REGULAR MEETING

 

May 15, 2003

Branchburg Municipal Building

 

The Board of Education of the Township of Branchburg, County of Somerset, New Jersey, convened for a Regular Meeting at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2003, in the Conference Room at the Branchburg Municipal Building.

 

The meeting was called to order by President Jerry Feldman, who stated that the meeting was convened in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 231, P.L. 1975, the Sunshine Law; notices were sent to the Courier News and the Somerset Messenger Gazette, filed with the Township Clerk and posted in the Branchburg Township Schools.

 

The following members of the Board of Education were present:  Zoltan Ambrus, Patricia E. Bowers, Marie Annucci Caprio, Jerry Feldman, Karen M. Lambert, Lisa Romancheck, William J. Rouse, and Gregory M. Scott (8:20 p.m.).

 

The following members of the Board of Education were absent: Robert J. Fulton, Jr.

 

Also present were:  Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lois J. Capobianco; and Business Administrator/Board Secretary Nancy Lee Hunter.

 

CALL TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

On a motion by Mr. Ambrus, seconded by Mrs. Caprio, and carried unanimously, the Board agreed to convene in Executive Session this evening from 7:05 p.m. to approximately 8:00 p.m. to discuss either negotiations, personnel matters, legal issues, matters involving attorney/client privilege and all other matters as detailed in Board bylaw 0166.

 

The regular portion of the meeting resumed at 8:15 p.m.

 

At this time also present were:  district administrators Dr. John Hrevnack and Dr. Kathleen Monks; Frank Altmire and several residents, students, parents and staff members.

 

The assembly saluted the flag.

 

The Secretary called the Roll.

                          

CERTIFICATES OF ACHIEVEMENT

 

Mrs. Feldman, assisted by Mrs. Caprio, presented the following certificates of

achievement:

 

The Wallenberg Honors Program

 

Tara Maharjan

 

2003 Township of Branchburg

Youth Services Commission Recognition Award

 

Steven Russell

Sarah Ongaro

Lauren Flood

 

Somerset County Outstanding Student Award

 

Ryan Adam

 

Rotary Essay Contest

 

April – Rachel Herzog

May – Anna Marie Gyergyah

 

Conserve Wildlife Art and Essay Contest

 

Daniela Colucci

 

Somerset County Housing Poster Contest

 

First Place ages 9 and 10 – Jamie Basile and Brian Lalor

First Place ages 11 and 12 – Megan Lalor

Participants:

Brittany Murphy

Dana Fortune

Casey Glenn

Nicholas Kornas

Aschlyn DiBetta

Paige Kizmann

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Former Board Member Joseph Cash stated that the Township Committee was very

thankful for the information provided by Mrs. Hunter and Dr. Monks regarding the defeat

of the second question.

 

He also stated that the Children First Scholarship account was approved at the

reorganization meeting in 2000-01 and 2001-02.

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

 

Teacher Cheryl Oram and students from Somerville High School gave a presentation on

the Somerville High School Freshman Trip to Romeo and Juliet at Raritan Valley

Community College.

 

Dr. Capobianco acknowledged the following:  students receiving certificates of

achievement; Teachers of the Year, Beth Kinney, Whiton Elementary School; Lee

Zarelli, Old York School; Karen Sudol, Stony Brook School; and Jeffrey Heaney,

Central School; and Dr. John Hrevnack, Robert Lenio, and Barbara Shuba for their 35

years of service, Ramona Dafgek and Albert Gayzik for their 30 years of service, and

Joyce Collins and Barbara French for their 25 years of service.

 

Dr. Capobianco gave the monthly reports for Central Office Administration, Building

Level Administration, and Enrollment.

 

BOARD GOVERNANCE

 

Motion by Mr. Rouse, seconded by Mrs. Romancheck, that Item A.1 be moved upon the

recommendation of the Superintendent.

