MINUTES ALPINE BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING 8:00 P.M. October 7, 2010 Alpine School Public Library, 500 Hillside Avenue, Alpine, New Jersey 07620 Mr. Roura called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M. Mr. Roura read the following statement: In accordance with the NJ Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice of this meeting was sent to the Record, the Press Journal and the Suburbanite. Notice and the agenda were posted on the municipal and school bulletin boards and notice was filed with the Borough Clerk. Roll Call Ms. Elizabeth Herries - present Mrs. Sharon Kurtz - absent Mr. Walter Roura - present Mr. Richard Serko - present Mr. Philip Simotas - present Also present were Superintendent Kathleen Semergieff and Board Secretary/Business Administrator Donna Alonso. The Pledge of Allegiance was then recited. Executive Session The Board of Education reserves the right to convene to executive (closed) session at any time either prior, during or upon the conclusion of the meeting. Such session may be called by an appropriate motion and simple majority of the members in attendance. The Board of Education will announce its intentions to reconvene or not upon conclusion of executive session. Public Session The New Jersey Open Public Meetings Law was enacted to insure the public s right to have advance notice of and to attend meetings of public bodies at which business affecting their interest is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Board has caused written notice of this meeting and copies of its agenda to be posted on the municipal and school bulletin boards and notice was filed with the Borough Clerk. Public Comment Agenda Items The Board of Education reserves the right to hold public comment on agenda items, at its discretion, at its regular monthly public meetings. Public comment will be limited to three minutes per person not to exceed 30 minutes. Citizens should give their name and address when recognized to speak.
Minutes Regular Meeting October 7, 2010 Page 2 Presentations - (none) Public Comments Dr. Semergieff opened the public comment section of the meeting. Her comments were geared toward October being Violence and Vandalism month. Alpine has zero incidents based upon the State s definitions of these terms. Alpine s discipline policy is detailed in the student handbook. Dr. Semergieff invited Student Council President Christopher Simotas to discuss various student issues with the Board. They included: 1. The creation of a student court to resolve conflicts 2. The creation of a study hall at lunch 3. Dress code (specifically lengths of shorts and skirts) should be reviewed 4. The creation of a student buddy system for the Middle School students Ms. Herries asked for additional clarification on the student court. Dr. Semergieff stated that there would be a 3 judge panel appointed. Dr. Semergieff stated the court would be for students grades 5 8. Fourth graders would be present to learn. Good skills could be developed from this experience which would also promote a positive school climate. There may even be an interest in starting a debate club in the future. Master Simotas asked about band and how it is weighted in the calculation of honor roll. Dr. Semergieff responded and indicated that is also listed in the School Agenda book. Approval of Minutes Moved by Ms. Herries, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education hereby approves the minutes of: September 16, 2010 Regular Meeting Board President s Report Committee Reports Mr. Simotas reported on the Robbin s dinner. The crowd was approximately 35 people. David Burke was the chef. Legislative Reports Dr. Semergieff reported on several bills, including C. Christie s tool kit. The bills are progressing through both houses. Christie s tool kit is now focused around tenure, performance measures, superintendent contracts, etc. Communications Communication from Ridgewood Board of Education Letter from N. J. Association of School Business Officials
Minutes Regular Meeting October 7, 2010 Page 3 The Board discussed the proposed legislation surrounding a Superintendent s salary cap and Ridgewood s Board of Education resolution opposing this cap. The Board agreed to develop its own resolution opposing this cap as well. Administrative Reports Superintendent Fire Drill Discipline Policies and Procedures NJQSAC annual update Business Administrator/Board Secretary Mrs. Alonso updated the Board on the status of the Middle School renovations. All HVAC units are functional. Punch list items such as painting and floor patching are ongoing. Preliminary system balancing will be performed after transfer of power takes place. November 4 and 5 are the dates when Rockland Electric will be here to transfer power from our existing transformer to the new transformer. Mrs. Alonso also reported on upcoming events that require her involvement such as the ASSA, DRTRS, FSA and SDA. Finance F1 Moved by Ms. Herries, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education hereby approves transfers as of August 31, 2010 as e-mailed in advance of meeting. F2 Moved by Ms. Herries, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education hereby approves the Board Secretary and Treasurer s report for August 31, 2010 as e-mailed in advance of meeting.
