Dumont Board of Education February 16, 2017 Work Session/Regular Meeting A. Open Public Meeting Act: President Karen Valido convened the public meeting at 7:00 p.m. reading the Open Public Meeting Act: Adequate notice of this meeting was provided as specified in the Open Public Meeting Act. Notice was contained in the public legal notice, which was sent to the record on January 19, 2017. A notice was also posted outside the office of the Dumont Board of Education in a place reserved for such announcement. Flag Salute took place. In attendance were: Sandra Fernandez Richard Healy Theresa Kelly Scott Miller Absent: Robert DeWald Jeffrey Pollack Theresa Riva Karen Valido Kevin Cartotto Emanuele Triggiano John Kohlberger Approval of Minutes: It was moved by Mrs. Kelly, seconded by Mrs. Riva that the Dumont Board of Education approve the minutes of the January 5, 2017 Annual Reorganization Meeting and the January 12, 2017 Work Session/Regular Meeting and Executive Session. Communications: None B. Finance: Mr. Cartotto presented the Finance Agenda Items to the board. It was moved by Mrs. Kelly, seconded by Mrs. Riva that the Dumont Board of Education approve Finance Agenda Items B1-B5 1. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, accept the bill list for the month of February 2017 in the amount of $3,745,697.72. 2. Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11, the Dumont Board of Education certifies that as of January 31, 2017, after review of the secretary s monthly financial report and upon consultation with the appropriate district officials, to the best of our knowledge no major account or fund has been over expended in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11 and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district s financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year. 1
AND MOVE that the Dumont Board of Education accept the report of the board secretary for the month of January 2017, which are in agreement as indicated below and are available in the board office of the district: Report of the Secretary For the Month Ending January 31, 2017 Beginning Cash Receipts Cash Payments Ending Cash Balance this month this month Cash Balance General Fund $9,087,649.25 $3,840,979.93 $3,727,580.71 $9,201,048.47 Special Revenue -74,503.03 111,429.75 64,726.95-27,800.23 Capital Projects -574,221.94-0- -0- -574,221.94 Debt Service 595,724.09 126,594.00-0- 722,318.09 Total All Funds $9,034,648.37 $4,079,003.68 $3,792,307.66 $9,321,344.39 3. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, approve the January 2017 Appropriation Transfer Report as attached. 4. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, approve the following change order to D&L Paving, Nutley, NJ 07110 in association with the District Wide Paving Project: CO # Description Amount DL-2 Curbing\Sidewalk Allowance $(15,000.00) Sidewalk Concrete Work DHS Media Center 6,577.50 Total $ (8,442.50) 5. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, approve the following change order to RD Architectural Products, Fair Lawn, New Jersey in association with the Dumont High School Window Replacement Project: CO # Description Amount RD-DHS 1 New Windows at Husky Gym Entrance $27,481.00 Total Change Order $27,481.00 C. Policy & Public Relations: 6. Discussion: Vote as follows: Yes, Kelly, Riva, Healy, Fernandez, Miller, Pollack, Valido Absent: DeWald, Kohlberger a. HIB Report to the Board: Report outlined the number of reported cases, number of HIB policy violations, protected categories the violations was against and the discipline and services provided in relation to the violations. 2
b. College Board AP District Honor Roll: Mr. Triggiano informed the board that Dumont High School has been recognized by the College Board, for the second time in four years, as an Advanced Placement District Honor Roll Recipient. c. Dumont High School Conference Change: Mr. Triggiano informed the board that the district is again investigating the possibility of leaving the Big North Conference based on reduced enrollments and potential competitive imbalance. Mr. Triggiano noted that Mr. Oppido, Athletic Director will make a brief presentation at the next meeting. d. Newsletter: Mr. Triggiano distributed the second issue of the 2016-17 Dumont Board of Education Newsletter. e. 2017-18 School District Calendar: Mr. Triggiano informed the board that the 2017-18 calendar is currently being reviewed by school community groups and he anticipates recommending the final version in March for board approval. f. Agenda: Mr. Triggiano reviewed the Policy and Public Relations Agenda and Addendum items noting requirement to prepare a corrective action plan under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act for students with disabilities at Selzer School and the various policy changes being made to comply with the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Act Statement of Assurances. It was moved by Mrs. Riva, seconded by Mrs. Kelly that the Dumont Board of Education approve the Policy and Public Relations Items C7-C10 and Addendum Item. 7. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, approve the travel expenditures pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:11-12 by district employees as listed on Schedule A 8. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, accept and approve the following district policies and regulations (second reading and adoption): Policy 0167 Policy & Regulation 1510 Policy 2415.30 Policy & Regulation 2418 Policy & Regulation 5116 Policy & Regulation 8330 Public Participation in Board Meetings Americans With Disabilities Act Title I-Educational Stability For Children in Foster Care Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973-Students Education of Homeless Children Student Records 9. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, approve and affirm the previous HIB Report. 10. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, review and approve the 2016 ESEA Accountability Action Plan for Selzer School. 3
