RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION

River Vale, New Jersey 07675

 

REGULAR SESSION MEETING

Holdrum School Cafeteria

Thursday, March 21, 2002

                                                                             

- MINUTES-

 

Mrs. Bettyanne McGuire called the meeting to order at 8:00 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, Mrs. Joanne Venino, Mr. Dave Zornow

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:         Mr. Bert Ammerman

                                                Mr. Mike Ratner arrived at 8:40 PM

 

ALSO PRESENT:                 Dr. Frank Alvarez, Superintendent

                                                Mr. Michael Rinderknecht, Business Administrator

 

The Board and members of the public saluted the flag.

 

SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS

Dr. Alvarez commented that one of the district’s second grade students won the North Regional Spelling Bee Contest and will participate in the National Spelling Bee Contest in Washington, D.C.

 

Dr. Alvarez announced the district’s winners in the NJ Association for Gifted Children Contest for art work.

 

The next awards were presented to Woodside schools students in grades 4 and 5 for their creations of new inventions.

 

Dr. Alvarez announced the nominees for the 2002 Governor’s Teacher Recognition Program: Catherine Forns, Kimberly Rainforth and Catherine Soehnel.

 

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Dr. Alvarez introduced the teachers of the SAGE program. Each teacher gave an overview of the curriculum and student projects. Mrs. McGuire thanked the teachers for their presentation. Mr. Zornow also complimented the teachers on their presentation.

 

BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT

None

 

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS’ REPORT

Dr. Alvarez mentioned the Project Peace performance at Roberge School on lessons in tolerance. He thanked Mrs. Constants and Mrs. Sommer and students in grades 4 and 5.

 

Meeting opened to public comments on agenda items at 8:48 P.M.

 

 

Public comments

None

 

Meeting closed to public comments on agenda items at 8:48 P.M.

 

GENERAL RESOLUTIONS:

 

G1.      RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ratner___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:

 

                        February 12, 2002       Work Session and Closed Session

                        February 26, 2002       Regular Session

                        February 28, 2002       Special Public Session

                        March 6, 2002             Special Public Session

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Aye

Mr. Ammerman            Absent

 

G2.      RESOLUTION BY___Mr. Ratner______SECONDED BY_Mr. Zornow___

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

         #15             $4,151.37          Pre-School Disabled            Class                     03/04/02-6/30/02

                                                   West Ridge School, Park Ridge, NJ

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Aye

Mr. Ammerman            Absent

 

BUSINESS RESOLUTIONS

 

B1.      RESOLUTION BY___Mrs. Venino___SECONDED BY_  Mr. Ratner____

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 February 2002 be approved as attached concurring in the following balances:

 

Fund 10                                   -           $ 2,013,238.83

Fund 20                                   -           $    (89,548.91)            

Fund 30                                   -           $11,537,592.57          

Fund 40                                   -           $     349,127.21                   
Total                                                   $13,810,409.70

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Aye

Mr. Ammerman            Absent

 

B2.      RESOLUTION BY___Mrs.Venino___SECONDED BY__Mr. Ratner___

            BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that

the Board approves the bills list dated February 28, 2002 as follows:

 

Fund 10 – General Fund           -           $1,127,064.75

Fund 10 – Voided Checks        -           $            30.00

Fund 20 – Special Revenue      -           $     19,200.10                  

Fund 30 – Capital Projects       -           $       3,408.90    

Unemployment Trust Acct.       -           $              0.00  

Fund 40 – Debt Service            -           $              0.00

Total                                                   $1,149,703.75

 

B3.      RESOLUTION BY__Mrs. Venino___SECONDED BY___Mr. Ratner___

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board acknowledges receipt of the purchase order list for month ending February 2002 in the amount of $75,339.85.

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Aye

Mr. Ammerman            Absent

 

B4.      RESOLUTION BY___Mrs. Venino__SECONDED BY___Mr. Ratner____

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board retroactively approves the list of transfer of funds for month ending February 2002 in the amount of $42,340.94 as per Attachment B4.

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Aye

Mr. Ammerman            Absent

 

 

B5.      RESOLUTION BY__ Mrs. Venino__SECONDED BY___Mr. Ratner ___

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves the milk bills for the month of February 2002 in the amount of

$1,658.80.

