RIVER VALE BOARD OF EDUCATION
River Vale, New Jersey 07675
WORK
SESSION MEETING
Holdrum
School Cafeteria
Tuesday,
February 12, 2002
-
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, Mrs. Joanne Venino, Mr. Dave Zornow, Mr. Mike Ratner
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Bert Ammerman
Mrs. Bettyanne McGuire
ALSO PRESENT: Dr. Frank Alvarez, Superintendent
Mr. Michael Rinderknecht, Business Administrator
The Board and members of the public saluted the flag.
Dr. Alvarez explained
the next presentation involving the Holdrum Middle School students in their
creation of a school Alma Mater and also responsible for writing the lyrics to the
music for the Alma Mater. This student project was designed by Mrs. Leanore
Rosenzweig. An article about the project appeared in The Record newspaper. The students
also presented Dr. Prestia with a plaque of the Alma Mater. Dr. Prestia thanked
Mrs. Rosenzweig for her role in this project. The students responsible for
writing the lyrics were: Jodi Bluestein, Lyndsay Beuhler, Samantha Ganz, Sara
Harder, Jordan Mitchell, John Mortara, Gina Sapuppo, and Alexandra K. Smith. The
students singing in the Select Choir were: Ali Andresini, Steven Barker, Deanna
Bergstein, Jodi Bluestein, Jee-Won Choi, Anthony Eaton, Megan Klingenberg, John
Lee, Bethanie Muska, Eunice Nam, Bobby O’Donnell, Jennifer Parente, Michelle
Pompio, Alexandra Roem, Margo Rogich, Matt Rogich, Mallory Sharon, Kim Weizik, and
David Wolf.
The board took a 5
minute recess. Vice President Ratner called the meeting to order.
Mrs. Rosenzweig
announced the schedule of the Holdrum Middle School students’ future projects.
Mr. Zornow thanked Mrs. Rosenzwieg for her creativity.
Dr. Alvarez
presented the 2002/2003 draft School Calendar. He indicated nothing changed
from the last time this calendar was presented to the Board. This calendar was
approved by both High Schools as well as Hillsdale and Woodcliff Lake school
districts. Montvale, at this time, was indecisive.
Mr. Ellis commented that he felt the week off in February was beneficial to
high school students visiting colleges. Mr. Zornow thanked Dr. Alvarez for
coordinating this calendar with the other valley school districts. Mrs. Venino questioned
the impact this calendar would have on the length of the school year. Dr.
Alvarez commented that the district’s goal is to revisit the calendar every
year. Mr. Ellis questioned the number of days allowed for emergency school
closings.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Building Project:
Mr. Mike Ratner reported that bid openings for the referendum would be on
March 8th. Construction crews are expected to start in the beginning
of April 2002.
Buildings & Grounds
Mr. Mike Ratner, Chairperson, reported on the odor in room 107 at Woodside and also the grease trap in that room has been cleaned.
Curriculum/Education:
Mrs. Sheryl Eaton, Chairperson, reported on the curricula for Physical
Education and Visual Arts. The K-8 Computer and K-4 Social Studies curricula
will be reviewed. The Committee is exploring a new reading series for K-5.
Finance:
Mr. Ratner reported that Board committees have met about the budget. He also reported that all school districts are waiting for State Aid figures.
Negotiations
Mrs. Eaton reported that one meeting had taken place with the Administrators.
Personnel
Mr. Bill Ellis, Chairperson - No Report
Technology
Mr. Dave Zornow, Chairperson, reported on the Technology Conference he
and other members of the district attended in Atlantic City on January 24th
and 25th. Some of the highlights Mr. Zornow spoke about were: Smart
Board, Lego Robotics and Wireless Laptop Computer Carts.
OLD BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS - None
Meeting opened to public comments at 7:38 P.M.
Public comments
Mrs. Rosenzweig commented
that a time capsule placed in Holdrum School in 1988 was found. The time capsule
was to be opened in the year 2000 but due to the location of the time capsule
its removal did not occur until recently. A reunion with 15 former students as
well as teachers to open the time capsule has been arranged.
Meeting closed to public comments at 7:39 P.M.
A. RESOLUTION BY_ Mr. Ratner_SECONDED
BY_ Mr. Ellis_______
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 Absent
Mrs. Venino Aye
Mr. Zornow Aye
Mr. Ratner Aye
Mr. Ammerman Absent
Vice President Ratner indicated that the Board would not be returning to public session after the closed session meeting.
B. MOTION BY__Mr. Ratner___SECONDED BY___Mr. Ellis_______
that the February 12, 2002 Work Session Meeting be adjourned at 8:12 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Rinderknecht
Business Administrator/Board Secretary
MR: bb
2/15/02