 

On call of the vote, the following was approved unanimously by Roll Call vote with the

exception that Mrs. Caprio and Mr. Rouse abstained on the minutes of April 10, 2003:

 

Approval of Minutes - The Minutes of the Work Session meeting of April 10, 2003, and

the Organization/Regular meeting of April 28, 2003, and the Executive Session Minutes

of April 10, and 28, 2003, were approved as distributed.

 

Motion by Mrs. Romancheck, seconded by Mr. Rouse, that Item A.2 be moved upon the

recommendation of the Superintendent.

 

On call of the vote, the following was approved unanimously by Roll Call vote:

 

Approval of Policy and Regulation 5512 on First Reading - The Board approved the

following mandated policies and regulations, to be attached as Reference A.2, on First

Reading:

 

Policy/Regulation Number

Title

Policy No. 5512

Hazing

Regulation No. 5512

Reporting Procedure - Hazing and/or Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying

 

Motion by Mrs. Bowers, seconded by Mrs. Romancheck, that Item A.3 be moved upon

the recommendation of the Superintendent.

 

On call of the vote, the following was approved with seven ayes and one nay by Voice

vote:

 

Approval of Resolution Thanking District’s in Support of Amicus Brief - The Board approved

the Resolution Thanking District’s in Support of the Amicus Brief, which is attached as

Reference A.3.

 

Motion by Mrs. Bowers, seconded by Mr. Scott, that Option B of the Revised 2003-

2004 Board of Education Meeting Dates under Item A.4 be moved upon the

recommendation of the Superintendent.           

 

On call of the vote, the motion was defeated by the following votes:

 

                           Ayes                                                                        Nays                                    Abstained

 

                           Mrs. Bowers                                    Mr. Ambrus                        Mr. Rouse

                           Mrs. Feldman                                    Mrs. Caprio                        Mr. Scott

                                                                                    Mrs. Lambert

                                                                                    Mrs. Romancheck

 

Motion by Mrs. Romancheck, seconded by Mrs. Lambert, that Option A of the Revised

2003-2004 Board of Education Meeting Dates under Item A.4 be moved upon the

recommendation of the Superintendent.

 

On call of the vote, the following was approved by the following votes:

 

                           Ayes                                                                        Nays                                    Abstained

 

                           Mr. Ambrus                                    Mrs. Bowers                        Mr. Rouse

                           Mrs. Caprio

                           Mrs. Lambert

                           Mrs. Romancheck

                           Mr. Scott

                           Mrs. Feldman

 

Approval of Revised 2003-2004 Board of Education Meeting Dates - The Board

approved Option A of Revised 2003-2004 Board of Education Meeting Dates attached as

Reference A.4.

 

Motion by Mr. Rouse, seconded by Mrs. Romancheck, that Item A.5 be moved upon the

recommendation of the Superintendent.

 

On call of the vote, the following was approved unanimously by Roll Call vote:           

 

Approval of Summer Hours - The Board approved summer hours for Board of Education

Offices to be open from 7:30 a.m. until 4:45 p.m., Monday through Thursday, effective

June 30, through August 22, 2003.

 

It was agreed that an administrator covering on Fridays will have a day off on Monday.

 

There was a discussion of Item A.6, Approval of Signatories, at which time Mr. Ambrus passed out a handout regarding a possible conflict of interest.  He would like a legal opinion on this.

 

Mrs. Feldman agreed that she would also like a legal opinion from Board Attorney David Rubin and stated for the record that the donation was made innocently on advice from their campaign’s treasurer. 

 

Mrs. Bowers suggested that David Rubin put his opinion in writing.

 

Mr. Scott disagreed that the Board should seek a legal opinion on this subject.  He felt that a Board member should seek a ruling from the Ethics Commission.

 

Motion by Mrs. Romancheck, seconded by Mrs. Lambert, that Item A.6 be moved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent.

