HARDING TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION 34 Lee s Hill Road, New Vernon, NJ 07976 Monday,, Regular Session Mission Statement The Harding Township School provides a strong educational foundation which inspires students to achieve academic excellence. Our dedicated faculty stimulates intellectual growth using a challenging curriculum within a supportive learning environment. We encourage students to become self-directed, lifelong learners who are well prepared for the academic and social challenges of the future. District Goal 1: To measure the academic progress of our students through the administration of districtwide assessments in Reading, Math Facts and Writing. a) To administer a district-wide reading assessment to all K-3 students in the spring. Ninety percent (90%) of all students will be reading at grade level or will move up one reading level. b) Ninety percent (90%) of students in each grade K-5 shall pass with 90% accuracy a timed grade level Math Facts Assessment that will be aligned to the Common Core State Standards and will assess students on the four core mathematical functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). c) Ninety percent (90%) of students in grades K-8 shall improve one point (one quintile) on the District Writing Assessment. This assessment shall be administered in the fall and in the spring. Students scoring a 5 in the spring shall be counted as having met the goal. District Goal 2: Implement the iready assessment program in grades 2-5 in ELA and grades 2-8 in Math. a) Provide necessary Professional Development for teachers. b) Gather and analyze data to be shared with parents and to differentiate instruction. c) Add results to the Data Dashboard. District Goal 3: Improve communication with the school and township community a) The school administrative team will hold informational meetings with the school s parent communities on a rolling monthly basis. b) The district will use technology and other forms of outreach to improve its communication with the Township community-at-large. I. Call to Order The regular session of the Harding Board of Education is called to order by Mr. Gjivoje at 7:34 p.m. in the Library of the Harding Township Middle School, 34 Lee s Hill Road, New Vernon, NJ 07976. II. III. IV. Presiding Officers Statement/Sunshine Statement: In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq., adequate notification of this meeting has been provided to the Daily Record and the Observer Tribune on January 28, 2016 and posted on the bulletin boards of the New Vernon Post Office, Green Village Post Office, Harding Township Municipal Building, Harding Township Elementary School and Harding Township Middle School on January 28, 2016. Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call Present: Mr. Davor Gjivoje, Mr. John Flynn, Mrs. Kim Macaulay, Mr. Abi Singh, Dr. Howard Kotkin Also Present: Superintendent, Mr. Matthew Spelker; Business Administrator, Ms. Marilyn Cuykendall
V. PRESENTATION PARCC: Mr. Spelker presented the PARCC results with data comprised of Spring 2015 and Spring 2016 results. After explaining the data elements, Mr. Spelker highlighted the Level of Improvement by grade, by subject. The results were very positive. Every grade level showed improvement in performance levels. Grade four reached 100% in meeting or exceeding expectations in English Language Arts/Literacy. The Board joined Mr. Spelker in congratulating the teachers for a job well done. They also praised the leadership quality of the administrative staff. The staff are truly inspiring which is evident in not just the scores but in the daily school environment. Master Board Award: Mr. Gjivoje read a press release regarding the Board receiving the Master Board Certification Award on Wednesday of this week. New Staff: Ms. Donahue added her compliments to the staff for their passion and commitment to their true life s calling as teachers. She introduced the new staff members. VI. HEARING OF PUBLIC REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS (Policy 0167) Ms. Kathy Galdieri read the letter from the staff to the Board on their appreciation for the Susan Ingal plaque. VII. VIII. REPORTS/DISCUSSIONS A. Superintendent: Report highlighted appreciation for the PTO BBQ event; Back to School Night; Madison High School articulation topics; and concluded with October calendar. B. Business Administrator C. Curriculum and Instruction: Report given by Mr. Flynn. Subjects included: teacher mentoring program, curriculum updates, family feedback with lunch breaks. D. Facilities and Finance: Dr. Kotkin led discussions on rebidding the HVAC elementary project along with the gym. The LRFP needs to be reviewed. E. Personnel and Management Report given by Ms. Macaulay. Discussions included: teacher assistant