LIVINGSTON BOARD OF EDUCATION VOTING MEETING MINUTES Monday, November 23, 2015

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1 LIVINGSTON BOARD OF EDUCATION VOTING MEETING MINUTES Monday, November 23, 2015 A Voting Meeting of the Livingston Board of Education was held on this date in the Livingston High School Auditorium. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the Board President, Pamela Chirls, who announced that adequate notice of this meeting had been provided by amendment to notice approved at the Board s reorganization meeting on January 5, 2015 and posted at the Board of Education office and communicated to The Star Ledger, West Essex Tribune, The Alternative Press and the Livingston Township Clerk. Members Present: Arthur Altman, Charles August, Pamela Chirls, Ronnie Konner, Ronnie Spring and Tej Thakkar Also in Attendance: Dr. Ernest Palestis, Steven Robinson, Patricia Boland, Lisa Capone-Steiger, Susan Burman, Joann Goldberg and approximately 40 members of the public. Superintendent s Report Dr. Palestis 1. Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Update Mrs. Boland announced the PARCC Parent Informational Night was held last Monday night at Heritage and was well attended. The program discussed the structure and hopes for PARCC and reviewed how to interpret the scores. Mrs. Boland announced there will be an English Language Arts Parent Night on Wednesday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m. at Harrison Elementary School. This program will examine the English Language Arts program in the K-5 world. Mrs. Boland announced the District Evaluation Advisory Committee (DEAC) will be meeting on December 8 after school to look at instruments used for observations and evaluations. Mrs. Boland announced there is now math on-line training available for teachers to use with the new textbooks that were purchased. Mrs. Boland announced a Curriculum Advisory Council is being put together that will involve members of the Board, administration, supervisors and teachers. This group will look at the structure of the K-12 program, consistency, sequencing of courses and will review the ancillary courses that support the common core subject areas. 2. Technology Committee 1:1 Follow Up Dr. Palestis announced the follow up presentation will be a dialogue with the audience and that questions are welcome. November 23, 2015 Page 1 of 11

2 Mrs. Monica Cohen reviewed what has happened with the initiative since the October 5 presentation. Mr. Jeff Weiboldt reviewed the technology student committee survey. Mr. Thakkar explained that the student committee discussed how the teachers would be using technology in the classroom and they brainstormed different applications. Mr. Konner added she was part of this group and that they expressed concern that the cost would take away some other activities. Mr. Jason Lerner, a teacher in West Essex uses Chromebooks in the 1:1 initiative in his district and asked how the students were selected to participate in the survey. Mr. Thakkar replied they tried to create a balanced group based on interest in art, science, club leaders and academic performance. Mr. Spring asked if the students were asked if they prefer a touch screen and Mr. Weiboldt replied they did not but that is something they can examine. Mrs. Chirls asked if we have completed an inventory of the software and applications that we currently have in the district for grades 7 to 12. Mr. Weiboldt replied that they have asked the staff what they are currently using as well as what they plan to use. The data is being collected and will be assembled by department. Ms. Shari Reiner asked what impact the initiative will have on our bandwidth and if there is a cost to rewire the schools to ensure all students have same amount of Wi Fi. Mr. Douglas explained that the district has increased the bandwidth over the last two to three years and is able to accommodate these devices. Any additional bandwidth needs would be for technical support only. Randy Rosseli asked how many machines we currently have on our network and how many will we have when we go 1:1. Mr. Rosseli also asked how the students will back up their systems. Mr. Douglas replied we perform nightly backups to the cloud. Evan Brody added having some hard drive capacity takes the load off of bandwidth and less is need to be saved on the cloud. Mrs. Chirls asked about the battery life of the devices and Mrs. Cohen replied they are looking at device that has 8 to 12 hours of battery life. Mrs. Cohen continued the presentation and explained the device specifications and digital pens. Mr. Antonio Matheus demonstrated an application called Fluid Math through One Note. Randy Rosseli asked what the expectations are of the teachers and if the committee researched bring your own device (BYOD) versus 1:1. Mrs. Cohen explained we will be bringing in 30 devices for 30 days as a test for teachers to work with the devices and that a tremendous amount of professional development will be provided to staff both in house and through an outside vendor. November 23, 2015 Page 2 of 11