 

On call of the vote, the following was approved by the following votes:

 

                                                   Ayes                Nays

 

                                            Mrs. Bowers   Mr. Ambrus

                                            Mrs. Caprio            Mrs. Romancheck

                                            Mrs. Lambert  Mr. Rouse

                                            Mr. Scott

                                            Mrs. Feldman

              

Approval of Signatories - The Board approved the Superintendent and Board Secretary as

the signatories on the Branchburg Board Scholarship Fund account.

 

DISCUSSION ITEM

 

There was a discussion regarding the interim superintendent selection process.  Mrs.

Bowers gave the report from the committee.  She stated that the position should be posted

internally for seven business days, and the Board should give internal candidates due

consideration.

 

There was also a discussion regarding summer hours for custodians.  It was agreed that

the BFT should be contacted regarding contract issues.

 

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

 

Motion by Mr. Rouse, seconded by Mrs. Romancheck, that Item B.1 be moved upon the

recommendation of the Superintendent.

 

On call of the vote, the following was approved unanimously by Roll Call vote:

 

Approval of Principal at Stony Brook School - The Board approved Frank Altmire as

Principal of Stony Brook School effective July 15, 2003, or sooner if he is able to be

released from his current contract, through June 30, 2004, and issue a Letter of Intent for

an annual salary of $100,000.00, prorated.

 

Dr. Capobianco introduced Mr. Altmire, who thanked the Board, and reviewed his

qualifications as principal.

 

Motion by Mr. Rouse, seconded by Mrs. Romancheck, that Items B.2 through B.7 be

moved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent.

 

On call of the vote, the following was approved unanimously by Roll Call vote:

 

Acceptance of Retirement Notice - The Board accepted the retirement notice of Barbara

French, Basic Skills teacher at Old York School, effective June 30, 2003, with thanks for

her 24 years of dedicated service to the children of the Branchburg Township School

District.

 

Approval of Substitute Teacher - The Board approved Patricia McGee as a Substitute

Teacher for the remainder of the 2002-2003 school year.

 

Acceptance of Resignation - The Board accepted the resignation of Beth Preslar from the
position of Speech/Language Specialist effective June 30, 2003, with thanks for her
service to the children of the Branchburg Township School District.

 

Approval of Teacher Transfer - The Board approved the transfer of Anthony Aliperti from the position of Fifth grade teacher at Old York School to the position of Third grade teacher at Stony Brook School effective September 2003.

 

Approval of Non-tenured Teachers - The Board approved the listing of non-tenured teachers and granted tenure (attached as Reference B.6) as indicated at the Steps and Levels on the Salary Guide as noted effective September 1, 2003, through June 30, 2004.

 

Approval of Regular Contract for School Clerk - The Board approved a regular employment contract for Melissa Looby as a School Clerk at Whiton Elementary School on Step 5 of the 12-month Clerical Guide ($29,562.00, prorated) effective April 17, through June 30, 2003.

   

CURRICULUM

 

Motion by Mrs. Romancheck, seconded by Mr. Rouse, that Items C.1 through C.3 be

moved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent.

 

On call of the vote, the following was approved unanimously by Voice vote:

 

Approval of Out-of-District Placements - The Board approved the listing of Out-of-

District Special Education placements for the month of April 2003, attached as

Reference C.1.

 

Approval of Extended School Year Program - The Board approved an Extended School Year Program for the students in the Whiton Elementary School Autistic class, the Preschool Disabled class, the Learning/Language Disabled class, and the Speech and Language class effective June 30, through August 7, 2003, for four days per week, 4 hours per day, with the exception of the Preschool Disabled class, which will run for 2 to 2.5-hour sessions.

 

Approval of Out-of-District Special Education Placement - The Board approved the

placement of Student #1773 at the Jerry Davis Early Childhood Center on a half-day

schedule effective May 5, through June 20, 2003, for a total cost of $2,380.00.

 

Motion by Mrs. Bowers, seconded by Mr. Rouse, that Item C.4 be moved upon the

recommendation of the Superintendent. 