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Aye

Mr. Ammerman            Absent

 

B6.      RESOLUTION BY___Mrs. Venino__SECONDED BY__Mr. Ratner ____

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board approves to continue its membership in the Northeast Bergen County School Board Insurance Group as follows:

 

WHEREAS, a number of Boards of Education in Bergen County have joined together to form a

 Joint Insurance Group as permitted by N.J. Title 18A: 18B and;

 

WHEREAS, said Group was approved effective July 1, 1985 by the New Jersey Commissioner

of Insurance and has been in operation since that date and;

 

WHEREAS, the Bylaws and regulations governing the creation and operation. of this

Insurance Group contain elaborate restrictions and safeguards concerning the safe and efficient

administration of the public interest entrusted to such a Group, and;

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Education of River Vale has determined that membership in the Northeast

Bergen County School Board Insurance Group is in the best interest of the District;

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Board of Education of River Vale does hereby agree to renew membership in the Northeast Bergen County School Board Insurance Group and hereby accept the Bylaws as approved and adopted. The renewal term is from July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2004.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board Secretary/Business Administrator is authorized to execute the application for membership and the accompanying certification on behalf of the District and;

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board Secretary/Business Administrator is authorized and directed to execute the Indemnity and Trust Agreement and such other documents signifying membership in the Group as are required by the Group's Bylaws and to deliver the same to the Executive Director.

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Aye

Mr. Ammerman            Absent

 

 

B7.      RESOLUTION BY___Mrs. Venino____SECONDED BY___Mr. Ratner____

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION that the Board renews with the Northeast Bergen County School Board Insurance Group the fund membership, indemnity and trust agreement as follows:

 

THIS AGREEMENT, made this first day of July 2002 in the County of Bergen, State of New Jersey By and Between: Northeast Bergen County School Board Insurance Group hereinafter referred to as Group: and the Board of Education of River Vale, a duly constituted unit of government hereinafter referred to as the Board:

 

WHEREAS, several local school districts have collectively formed or are in the process of forming a School Board Group as such an entity is authorized and described in NJSA 18A:18B and the administrative regulations promulgated pursuant thereto and:

WHEREAS, the Board has agreed to renew membership in the GROUP and to share in the obligations and benefits flowing from such membership with other members of the GROUP in accordance with and to the extent provided for in the Bylaws of the GROUP and in consideration of such obligations and benefits to be shared by the membership of the GROUP:

NOW THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows:

1.         The BOARD accepts the GROUP'S Bylaws as approved and adopted and agrees to be bound by and to comply with each and every provision of the said Bylaws and the pertinent Statutes and Administrative Regulations pertaining to the same.

2.            The BOARD agrees to participate in the GROUP with respect to the types of insurance listed in the BOARD'S resolutions.

3.            The BOARD agrees to renew membership in the GROUP for the period of two (2) years, the commencement of which shall be July 1, 2002,

4.         The BOARD certifies that it has never defaulted any claims if self-insured and has not been canceled for non-payment of insurance premiums for a period of at least two years prior to the date hereof.

5.         In consideration of membership in the GROUP the BOARD agrees that it shall jointly and severally assume and discharge the liability of each and every member of the GROUP, all of whom as a condition of membership in the GROUP shall execute a verbatim counter-part of this Agreement and by execution hereof the full faith and credit of the BOARD is pledged to the punctual payment of any sums which shall become due to the GROUP in accordance with the Bylaws thereof, this Agreement or any applicable Statute.

 

6.         If the GROUP in the enforcement of any part of this Agreement shall incur necessary expense or become obligated to pay an attorney's fees and/or Court costs the BOARD agrees to reimburse the GROUP for all such reasonable expenses, fee and costs on demand.

 

7.         The BOARD and the GROUP agree that the GROUP shall hold all monies paid by the BOARD to the GROUP as fiduciaries for the benefit of GROUP claimants all in accordance with NJSA 18a: 18b.

 

8.       The GROUP shall establish separate Trust Accounts for each of the following    categories of risk and liability;

                                    a) Claims or Loss Retention Fund

                                    b) Administrative

                                    c) Workers' Compensation Premium

 

The GROUP shall maintain Trust Accounts aforementioned in accordance with NJSA 18A: 18B, the GROUP'S Bylaws and such other Statutes as may be applicable. Specifically the "Claims or Loss Retention Fund" Trust Account shall be utilized solely for the payment of claims, allocated claim expense and excess insurance or re-insurance premiums for each such risk or liability or as "surplus".

