RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION

                                               River Vale, New Jersey 07675

 

REGULAR SESSION MEETING

Holdrum Middle School Cafeteria

Tuesday, January 22, 2002

                                                                             

- MINUTES-

 

President Ammerman called the meeting to order at 7:03 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, Mrs. Joanne Venino, Mr. Dave Zornow, Mr. Bert Ammerman

 

ABSENT:                               Mr. Mike Ratner

                                                           

ALSO PRESENT:                 Dr. Frank Alvarez, Superintendent

                                                Mr. Michael Rinderknecht, Business Administrator

 

The Board and members of the public saluted the flag.

 

BOARD RECOGNITION AWARDS

 

Dr. Alvarez acknowledged 6 (six) River Vale students who received awards from the Bergen County Youth Art Gallery Competition. The art work was displayed at the Fire House Theater in Oradell from Dec. 1st to January 3, 2002. Those students recognized were:

 

Roberge School            Kindergarten              Simone Kim and Nick Vorhees

Woodside School         Grade 2                       Michelle Rotolo

 Grade 3                       Maia Krugel

 Holdrum School           Grade 8                       Steven Kudder and Matthew Rogush

 

Dr. Alvarez also thanked Mr. Grinch, Mr. DiBuono and Ms. Lee, Art teachers, for showcasing the students’ art work every year in this competition.

 

Dr. Alvarez also acknowledged that for the first time, students from River Vale participated in the 65th  North Jersey Spelling Bee Contest sponsored through The Record newspaper and in conjunction with other education affiliates. Dr. Alvarez  presented an award to the Holdrum School’s winner - Jesse Ziamond. Dr. Alvarez also thanked Mrs. Rosenzweig for coordinating this event.

 

The Board took a brief recess. President Ammerman resumed the meeting. Dr. Alvarez introduced Mrs. Maureen Monaghan and Laura Barnette, for their presentation on the Character Education and Guidance programs.

 

 

 

Mrs. Maureen Monahan from Holdrum School began with an overview of the guidance program at Holdrum Middle School. She explained her open door policy and services offered to the students, such as individual counseling, group counseling and conflict resolution. She explained the Holdrum faculty’s involvement in the Character Education workshops. She also clarified the role of 8th  grade peer helpers and their function in the schools. President Ammerman commented. He also complimented the principals on this program.

 

Mrs. Laura Barnette, Guidance Counselor for the elementary schools spoke about her role in the schools. She reviewed for the Board and the public some of the lessons given to the students on topics such as cooperation, teamwork, tolerance, self esteem and critical thinking. She explained the “giraffe program” and the use of stories to help students comprehend certain concepts. Through grant money, Mrs. Barnette brought into the schools “The Million Dollar Machine” program.  Mrs. Venino and Mrs. McGuire commented on the impressive presentation.

 

BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Mrs. Eaton attended the Pascack Valley Schools meeting held recently with the Valley Board of Education Presidents and Superintendents. The following topics were discussed: the 2002/2003 calendar, K-12 curriculum assessment, a K-8 curriculum coordinator position to be shared between River Vale, Hillsdale, and Woodcliff Lake (Montvale has a curriculum coordinator), a joint newsletter and field trips. The next meeting is scheduled for the spring.

 

Meeting opened to public comments on agenda items at 7:47 P.M.

 

Public comments

 

Don Rotolo, Baylor Ave. commented on Resolution B9 regarding the disposal of computer equipment. Mr. Rotolo asked about an asset tracking system and encouraged the Board to look into such a system.

 

Meeting closed to public comments on agenda items at 7 53 P.M.

 

GENERAL RESOLUTIONS:

 

G1.      RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ammerman_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:

            Board members commented on the posting of these minutes on the web.

 

                        December 11, 2001                 Work Session, Closed Session Meeting

                        December 18, 2001                 Regular Session, Closed Session Meeting

           

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Abstain

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Absent

Mr. Ammerman            Aye

 

 

 

G2.      RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ammerman_SECONDED BY__Mrs. McGuire___

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves the Special Education Out-of-District Placement for the following student for the 2001/2002 school year:

           

         Student                Amount             Placement                                     Date

         #14                      $5,352.00             Pre-School Handicapped                  01/07/02-6/30/02

                                                               Fieldstone School, Montvale, NJ

                                                                    

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Absent

Mr. Ammerman            Aye

 

G3.      RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ammerman__SECONDED BY___Mr. Ellis_____

            BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board retroactively approves the Uniform State Memorandum of Agreement between Education and Law Enforcement Officials for the 2001/2002 school year.