3 Mrs. Cohen also explained one major reason the committee decided not to go with BYOD is to keep an equity between devices in the classroom. In some schools they visited that went with BYOD, some students were using their phones as the device. Randy Rossilli asked if teachers will be allowed to opt out and Dr. Palestis replied the goal will be for teachers to all begin at their own comfort level and move up from there. Mr. Weiboldt continued the presentation explaining that the committee reviewed the cost, weight of the device, compatibly with our existing infrastructure, the touch screen, digital pen, battery life, student and faculty familiarity with the operating system, device warranty and partnership with the manufacturer in deciding which device to choose. Mr. Weiboldt continued that the committee compared the MacBook Air and Microsoft Surface and provided a side by side comparison. The committee is recommending the Microsoft Surface. Mr. Altman commented he doesn t know anyone who uses the Microsoft Surface and asked how we know it performs well and is durable. Mr. Altman suggested we try the device out before making a recommendation. Mrs. Chirls agreed we should test a device before making a decision. Mr. Altman asked for a qualitative analysis of the test of the device. Mr. Douglas reviewed the three year roll out plan. Mr. Altman expressed concern that the staff and students would be given different devices, the Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 4, and suggested testing both devices. Mr. Altman also expressed concern that we would be supporting two different devices, the Lenovos at Heritage and the Surface Pros at the high school. Mrs. Konner asked about devices for kindergarten and first grade the Mr. Douglas replied the technology committee will be continuing those discussions. Mr. Altman suggested a pilot program at the high school before rolling out all the devices at the same time. Randy Rossilli suggested doing the 7 th and 8 th grades first. Mr. Douglas continued the presentation with a review of the cost and budget. Mr. Robinson explained how the initiative would be funded through a lease purchase and that there would be no tax impact. Mr. Altman asked how many people would be working a help desk and would that staff work nights and weekends to assist students if they had an issue. There was discussion on the cost of the device and Mr. Robinson explained the numbers provided are for budgetary reasons only and that he will negotiate further if the Board wants to proceed with the initiative. Mr. Spring asked how Dr. Palestis rolled out the initiative in his former district and he replied that the teachers received the devices ahead of time, over the summer, so they could become familiar with them. Teachers were provided with intensive professional development using their own staff as well as outside resources. They rolled out to students in two buildings at the same time by November 23, 2015 Page 3 of 11

4 grade level and the total distribution lasted about a month. In addition, they worked on policies, parent sign offs and insurance. Dr. Palestis continued that students and teachers are going to Ramapo to see 1:1 in action and offered for the Board members to visit, too. Mr. Spring asked if parents could also join in the visit and Dr. Palestis responded he will check and see how large a group they can accommodate. Mr. Spring expressed concern about the weight and durability of using Lenovos at the middle school. Mr. Altman suggested the pilot be more than 30 days or have the committee provide him with some data from another school where it worked. Mrs. Chirls suggested the pilot run for an extended period of time to test how the device works both educationally and in daily life. Mrs. Chirls then asked what kind of coordination there would be with curriculum and student services and asked if we could get more than 30 devices for the pilot. Dr. Palestis replied we can contact the manufacturer and ask about getting more devices and also that the committee will need to meet to discuss how the pilot would be rolled out. Mrs. Konner added that it s important to remember that our teachers are currently using the platform, there is technology integration going on in the classrooms and what we are looking to do is build upon this to bring it to a higher level. Mrs. Konner added we need to make sure the device is reliable. Mrs. Konner also asked at what point does the Board need to have some of the answers to be able to move forward with regard to this year s budget. Mrs. Chirls asked when the Board will see a professional development calendar. Mrs. Boland suggested using the Lenovos at Heritage as part of a 1:1 pilot. The Technology Committee will reconvene to discuss how to proceed. Board Reports Mr. Altman explained that the Alternative Revenue Sources Committee met again last week and are continuing their discussions on bringing in tuition paying students, soliciting alumni for donations, establishing an alumni publication and establishing a summer school. Mrs. Konner announced she attended the World Language Honor Society Induction at the high school, was a reader at the Riker Hill Book Fair and attended a PTA meeting at Mount Pleasant Elementary to share information about the 1:1 initiative. Mr. August announced he and Mrs. Konner attended the Riker Hill 50 th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Approval of Minutes Mr. Spring moved the following: 1. Voting Meeting Minutes from October 19, Workshop/Voting Meeting Minutes from November 9, 2015 Mrs. Konner seconded the motion. November 23, 2015 Page 4 of 11