 

9. Each BOARD who shall become a member of the GROUP shall be obligated to execute this Agreement.

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Aye

Mr. Ammerman            Absent

 

PERSONNEL RESOLUTIONS

 

P1.       RESOLUTION BY___Mr. Ratner___SECONDED ___Mr. Ellis__________

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

Board approves the participation of the River Vale School District in the 2002 Governor’s Teacher Recognition Program and that the following teachers’ names be submitted as recipients of this award:

 

                        Catherine Soehnel                     Roberge School

                        Catherine Forns                        Woodside School

                        Kimberly Rainforth                   Holdrum Middle School

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 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 members effective March 1, 2002 for the 2001/2002 school year at the degree, step, longevity and total salary set forth below:

                 From                                                   To

 

Kerry Arbadji                    MA+15 Step 2 ($42,171.00                     MA+30 Step 2 ($47,226.00)

Catherine DellaTorre         MA+15 Step 14 ($78,741.00 + $1000)     MA+30 Step 14 (83,602.00 + $1000.00)

April Schatz                      MA+15 Step 4 ($46,053.00)                    MA+30 Step 4 ($51,524.00)

Patrice Stewart                 MA +15 Step 11($68,531.00)                  MA+30 Step 11 ($74,256.00)

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Aye

Mr. Ammerman            Absent

 

P3.       RESOLUTION BY___Mr. Ratner___SECONDED __Mr. Ellis__________

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

Board approves the appointment of Diane Polizzi, P/T Special Education One-to-One Aide for an out of district special education student at a salary of $10.00 per hour, 3 hours per day, 15 hours per week.  Pending approval of the Emergent Hiring Application by the Bergen County Superintendent of Schools and completion of the Criminal History Review Process, tentative date of hire: April 8, 2002.

           

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Aye

Mr. Ammerman            Absent

 

P4.       RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ratner____SECONDED __ Mr. Ellis__________

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

Board approves the appointment of Maryanne Cordaro, F/T Special Education One-to-One Aide for Holdrum Middle School at a salary of $9.00 per hour, 6.5 hours per day, 32.5 hours per week.  Pending approval of the Emergent Hiring Application by the Bergen County Superintendent of Schools and completion of the Criminal History Review Process, tentative date of hire: April 1, 2002.

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Aye

Mr. Ammerman            Absent

 

P5.       RESOLUTION BY___Mr. Ratner___SECONDED __Mr. Ellis __________

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

Board approves the request for unpaid family leave (maternity) for Kerry Arbadji, Teacher, Woodside School, from September 1, 2002 through November 30, 2002 with an anticipated return date of December 2, 2002.

 

            VOTE:            Mrs. Eaton                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Aye

Mr. Ammerman            Absent

 

 

 

P6.       RESOLUTION BY    Mr. Ratner       __SECONDED BY  __Mr. Ellis_____               

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

 

Amy Bly*                           County Substitute Application

Jonathan Parke*                 County Substitute Application

Patti Davis                          County Certification

                                                                                                                             

*Pending approval of the Emergent Hiring Applications by the Bergen County Superintendent of Schools and completion of the Criminal History Review Process. Above candidates 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                   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 approves the appointment of Joanne Alfuso, P/T Special Education One- to-One Aide for an out of district special education student, at a salary of $10.00 per hour, 3 hours per day, 15 hours per week. Tentative date of hire is April 1, 2002, 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                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Aye

Mr. Ammerman            Absent

 

P8.       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  Lorenzo Naranjo, Lead Custodian at Holdrum            

            Middle School at a prorated annual salary of $31,460.00, Step 6, of the                 

            2001/2002 Lead Custodian Guide, pending verification of boiler license (additional

            prorated stipend of $450.00) for a total, prorated salary of $31,910.00. Date of hire to

            be determined 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                   Aye

Mr. Ellis                       Aye

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Aye

Mr. Ammerman            Absent

 

Meeting opened to public comments at  8:55 P.M.

 

Public comments -None

 

Meeting closed to public comments at 8:55 P.M.

 

A.        RESOLUTION BY__Mr. Ratner___ SECONDED BY ___Mrs. Venino__

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

Mrs. McGuire              Aye

Mrs. Venino                 Aye

Mr. Zornow                 Aye

Mr. Ratner                   Aye

Mr. Ammerman            Absent

 

C.        MOTION BY___Mr. Ratner____SECONDED BY___Mrs. Venino___

that the March 21, 2002 Regular Session Meeting be adjourned at 9:15 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Michael Rinderknecht

Business Administrator/Board Secretary

 

MR:bb

4/2/02