positions down by one; contract negotiations to begin shortly, mentoring program, and Mr. Spelker earned his permanent superintendent certificate. F. Madison Board of Education Mr. Singh highlighted the Madison Board s last meeting which included HIB presentation, Sustainable School Award, and discussions between school and prosecutor s office on K9 searches at school. G. Morris County School Boards Association This Wednesday. H. Morris County Educational Services Commission No meeting. I. Climate & Culture Committee meeting was attended by Ms. Macaulay. Topics included student volunteer work, Day of Service. CORRESPONDENCE COR-01 Board to receive Carole E. Larsen Award COR-02 School Board Candidates briefing COR-03 Staff appreciation for Susan Ingal plaque. COR-04 SAIF Safety award with $2,500 savings to district COR-01 Letter from NJSBA Executive Director, Dr. Lawrence Feinsod, dated September 15, 2016, informing the Board that they will receive the Carole E. Larsen Master Board Certification award at the Association s September 28, 2016 meeting. Page 2 of 8
COR-02 Email from NJSBA, dated September 15, 2016, announcing Candidates Briefing for Northern Region at Mountain Lakes High School, Tuesday, September 27, 2016. COR-03 Letter from the Teachers and Staff of HTS, dated, expressing their appreciation to board members for donating the plaque in honor of Mrs. Susan Ingal. COR-04 Letter from Ms. Gail Woicekowski, School Alliance Insurance Fund, dated September 9, 2016, commending the district for qualifying for the Tier I Safety Incentive Program award and a credit of $2,500 off our insurance coverage. IX. BOARD BUSINESS BB-06 Approve Minutes BB-07 Adopt the Action Plans in support of District Goals BB-08 Approve attendance to NJSBA Workshop 2016 MOTION presented by Ms. Macaulay and seconded by Dr. Kotkin to approve: BB-06 RESOLVED, that the Harding Township Board of Education approves the following minutes: - Regular Session, September 12, 2016 - Executive Session, September 12, 2016 BB-07 RESOLVED, that the Harding Township Board of Education approves the Action Plans for the 2016/17 school year in support of District Goals. Roll Call vote: AYE: Mr. Davor Gjivoje, Mr. John Flynn, Mrs. Kim Macaulay, Mr. Abi Singh, Dr. Howard Kotkin MOTION presented by Ms. Macaulay and seconded by Dr. Kotkin to approve: BB-08 RESOLVED, that the NJSBA Workshop 2016, will be attended by the following board members and administrator on October 25-27, 2016: Roll call vote: AYE: Dr. Howard Kotkin ABSTAIN: Mr. Davor Gjivoje, Mr. John Flynn, Mrs. Kim Macaulay, Mr. Abi Singh, X. FACILITIES/FINANCE FF-32 Approve August Financial Report FF-33 Approve August Budget Transfers FF-34 Approve required signatures on Student Activities account FF-35 Approve acceptance of NCLB Grant funds and submission of grant application FF-36 Approve transportation contract with Morris-Union Jointure FF-37 Approve Use of Facilities request FF-38 Approve The Uncommon Thread as Special Education Professional Service MOTION presented by Mr. Singh and seconded by Dr. Kotkin to approve: FF - 32 RESOLVED, that the Harding Township Board of Education, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.12(c), accepts that as August 31, 2016 no line item account has encumbrances and expenditures, which in total exceed the line item appropriation in violation of N.HJ.A.C. 6A:23-2.11(a). Page 3 of 8
Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.14(c)4, after review of the Board Secretary s and Treasurer s monthly financial reports certify that as of August 31, 2016 and upon consultation with the appropriate district officials, to the best of their knowledge, no major account or fund has been over expended in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A23-2.11 and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district s financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year, and N.J.S.A. 18A:22.8 and 18A:22-8.1 and sufficient funds are available to meet the district s financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year. And furthermore; FF-33 RESOLVED, that the Harding Township Board of Education, approves the following Budget Transfers for month of August 2016 as follows: DATE SOURCE TARGET AMOUNT 8/31/2016 Misc. Tuition Vo-Tech Tuition $4,200.00 8/31/2016 In Service/Prof Svc. In Service Supplies $800.00 8/31/2016 Misc Sup Ofc Communications $5,000.00 8/31/2016 Buildings/Grounds Grounds Maint. $15,000.00 TOTAL $25,000.00 FF-34 FF-35 FF-36 FF-37 FF-38 RESOLVED, that the Harding Township Board of Education, approves the following signatures for checks drawn on the Student Activities Bank Account: - Primary Signature: Marilyn Cuykendall, School Business Administrator - Secondary Signature: Matthew Spelker, Superintendent, or Mary Donohue, Principal/Supervisor. RESOLVED, that