,

 

 

 

Michael Rinderknecht

Business Administrator/Board Secretary