 

On call of the vote, the following was approved unanimously by Voice vote:

 

Approval of Fundraiser at Whiton Elementary School - The Board approved BJ’s

Wholesale Club’s Adopt-a-School Program at Whiton Elementary School for the 2003-

2004 school year.

 

Motion by Mrs. Bowers, seconded by Mrs. Romancheck, that Item C.5 be moved upon

the recommendation of the Superintendent.

 

On call of the vote, the following was approved unanimously by Voice vote:

 

Approval of Community Service Project at Stony Brook School - The Board approved a

Girl Scout community service project to collect children’s books at Stony Brook School

from May 27, through June 6, 2003.

 

Motion by Mrs. Romancheck, seconded by Mr. Rouse, that Item C.6 be moved upon the

recommendation of the Superintendent.

 

On call of the vote, the following was approved unanimously by Voice vote:

 

Approval of Gateway to Technology Program at Branchburg Central Middle School -  

The Board approved the Gateway to Technology Program at Branchburg Central Middle School beginning September 1, 2003.

 

FINANCE

 

Motion by Mrs. Romancheck, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, that Items D.1 through D.9 be moved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent.

 

On call of the vote, the following was approved unanimously by Roll Call vote:

 

Bill List - The List of Bills for the month of May 2003, totaling $2,727,802.95, was approved for payment.

 

Secretary’s Report - The Report of the Secretary for April 2003, has been submitted for

Board review.  As required by N.J.A.C. 6:20-2.13(d), I, Nancy Lee Hunter, Business

Administrator/Board Secretary, certify that no line item account has been over expended

and that sufficient funds are available to meet the District’s financial obligations this

fiscal year.

 

The Secretary’s Report for April 2003 was accepted and ordered filed, and the Board of

Education hereby certifies that no major account has been over expended in violation of

N.J.A.C. 6:20-2.13(b) and that sufficient funds are available to meet the District’s

financial obligations for the remainder of the 2002-03 fiscal year.

 

Treasurer’s Report - The Treasurer’s Report for the month of March 2003 was accepted

ordered and filed.

 

Line Item Transfers - The Board accepted the list of Line Item Transfers for the month of

April 2003 (see Reference D.3).

 

Acceptance of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part B Funds - The Board accepted the following funds for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part B (IDEA-B) for FY 2004, attached as Reference D.5:

 

Basic                        $398,595.00

Preschool            $  13,847.00

 

Approval of Food Service Bid Award - The Board approved Dowling Food Service Management, Inc., as the food service management company for the 2003-2004 school year.

 

This contract shall begin on September 1, 2003 and terminate on June 30, 2004.

 

The management/administrative fee for the 2003-2004 school year shall be $14,000.00 per year payable at $1,400.00 per month prorated over a 10-month period.

 

Dowling Food Service Management guarantees that the bottom line on the operational financial report for the 2003-2004 school year will be a profit of $30,000.  If the actual bottom line is below this amount, Dowling Food Service Management will subsidize the bottom line for any amount less than the guarantee.

 

A request for proposal for food service was sent out to five food service management companies.  Two companies responded, Dowling Food Service Management, Inc., and Chartwells School Dining Services.

 

The results of the bid are as follows:

 

                                                                        Dowling                    Chartwells

 

Management Fee                        $14,000.00            $18,500.00                                   

Projected Net Income                        $45,242.00            $27,385.00

                        Profit Guarantee        $30,000.00 $20,000.00

 

 

Approval of Joint Transportation Agreement with Somerset County Educational Services Commission - The Board approved the Joint Transportation Agreement with the Somerset County Educational Services Commission for the 2003-2004 school year in accordance with Reference D.7.