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Absent

Mr. Ammerman            Aye

 

BUSINESS RESOLUTIONS

 

President Ammerman commented that he was very pleased to see this resolution and indicated to the public that the ground-breaking ceremony is scheduled for March 1st. He thanked Mrs. McGuire, Mr. Ratner, Mr. Rinderknecht, Dr. Alvarez and others for their diligent work with the referendum.

 

B1.      RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ammerman___SECONDED BY_Mrs. McGuire_

            BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board adopts the following pursuant to the facilities project:

WHEREAS, in 2000, voters of River Vale authorized the River Vale Board of Education ("Board") embark upon capital improvements to the Board school buildings; and

WHEREAS, the capital improvement project as approved by the voters of River Vale is known as "Additions and Alterations to the River Vale School District", Project number 00171A, which includes Additions and Alterations to the Holdrum Middle School, Woodside Elementary School, Roberge Elementary School Annex and Roberge Elementary School, ("the Project") and

WHEREAS, the Board retained the professional services of the architectural firm, The Prisco Group, to design the plans and specifications for the Project; and

WHEREAS, the plans and specifications designed by The Prisco Group have been approved by the appropriate agencies of the State of New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, the Board is now prepared to solicit competitive bids for the Project, based upon the aforementioned approved plans and specifications, as required by N‑J.S‑.A. 18AI8A‑1. et seq‑, (the "Public School Contracts Law").

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved on this 22nd day of January, 2002, that the Board hereby authorizes the School Business Administrator to perform all acts necessary to solicit competitive bids pursuant to the Public School Contracts Law.

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Absent

Mr. Ammerman            Aye

 

 

B2.      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 Financial Reports of the School Business Administrator and the Treasurer of School Monies for the month ending December 2001 be approved as attached concurring in the following balances:

 

Fund 10                                   -           $  2,326,497.74 

Fund 20                                   -           $     (29,848.72)                           

Fund 30                                   -           $11,582,990.85          

Fund 40                                   -           $     272,585.56              
Total                                                   $14,152,225.43

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Absent

Mr. Ammerman            Aye

 

B3.      RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ammerman__SECONDED BY__Mr. Zornow___

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board acknowledges receipt of the purchase order list for month ending December 2001 in the amount of $148,605.88.

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Absent

Mr. Ammerman            Aye

 

B4.      RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ammerman___SECONDED BY__Mr. Ellis_____

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board retroactively approves the list of transfer of funds for month ending December 2001 in the amount of $62,656.22 as per Attachment B4.

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Absent

Mr. Ammerman            Aye

 

 

B5.      RESOLUTION BY___Mr. Ammerman__SECONDED BY__Mrs. Eaton___

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves the milk bills for the month of December 2001 in the amount of $1,378.75.

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Absent

Mr. Ammerman            Aye

 

B6.      RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ammerman__SECONDED BY___Mrs. Eaton___

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board authorizes the Business Administrator/Purchasing Agent to prepare transportation bid specifications and to advertise and receive bids as it relates to the transportation of two (2) Holdrum Middle School students.

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Absent

Mr. Ammerman            Aye

 

B7.      RESOLUTION BY__ Mr. Ammerman  SECONDED BY__  Mrs. Venino  __

            BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board hires the firm of R-Pat, Solutions, L.L.C. to provide professional negotiation services to the Board at $90.00 per hour.

 

            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 Award of Professional Negotiations Contract

 

At its Regular Session Meeting of January 22, 2002, the Board of Education authorized the awarding of a contract to R-Pat Solutions, L.L.C. located in Roselle Park, NJ, to provide professional negotiation services to the District for the 2001/2002 school year.  The contractual amount shall be $90.00 per hour. This resolution and contract are on file and available for public inspection at the Board of Education’s offices located at 613 Westwood Ave., River Vale, New Jersey.

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Absent

Mr. Ammerman            Aye

 

B8.      RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ammerman  SECONDED BY__  Mr. Ellis       __

            BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board reaffirms the appointment of EPIC Management Inc. to serve as construction manager for the district’s referendum construction project.