5 ROLL CALL VOTE: Ayes Mr. Altman, Mr. August, Mrs. Konner, Mr. Spring, Mrs. Chirls Nays None PUBLIC INPUT ON AGENDA ITEMS ~ up to 15 minutes There was no public input. II. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR APPROVAL PROGRAM/CURRICULUM Mr. Altman moved the following: 1.1 Textbooks Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves the following textbooks as shown on Attachment A. 1.2 Acceptance of Grant Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education accepts a $5,000 science education grant from Dr. Dorian Gemellaro s submission to BASF Corporation requesting funding for agricultural research within the science curriculum at the elementary schools. 1.3 Grant Application Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves Scott Kercher s submission of a Social Studies education affiliation agreement with Kean University for the support of a collaborative endeavor between our two institutions that will enrich high school students knowledge of and sensitivity to Holocaust and genocide studies through a 3-credit Kean University undergraduate course offered on-site at Livingston High School. As part of this affiliation agreement, Livingston High School will be eligible for funding from Kean University for up to $6, of instructional costs to support up to two sections of this class. Mr. Spring seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Ayes Mr. Altman, Mr. August, Mrs. Konner, Mr. Spring, Mrs. Chirls Nays None STUDENT SERVICES Mrs. Konner moved the following: 2.1 Out of District Placements Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves placement for the academic year for two (2) Livingston students with disabilities and for the Extended School Year Program 2015 (Summer Programs) for one (1) Livingston student with disabilities, as classified and recommended by the Child Study Team, in facilities with tuition costs to be determined within the limits established by the New Jersey Board of Education as shown on Attachment B. 2.2 Related Services/Medical Consultants Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves the following consultants that will be utilized to provide related services for the school year: November 23, 2015 Page 5 of 11

6 BEHAVIORAL TRAINING & ASSISTANCE / APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS Behavior Therapy Associates $240.00/hour CHILD STUDY TEAM EVALUATIONS Weber, Jamie OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST Caldwell Pediatric Therapy Center PHYSICAL THERAPIST Caldwell Pediatric Therapy Center $400.00/evaluation $160.00/hour $160.00/hour Mr. Spring seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Ayes Mr. Altman, Mr. August, Mrs. Konner, Mr. Spring, Mrs. Chirls Nays None BUSINESS Mr. Spring moved the following: 3.1 Payment of Bills Whereas, the Board Secretary has audited certain vendor claims as required by N.J.S.A. 18A:19-2 and Board Policy 6470 and presented them to the Livingston Board of Education with the recommendation they be paid, now therefore be it Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves the payment of the following bills in the amounts listed and attach a complete copy of these bills to the minutes of this meeting. Fund Name Amount 10&11 Regular $4,295, Regular 95, Regular 257, Referendum 1,198, Cafeteria 149, TOTAL $5,996, Regular Checks $4,647, Referendum Checks ,198, Cafeteria Checks , TOTAL $5,996, Board Secretary Report September 2015 Whereas, the Livingston Board of Education has received the Report of the Board Secretary for September 30, 2015, consisting of: 1) Interim Balance Sheets 2) Interim Statements Comparing Budgeted Revenue with Actual to Date and Appropriations with Expenditures and Encumbrances to Date November 23, 2015 Page 6 of 11