Addendum: 2. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, adopt revisions to the Model Policies and Procedures necessary to incorporate requirements in NJAC 6A:14 (attached). Vote as follows: Yes, Riva, Kelly, Healy, Fernandez, Miller, Pollack, Valido Absent: DeWald, Kohlberger Old Business: Negotiations: Mrs. Fernandez, Teacher Negotiation Committee Chairperson, informed the board that final recommended contract language changes and salary guides for the Dumont Education Association were distributed to non-conflicted board members and requested that the board members review the documents for proper deliberations at the next board meeting. It was moved by Mrs. Valido, seconded by Mrs. Fernandez that the Dumont Board of Education open the meeting to public comment. Motion was unanimously approved President Valido opened the meeting to the public at 7:21 p.m. Richard Redfern: Honiss School parent of eighth grade student spoke to the board to express his concerns regarding how an incident in which his child was threatened with a knife in gym class was handled. Mr. Redfern described the incident and the actions his family has taken to address the situation. Mr. Redfern also expressed his displeasure with how the incident and subsequent investigation was communicated to his family and community, the investigation process, student discipline imposed, lack of student interviews and limited involvement of school staff to help their child feel safe and secure in the days following the incident. Mr. Redfern stated his opinion that the board should reevaluate the board s policy on discipline and communication regarding these types of incidents. Juan Guzman: Stated his opinion that the district should have sent home a message to all parents regarding the presence of a knife in the school and the lack of discipline for the student who bought the knife to school. Lindsey Unger: Stated how this incident has elevated her concern for her children s safety and stated her opinion that a message should have been sent home to all parents regarding the incident. Danielle Grob: Stated her opinion that her son s recent anxiety attack, in which he felt the school was going into lockdown, was most likely caused by this incident. 4
Lynn Vietri: Stated her opinion that the calculation used at the High School to determine grade point averages and class rankings was unfair to students taking AP and Honor courses as students only taking college prep courses may be higher ranked in the class while taking less challenging classes. The board requested that the administration review the class ranking of the last 10 years to determine how many students taking college prep courses only finished ranked in the top 20 students. Mrs. Vietri also requested that her comments noted in the October 20, 2016 board meeting be revised to reflect her sentiments that teachers and parents were less involved in community activities. The minutes only noted teachers. Danielle Grob: Stated her frustration over the inconsistent reverse 911 calling system. Mr. Triggiano reviewed several issues that caused recent issues and noted his confidence that the issues were resolved. Danielle Velez: Stated her opinion that the High School attendance policy is overly strict and does not allow parents to call out students sick as an excused absence unless they obtain a doctor s note. D. Personnel: There being no further comments from the public it was moved by Mrs. Fernandez, seconded by Mrs. Kelly that the Dumont Board of Education close the meeting to public comment. President Valido closed the meeting to the public at 8:12 p.m. It was moved by Mrs. Valido, seconded by Mrs. Fernandez that the Dumont Board of Education go into Executive Session for Personnel and Legal Issues. President Valido adjourned the meeting at 8:13 p.m. President Valido reconvened the meeting at 9:24 p.m. It was moved by Mrs. Fernandez, seconded by Mrs. Valido that the Dumont Board of Education approve the Personnel Agenda Items D1-D15 and Addendum Items. 1. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, accept with regret the resignation of Larisa Zulic, Teacher (DHS) and Italian Honor Society Advisor, whose last day of employment will be March 31, 2017. 2. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools accept with regret the resignation of Lynn Bonilla, P/T In-Class Instructional Aide (DHS), Forensic Team Co-Advisor, HS Musical Co-Director, Freshman Class Advisor, Lighting Crew Advisor, and Media Club Advisor, whose last day of employment was January 27, 2017. 5
3. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, accept with regret the resignation of Rosita Grijalva, P/T In-Class Instructional Aide (Selzer), whose last day of employment will be February 17, 2017. 4. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, accept with regret the resignation of Kevin May, Custodian (Grant), whose last day of employment will be February 28, 2017. 5. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, rescind the appointment of Ivonne Molina, P/T Lunch Aide (Lincoln), effective February 17, 2017. 6. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, adjust the leaves of absence dates for the following individuals: Jennifer Delzotto, School Social Worker (DHS) Start date revised from February 17, 2017 to January 26, 2017 Keith Lawson, Grounds Crew (Ed. Center) Leave dates revised from February 2, 2017 through February 15, 2017 to January 30, 2017 through February 10, 2017 Thomas Ubriaco, Teacher (Honiss) Start date revised from January 24, 2017 to January 19, 2017 7. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, employ Kelly Lallave, Teacher (Lincoln), as Assistant Track and Field Coach, for the 2016-2017 school year, effective February 17, 2017, at Step 1 of the Coaches Salary Guide, salary to be determined upon completion of negotiations. 8. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, employ the following individuals to indicated extra-curricular positions for the 2016-2017 school year, effective February 17, 2017, salary to be determined upon completion of negotiations: Kyle Bennett Lighting Crew Advisor, Media Club Advisor (each at Step 1) Carole Stewart Forensic Team Co-Advisor (Step 1) Betsy Tuxill Rescind the HS Musical Co-Director contract and issue a HS Musical Director contract effective January 28, 2017 (Step 4 pro-rated). 9. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, employ Kyle Bennett, Teacher (DHS) as Musical Advisor and Vocal Advisor for the 2017 high school musical performance, effective February 17, 2017, at the stipends indicated on Schedule B. 10. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, employ Joseph Maleno, Teacher (Grant) as pianist for the 2017 high school musical performance, effective February 17, 2017, at the stipend as indicated on Schedule C. 11. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, employ Jonathen Cooper as a P/T Lunch Aide (Lincoln), effective retroactive to January 30, 2017. 6
12. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, employ Christie Abromowicz as a Leave Replacement School Social Worker (DHS), effective February 17, 2017, at the approved daily rate of pay, pending receipt of Emergency Certification. 13. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, approve a salary guide advancement for the following individuals, effective retroactive to January 1, 2017, salaries to be determined upon completion of negotiations: Richard Burd (Honiss) Scott Math (Honiss) - from BA to MA - from MA to MA+30 14. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, increase the work hours of Sylvia Lee, ESL Teacher (Selzer/Honiss), from 22.5 hrs./wk. to 27.5 hrs./wk. effective February 8, 2017. 15. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, in collaboration with Dominican College, approve the following individual to complete 45 hours of field observations during the 2016-2017 school year, pending completion of the criminal history background check and district paperwork: Addendum: Candidate: Danielle Sciarrino 1. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, accept with regret the resignation for retirement of Debra Fischer, Teacher (Grant), effective July 1, 2017. 2. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, accept with regret the resignation of Matthew Vargas Rivera, P/T Custodian (Lincoln), whose last day of employment will be April 7, 2017. 3. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, approve a leave of absence (FMLA, NJFLA) for Jacqueline McCarthy, Teacher (Selzer) effective April 3, 2017 through June 30, 2017. 4. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, employ Matthew Hunter as a P/T Lunch Aide (Selzer) for the 2016-2017 school year, effective date to be determined, pending completion of the criminal history review and district paperwork. 5. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, employ Andrew Orengo as a P/T In-Class Instructional Aide (Selzer 27.5 hrs./wk.) for the 2016-2017 school year, effective February 27, 2017, pending completion of the criminal history review and district paperwork. 6. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, employ Karla Mateo as a P/T Lunch Aide (Lincoln) for the 2016-2017 school year, effective date to be determined, pending completion of the criminal history review and district paperwork. 7. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, employ Richard Burd as Head Football Coach, effective February 17, 2017, at Step 2 of the Coaches Salary Guide, salary to be determined pending completion of contract negotiations. 7
8. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, employ Michael Farrington as a P/T In-Class Instructional Aide (DHS 27.5 hrs./wk.) for the 2016-17 school year, effective date to be determined, pending completion of the criminal history review and district paperwork. 9. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, extend the contract of Wendy Amsterdam, Leave Replacement Teacher (Gifted and Talented Lincoln) from March 20, 2017 through June 30, 2017 at the approved daily rate of pay. 10. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, employ Paul Olivo as a Custodian (Grant) for the 2016-2017 school year, effective date to be determined, pending completion of criminal history review and district paperwork, at Step 1 of the Custodians Salary Guide (pro-rated for time worked), salary to be determined upon completion of negotiations. 11. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, employ Scott Miller as a Custodian (Honiss) for the 2016-2017 school year, effective date to be determined, pending completion of the criminal history review and district paperwork, at Step 1 of the Custodians Salary Guide (pro-rated for time worked), salary to be determined upon completion of negotiations. Vote as follows: Yes, Fernandez, Valido, Riva, Kelly, Healy, Miller, Pollack Absent: DeWald, Kohlberger New Business: Dr. Pollack gave a brief overview of the topics of discussion and actions taken at the most recent NJSBA Legislative Committee meeting that he attended including superintendent salary caps and state funding formula. It was moved by Mrs. Fernandez, seconded by Mrs. Valido that the Dumont Board of Education go into Executive Session for Negotiations Discussion. President Valido adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m. President Valido reconvened the meeting at 9:55 p.m. There being no further Old or New Business, it was moved by Mrs. Fernandez, seconded by Mrs. Riva that the Dumont Board of Education adjourn the meeting. President Valido adjourned the meeting at 9:55 p.m. 8 Respectfully submitted, Kevin Cartotto Board Secretary