the Harding Township Board of Education accepts the NCLB (No Child Left Behind) Grant Funds for Fund Year 2017 and approves the allocation of the funds as follows: Title I, Part A: Reading Specialist $45,303 100-100 Title II, Part A: Professional Development $ 3,823 200-500 RESOLVED, that the Harding Township Board of Education, approves a transportation agreement with Morris-Union Jointure Commission for a special education, out of district student, for the 2016/17 school as follows: 2016 Extended School Year to DLC-Warren @ $3,693.18 per annum 2016/2017 School Year to DLC-Warren @ $30,902.10 per annum RESOLVED, that the Harding Township Board of Education approves the following Use of Facilities: - HTRA Adult Basketball, Gymnasium, Wednesday evenings, 2016/17 SY - Harding Hawks Field Hockey Club, Gymnasium, 12/27-29/2016 - Harding Hawks Field Hockey Clinics, Gymnasium, December-March, 2016/17 SY - HTRA Recreation Basketball, Gymnasium, November-March, 2016/17 SY RESOLVED, that the Harding Township Board of Education, approves The Uncommon Thread, an organization that provides Applied Behavioral Analysis services for children with learning disabilities, for the 2016/17 school year. Roll Call vote: AYE: Mr. Davor Gjivoje, Mr. John Flynn, Mrs. Kim Macaulay, Mr. Abi Singh, Dr. Howard Kotkin Page 4 of 8
XI. CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION C/I-04 Approve Week of Respect C/I-05 Approve School Violence Awareness Week C/I-06 Approve field trips C/I-07 Approve revised/reformatted Math Curricula MOTION presented by Mr. Flynn and seconded by Dr. Kotkin to approve: C/I-04 RESOLVED, that the Harding Township Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, Declares October 3rd through October 7th as the Week of Respect WHEREAS, The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, Assembly Bill 3466, was approved by the New Jersey Legislature in November 2010 and signed into law as P.L. 2010, c. 122, by Governor Chris Christie on January 5, 2011; and, WHEREAS, The statute is intended to protect students from harassment and intimidation that would substantially interfere with their education; and, WHEREAS, In a 2009 survey by the National Centers for Disease Control, one in five New Jersey students indicated they had been the subject of bullying on school grounds during the previous year; and, WHEREAS, The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights places expanded responsibilities on teachers, school administrators and boards of education to protect students from incidents of bullying, harassment and intimidation; and, WHEREAS, The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights designates the week beginning with the first Monday in October as Week of Respect throughout New Jersey ; and, WHEREAS, The law directs school districts to observe the Week of Respect through ageappropriate instruction in accordance with New Jersey s core curriculum content standards; and, WHEREAS, The Harding Township Board of Education recognizes the harmful impact of harassment and bullying on children and is committed to providing all of its students with a safe and secure learning environment free from intimidation; and, WHEREAS, The Harding Township Board of Education supports the intent of the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights to protect our children, as well as the goal of previous law to enhance training and instruction to prevent harassment, intimidation and bullying. Now therefore be it; RESOLVED, That the Harding Township Board of Education declares October 3rd through October 7th 2016 as a Week of Respect in all district school; and be it further, RESOLVED, That the Week of Respect will be a part of the Harding Township Public Schools ongoing efforts to foster respect among students and staff for the diverse cultures and personalities represented in our school community. C/I-05 WHEREAS, all school districts received a memorandum outlining the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46, N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.2(a)4 and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.3(f) relative to the violence and vandalism public hearing transcripts and N.J.S.A. 18A:36-5.1 N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5 relative to School Violence Awareness Week; and, Page 5 of 8