 

Sale of Telecommunications Equipment - The Board approved the sale, for $250.00, of the following telecommunications equipment no longer in use at the Board Office and Readington Road:

 

Quantity

Equipment

1

Merlin II Model 511A with

  (1) AM3 Processor Feature Model

  (1) 129B Ring Generator Option

  (4) 408 4 CO/8 Ext Card

1

Merlin Plus Model 820-D2 with

  (2) Station Boards

  (2) Line Boards

1

Merlin Mail Rel 7.5 Model MM04 with

  (1) Voysys Mail System Model 100

  (2) 7318H Display Consoles

  (1) BIX-34D Display Console

  (2) BIS-34 Telephones

  (27) BIS-10 Telephones (3 with handsets)

 

 

Adoption of Budget – The following resolution was adopted:

 

                        BE IT RESOLVED to adopt the 2003-2004 school district budget as

                        follows:

 

                                                            General Fund            *$31,365,529.00

                                                            Special Revenue Fund            423,584.00

                                                            Debt Service Fund            1,866,978.00

 

                                                            TOTAL BASE BUDGET            $33,656,091.00

 

*This includes the Second Question amount of $425,000.00 restored by the Township Council

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following amount be raised for the General Fund tax levy:  $28,878,804.00.

 

FACILITIES

 

Motion by Mrs. Romancheck, seconded by Mr. Rouse, that Items E.1 through E.2 be moved upon the recommendation.

 

Motion by Mr. Ambrus, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, to table the vote on Item E.1.

On call of the vote, the following was tabled unanimously by Voice vote:

 

Approval of Architectural Services for New roof at Branchburg and Wall Shingle Replacement Work - It is recommended that the Board approve the architectural services with Cornerstone Architectural Group for $34,000.00, attached as Reference E.1.

 

Motion by Mrs. Romancheck, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, that Item E.2 be moved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent.

 

On call of the vote, the following was approved unanimously by Voice vote:

 

Approval to Accept Donation - The Board accepted the donation of a gym partition from the Branchburg Basketball Club with a value of approximately $12,500.00 (see attached Reference E.2).

 

LIAISON REPORTS

 

Somerville Board of Education Report – Mrs. Bowers reported that Somerville’s budget was reduced by $175,000.

 

Branchburg Education Foundation Report – Dr. Capobianco reported that the Annual Golf Outing is scheduled for next week.

 

Emergency Management Planning Committee – There was no report.

 

Child Care Committee – There was no report.

 

Community Education Council – There was no report.

 

 

 

N.J.S.B.A./S.C.S.B.A. – The Spring Dinner will be held on May 28, 2003.

 

Somerset County Educational Services Commission – There was no report.

 

Youth Services Commission/Municipal Alliance – There was no report.  The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 20.

 

P.T.O. – Mrs. Bowers reported that the General Meeting will be held on Monday, May 19, at 7:00 p.m.  Phone chain information will be going home with report cards.

 

Community Relations – Mrs. Romancheck stated she will be drafting a letter home to parents.  Mrs. Feldman suggested that the committee develop a formal charge before sending home a letter to parents.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

There were no comments from the public at this time.

 

BOARD FORUM

 

Mrs. Bowers commented on a great program at Whiton Elementary School, “Moving Up and Over.”

 

Mrs. Romancheck stated that she would like to see Robotics demonstrated at a Board meeting and commented on Whiton Elementary School having a family council.  She asked if the other schools also have such a program.

 

Mr. Ambrus suggested that air-conditioning at each school be discussed at the next Work Session.

 

Mr. Rouse commented on the importance of announcements on Channel 14.

 

Mrs. Feldman stated that the next Work Session is June 12, and she would like information for the agenda by June 2.

 

CALL TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

On a motion by Mr. Rouse, seconded by Mrs. Romancheck, and carried unanimously, the Board agreed to convene in Executive Session this evening at approximately 10:40 p.m. to discuss either negotiations, personnel matters, legal issues, matters involving attorney/client privilege and all other matters as detailed in Board bylaw 0166.

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

On a motion by Mrs. Romancheck, seconded by Mr. Rouse, and carried unanimously, the meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Nancy Lee Hunter

Business Administrator/Board Secretary