7 3) Schedule of Revenues - Actual Compared with Estimated 4) Statement of Appropriations Compared with Expenditures and encumbrances, and Whereas, the Livingston Board of Education has received the report of the Treasurer for September 30, 2015, which report is in agreement with the Report of the Board Secretary, and Whereas, these reports show the following balances on the date indicated: Cash Balance (10) General Current Exp. Fund 8,856,237 Appropriation Balance Fund Balance (11) Current Expense 16,437,646 5,104,573 (12) Capital Outlay 2,851,235 2,833,887 (20) Special Revenue Fund 336,809 (30) Capital Projects Fund 5,058,233 (40) Debt Service Fund 81,572 Total: $14,332,851 $19,288,881 $7,938,460 Whereas, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6:20-212(d), the Board Secretary has certified that as of September 30, 2015, no budgetary line item account has obligations and payments contractual orders which in total exceed the amount appropriated by the district board of education pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:22-8, 18A:22-8.1, now therefore be it Resolved, the Livingston Board of Education accepts the above referenced reports and certification and directs that they be made part of this resolution by reference, and be it Further Resolved, the Livingston Board of Education certifies that, after review of the Secretary s monthly financial report (appropriations section) and upon consultation with the appropriate district officials, to the best of its knowledge no major account or fund has been over-expended in violation of N.J.A.C.6: (d) and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district s financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year. 3.3 Transfers Whereas, the Superintendent of Schools recommends certain transfers among accounts in the budget for September pursuant to Board of Education Policy 6422, now therefore be it Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education ratify transfers pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A: and N.J.A.C. 6:20-2A.10: Object Description To From 0320 Purch. Prof-Educational Services $10, Purchased Professional $3, General Supplies $13, Textbooks $3, Interest on Cur. Loan $3,584 Totals $17,007 $17,007 November 23, 2015 Page 7 of 11

8 3.4 NJQSAC Statement of Assurance Whereas, the Superintendent of Livingston in the County of Essex is required to hold a public meeting to present the District s Statement of Assurance annually, and Whereas, the Livingston Board of Education in the County of Essex is required to approve and to attest to the accuracy of the District s Statement of Assurance, and Whereas, the Livingston Board of Education in the County of Essex has reviewed the District s Statement of Assurance and hereby approves this document. Now Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education does hereby authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit the attached Statement of Assurance to the Commissioner of Education in compliance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A: (e) 3.5 New York Giants Youth Football Camp Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves the New York Giants Youth Football Camp to be held the week of July 11 to 15, 2016 at Livingston High School for a rental fee of $4, Superintendent Search Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves the agreement with James O Neill to provide consulting services for the Superintendent Search at a cost of $10, Approval of Conferences/Overnight Trips Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves Merle Gehman, Livingston High School Technology and Business Education teacher to chaperone approximately six students attending the MIT Launch Club Conference on December 5 and 6, 2015 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at no cost to the district. Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves Michael Jedwabnik and James Hegedus, Livingston High School Music teachers to chaperone approximately 68 students participating in the Marching Band Performance in Walt Disney World on June 2 to 6, 2016 in Orlando, Florida at no cost to the district. 3.8 Transportation Contract with Parent Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves the parental contract for student transportation for student # from July 1, 2015 to June 22, at a cost not to exceed $6, Policies and Regulations Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves the following regulations for first reading: Regulation #5519 Dating Violence at School (M) Regulation #5611 Removal of Students for Firearms Offenses (M) Regulation #5612 Assaults on District BOE Members or Employees (M) Regulation #5613 Removal of Students for Assaults with Weapons Offenses (M) Regulation #7430 School Safety (M) Regulation #8420 Emergency and Non-Emergency Evacuation Plan (M) November 23, 2015 Page 8 of 11