WHEREAS, all public school districts must designate a week in October as School Violence Awareness Week; and WHEREAS, schools shall provide an opportunity for students, parents, and school law enforcement personnel to discuss methods for keeping schools safe from violence, to create school safety plans, and to recognize students in need of help; now, RESOLVED, that the Harding Township Board of Education designates the week of October 17, 2016 through October 21, 2016 as Annual School Violence Awareness Week, also known as Red Ribbon Week. C/I-06 RESOLVED, that the Harding Township Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approves the following field trips: - Ms. Alexander and Ms. Hunter, Grade 1, Turtle Back Zoo, October 5, 2016 - Mrs. Schutz and Ms. Light, Kindergarten, Mayo Performing Arts Center, March 13, 2017 and Morris Museum, January 27, 2017 - Mrs. Werner and Mrs. Latzman, Grade 8, Pax Amicus Theater, Budd Lake, October 24, 2015. - Mrs. Werner and Mrs. Baldassari and Ms. Oles, Grade 7, Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY, November 1, 2016 - Mrs. DeCotiis and Mrs. Galdieri, Grade 5, Buehler Space Center, Paramus, NJ, October 13, 2016 C/I-07 RESOLVED, that the Harding Township Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approves the revised/reformatted Math Curricula, Kindergarten through Eighth Grade for the 2016/17 school year. Roll Call vote: AYE: Mr. Davor Gjivoje, Mr. John Flynn, Mrs. Kim Macaulay, Mr. Abi Singh, Dr. Kotkin XII. PERSONNEL AND MANAGEMENT P/M-20 Approve teacher to provide supplemental instruction P/M-21 Approve professional development for teachers P/M-22 Approve amended 2016/17 staff salaries to add longevity P/M-23 Approve payment for loss of prep for 2016/17 SY P/M-24 Approve extracurricular stipend to support special education student P/M-25 Approve extracurricular stipend, Gr. 8 field trip MOTION presented by Ms. Macaulay and seconded by Mr. Flynn to approve: Discussion: The Board expressed their appreciation to the teachers reaching 16 years of service. P/M-20 RESOLVED, that the Harding Township Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approves Ms. Ashley Petrozzo as supplemental instruction teacher to student with medical condition effective September 14, 2016, for three days per week, 1.5 hours per day, approximately four weeks, at the hourly rate of $ 40.00. Page 6 of 8
P/M-21 RESOLVED, that the Harding Township Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approves the following professional development: Mrs. Pam Dowd, Art Educators Conference, Long Branch, NJ October 9-11, 2016, with overnight accommodations totaling $197.00. P/M-22 RESOLVED, that the Harding Township Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approves adding 2% longevity increment to salary effective September 1, 2016 for the 2016/17 school year as follows: Mrs. Carol Cochran, MA+45/Step 18 from $89,735 to $91,530 Mrs. Kathy Galdieri, BA/Step 15 $68,710 to $70,084 Mrs. Holly Rosenfeld, BA/Step 14 $66,410 to $67,738 Mrs. Jennifer Baldassari, MA/Step 13 $71,010 to $72,430 P/M-23 RESOLVED, that the Harding Township Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approves payment to Mrs. Jennifer Baldassari for loss of one prep per week for the 2016/17 school year, at $40.00 per prep with occurrences submitted on monthly timesheet. P/M-24 RESOLVED, that the Harding Township Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approves an extracurricular stipend for Ms. Andrea Doell, teachers assistant, to support special education student s participation in the school play for $17.05, (hourly per diem rate) for four hours per week, approximately 5 weeks. P/M-25 RESOLVED, that the Harding Township Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approves an extracurricular stipend for Mrs. Jacky Latzman, Overnight Chaperone, Gr. 8 field trip, at $328 per night. Roll Call vote: AYE: Mr. Davor Gjivoje, Mr. John Flynn, Mrs. Kim Macaulay, Mr. Abi Singh, Dr. Kotkin XIII. HEARING OF PUBLIC REGARDING (Agenda and non-agenda Items- Policy 0167) None XIV. XV. PRESIDENT S COMMENTS 1. PTO BBQ was a great success. Thank you to PTO President, Ms. Cathleen Lazor. 2. Back to School Nights was a great success. Thank you. 3. HTEF Oktoberfest 10/22 at Green Village Fire House, 7-11 p.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION MOTION presented by Ms. Macaulay and seconded by Dr. Kotkin to enter Executive Session at 9:24 p.m. Be It Resolved, that the Harding Township Board of Education convenes Executive Session in full compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq.; and the minutes of the discussion of any of these items will be available to the public when such minutes have been approved by the Board pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1. No action will be taken. Topics include: Madison School District Personnel. AYE: Mr. Davor Gjivoje, Mr. John Flynn, Mrs. Kim Macaulay, Mr. Abi Singh, Dr. Kotkin Page 7 of 8
XVI. RETURN to PUBLIC SESSION & ADJOURN MOTION presented by Ms. Macaulay and seconded by Dr. Kotkin to return to Public Session and Adjourn at 10:14 p.m. AYE: Mr. Davor Gjivoje, Mr. John Flynn, Mrs. Kim Macaulay, Mr. Abi Singh, Dr. Kotkin Respectfully submitted, Marilyn Cuykendall Business Administrator/Board Secretary Page 8 of 8