 

            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 is on file in the office of the Board of Education in the following form:

 

Notice of Award of Professional Construction Management Contract

 

At its Regular Session Meeting of January 22, 2002, the Board of Education authorized the awarding of a contract to EPIC Management Inc., located in Piscataway NJ, to provide professional construction management services to the District as follows:

 

Duration:          September 30, 2003 (estimated)

 

Amount:           Pre Construction Phase Services                                   $  10,000.00                                       

Pre-Construction Phase Fee                                         $  38,000.00

Referendum Construction Phase Service                       $323,850.00                                       

This resolution and contract are on file and available for public inspection at the Board of Education’s offices located at 613 Westwood Ave., River Vale, New Jersey.

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Absent

Mr. Ammerman            Aye

 

B9.      RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ammerman__SECONDED __Mr. Zornow   ____

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board retroactively authorizes the Business Administrator/Board Secretary to dispose of the unusable/obsolete computer equipment as per Attachment B9.

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Absent

Mr. Ammerman            Aye

 

B10.    RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ammerman__SECONDED BY__Mr. Ellis______

            BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that

the Board approves the bills list dated December 31, 2001 as follows:

 

Fund 10 – General Fund           -           $1,180,698.38

Fund 20 – Special Revenue      -           $     16,525.90                              

Fund 30 – Capital Projects       -           $     36,350.36   

Fund 40 – Debt Service            -           $_______0.00_

Total                                                   $1,233,574.64

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Absent

Mr. Ammerman            Aye

 

PERSONNEL RESOLUTIONS

 

P1.       RESOLUTION BY___Mr. Ammerman__SECONDED __Mrs. McGuire___

            BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the           

            Board approves a stipend in the amount of $1,667.00 to Suzanne Smith for performing             

            the functions as District Web Master for the period of February 1, 2002-June 30, 2002.

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Absent

Mr. Ammerman            Aye

 

P2.       RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ammerman___SECONDED ___Mrs. Eaton_____

            BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the           

            Board approves the correction in the salary amount for Scott V. Calabrese, Maintenance, from $42,119.00 to $42,911.00, as per the 2001/2002 Maintenance Guide.

           

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Absent

Mr. Ammerman            Aye

 

 

 

P3.       RESOLUTION BY___Mr. Ammerman__SECONDED __Mrs. McGuire___

            BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board accepts with regret the resignation of Henry Trumbower, Physical Education Teacher at Woodside School, effective, July 1, 2002, for the purpose of retirement.

           

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Absent

Mr. Ammerman            Aye

 

P4.       RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ammerman___SECONDED __Mrs. McGuire___

            BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board accepts with regret the resignation of Larry Grinch, Art Teacher at Woodside School, effective, July 1, 2002, for the purpose of retirement.

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Absent

Mr. Ammerman            Aye

 

P5.       RESOLUTION BY___Mr. Ammerman__SECONDED BY___Mrs. McGuire___

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 effective February 1, 2002-June 30, 2002:

 

             Name                                     Position                       School             Stipend Amount

             Margaret Saingas                     Newspaper Club          Roberge               $175.00

             Lauren Sudol                           Newspaper Club          Roberge               $175.00      

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Absent

Mr. Ammerman            Aye

 

P6.       RESOLUTION BY     Mr. Ammerman __SECONDED BY  _Mrs. McGuire_               

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves the following substitute teaching staff:

 

Maureen Dowd*                NJ Certification

Julie Grapin**                    County Substitute Application/Certification

Monica Rogin**                 County Substitute Application/Certification

Josephine Fogarino**         NJ Certification

Katalin Messina                  County Substitute Certificate

 

*Effective 2/4/02 – 5/3/02, long term substitute teacher, grade one at Roberge School $18,500 prorated.

 

**Pending  approval of the Emergent Hiring Applications by the Bergen County Superintendent of Schools and completion of the Criminal History Review Process. Above applicants will be placed on the 2001/2002 District Substitute List.

           

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Absent

Mr. Ammerman            Aye

 

Meeting opened to public comments at 8:06 P.M.

 

Public comments

None

 

Meeting closed to public comments at 8:06 P.M.

 

A.        MOTION BY___Mrs. McGuire____SECONDED BY_  Mrs. Eaton____

that the January 22, 2002 Regular Session Meeting be adjourned at 8:07  P.M.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Michael Rinderknecht

Business Administrator/Board Secretary

 

MR:bb

2/1/02