9 Regulation # Fire and Fire Drills (M) Regulation # Natural Disasters (M) Regulation # Kidnapping (M) Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves the following policy for second reading and approval: Policy #5756 Transgender Students Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves the following regulations for second reading and approval: Regulation # 1100 Organizational Charts -Curriculum & Instruction -Student Services -Business -LHS Regulation #2260 Program: Affirmative Action Program for School and Classroom Practices Complaint Procedure (M) Regulation #3218 Teaching Staff Members: Substance Abuse (M) Regulation #3244 Teaching Staff Members: In-Service Training (M) Regulation #4218 Support Staff Members: Substance Abuse (M) Regulation #5860 Rules for Safety Patrol Members (M) Regulation #9270 Community: Home Schooling and Equivalent Education (M) Mrs. Konner seconded the motion. Mrs. Chirls announced that Mr. O Neill will begin the Superintendent Search by holding open forums with staff and the community on November 30 and December 1. ROLL CALL VOTE: Ayes Mr. Altman, Mr. August, Mrs. Konner, Mr. Spring, Mrs. Chirls Nays None PERSONNEL Mr. Spring moved the following: 4.1 Resignations Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education accepts the resignations of: Name Position Location Reason Last Day of Employment Valarie Moore Assistant Principal LHS Resignation January 15, Leaves of Absences Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves the leaves of absences of: Name Position Location LOA w/pay and benefits LOA w/o pay, but with benefits Extended LOA w/o pay or benefits Return Date November 23, 2015 Page 9 of 11

10 Alaina Burrows Jessica Ayars* Teacher of Mathematics Elementary School Teacher *As amended from a previous agenda **designated as FMLA or NJFLA 4.3 Appointments HMS 3/2/16-4/6/16 RHE 9/28/15-12/4/15 4/7/16-6/30/16** 12/7/15-3/4/16** NA 8/30/16 3/7/16-6/30/16 8/30/16 Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves the applications indicated below (*) for emergent hiring for the following appointments under the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:16-1 et. seq., N.J.S.A. 18A:39.17 et. seq.; N.J.S.A. 18A: et. seq. Name Location Title Giulia Melucci RHE Elementary School Teacher Teacher of Chemistry Bus Driver (25 hours) Playground Aide Urvashi LHS Patel* Mark Transportation Brown Adam Hillside Hamdan *as amended from previous agenda Tenure Track/LOA or LT Replacement Leave Replacement Replacing Guide Step Salary Tracey Michinard MA 1 $59,227 (pro-rated) Effective Date 2/17/16 First Year Caitlin D 4 $70,321 12/21/15 Tenure Track Keller (pro-rated) NA Adriana BD- 5 $18,626 12/1/15 Mattia 20 (pro-rated) NA NA NA NA $14.00/hr 11/10/15 Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves the appointment of the aides as listed on Attachment C. 4.4 Substitutes Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education amends the appointment of Angella Yuzary as a long-term substitute Teacher of Business Education at Livingston High School (replacing Barbara Rosato) from September 17, 2015 through November 4, Ms. Yuzary will be compensated at the rate of $261 per day for this assignment Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves the appointment of the individuals listed below to serve as substitutes for the school year: Teachers Thomas Rubinetti Gail Pogach (retired) Tina Anapolsky Linda Bloomstein Andrew Meyers Amanda Sheridan Samantha Bomzer Camose Masse Nurse Marianne Cullen November 23, 2015 Page 10 of 11

11 Custodial Gail George ($14.50/hr) 4.5 Extra Work Pay Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves the following payments as listed on Attachment D for work performed. Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves the appointment of the individual listed on Attachment E as 1:1 aide for a student involved in an after school co-curricular activity. This individual will be compensated at their hourly rate. 4.6 Stipends Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves the individuals listed on Attachment F for Co-Curricular Stipends at Livingston High School for the school year. Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education rescinds the stipend appointments for the school year as listed on Attachment G. Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves the individuals listed on Attachment H for Athletic Stipends at Livingston High School for the school year. 4.7 Mentor Fees Resolved, that the Livingston Board of Education approves the individuals on Attachment I listed as assigned mentors to receive payment in accordance with the schedule listed. Mrs. Konner seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Ayes Mr. Altman, Mr. August, Mrs. Konner, Mr. Spring, Mrs. Chirls Nays None PUBLIC COMMENT ~ up to 15 minutes There was no public comment. MISCELLANEOUS The Board acknowledged the following: 1. Suspension and HIB Report (October) ADJOURNMENT At 10:25 p.m., Mr. Spring made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. August seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted, Steven K. Robinson Board Secretary November 23, 2015 Page 11 of 11