Minutes Regular Meeting October 7, 2010 Page 4 F3 Moved by Ms. Herries, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education hereby certifies pursuant to N.J.A.C., 6:20-2a.10(e) that as of August 31, 2010 after a review of the Secretary s monthly financial reports (appropriations section) 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.6:20-2a10(e) and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district s financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year. F4 Moved by Ms. Herries, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education hereby approves the payroll and employer FICA for the month of September, 2010 in the amount of $236,872.69 as follows: Sept. 15, 2010 $118,493.39 Sept. 30, 2010 $118,379.30 TOTAL $236,872.69 F5 Moved by Ms. Herries, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education hereby approves purchases and receiving documentation in the amount of $353,016.37 for September 30, 2010 as shown on the attached list of bills submitted to the Board of Education. Payments are to be charged against the following fund accounts: (10) General Fund $352,948.45 (20) Special Revenue Funds $.00 (30) Capital Projects Funds $.00 (50) Enterprise Funds $ 67.92 Total $353,016.37 District Operations DO889 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Ms. Herries WHEREAS, the Department of Education requires New Jersey School Districts to submit three-year maintenance plans documenting required maintenance activities for each of its public school facilities, and
Minutes Regular Meeting Oct. 7, 2010 Page 5 WHEREAS, the required maintenance activities as listed in the attached document for the various school facilities of the Alpine School District are consistent with these requirements, and WHEREAS, all past and planned activities are reasonable to keep school facilities open and safe for use or in their original condition and to keep their system warranties valid, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Alpine Board of Education hereby authorizes the school business administrator to submit the attached Comprehensive Maintenance Plan for Alpine in compliance with Department of Education requirements for the 2010-2011 school year. Background: This is an annual requirement of the State. DO890 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Ms. Herries BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education seeks a waiver of the requirements of N.J.A.C. 6A:23A:5.3 (participation in SEMI), based upon reliable evidence that the School District will have 30 or fewer Medicaid eligible classified students during the 2010-2011 school year. DO891 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Ms. Herries BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education hereby approves the Special Education Tuition Agreement with Northern Valley Regional High School (PIE Program) for educational services for student #3092483218 in the amount of $19,451.00 beginning September 1, 2010 and ending June 30, 2011. Background: This is an existing placement.
Minutes Regular Meeting October 7, 2010 Page 6 DO892 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Ms. Herries BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education hereby approves the Special Education Tuition Agreement with Northern Valley Regional High School (Extended PIE Program) for educational services for student #1764996066 in the amount of $2,061.62 beginning September 1, 2010 and ending September 21, 2010. One-on-One Aide is an additional $1,400.00. Background: This is an existing placement. DO893 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Ms. Herries BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education hereby approves the 2 nd reading of the following policies: #2255 Action Planning for State Monitoring NJQSAC New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum #3100 Budget Planning, Preparation and Adoption #3220, 3230 State Funds; Federal Funds DO894 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Ms. Herries BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education hereby approves the following field trips: Oct. 13, 2010 Grade 7 to Medieval Times, Lyndhurst, NJ Oct. 20, 2010 Grade 8 to West Point, Highland Falls, NY Oct. 27, 2010 Grade 7 to Cloisters, Ft. Tryon Park, NY Oct. 28, 2010 Grade 6 to Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY March 24, 2011 Grade 3 to Meadowlands Environmental Center March 29, 2011 Grade 4 to Meadowlands Environmental Center April 27, 2011 Grade 1 to Meadowlands Environmental Center May 31, 2011 Grade 2 to Meadowlands Environmental Center
Minutes Regular Meeting October 7, 2010 Page 7 DO895 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Ms. Herries BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education approves participation in the following Northern Valley Cooperative programs: Program Annual Fee Region III $ 3,210.00 Occupational Therapy/ Physical Therapy $36,200.00 Professional Development $ 2,500.00 IDEA (Flow thru) $ 9,246.00 FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education hereby approves the transfer of all Alpine Board of Education 2010-2011 special education transportation contracts to the Northern Valley Regional High School District for the exclusive purpose of improving the Board s Transportation Efficiency rating in accordance with the requirements of CEIFA (Comprehensive Education Improvement Financing Act). Background: This resolution authorizes participation in various Region III consortiums. DO896 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Ms. Herries BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education approves the date change in DO867 for the ASBO International 96 th Annual Meeting from October 24-27, 2010 to September 24-27, 2010 for Donna Alonso. DO897 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Ms. Herries BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education hereby amends R18 of the May 6, 2010 Reorganization Meeting Agenda to remove Fidelity Investments as a recognized 403(b) provider as of October 1, 2010.
Minutes Regular Meeting October 7, 2010 Page 8 Personnel P304 Moved by Ms. Herries, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education hereby approves the hiring of Remma Martel, 419 Ryeside Avenue, New Milford, NJ 07646 as a substitute teacher for the 2010-2011 school year. P305 Moved by Ms. Herries, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education hereby approves the hiring of Caitlin Tansey, 910 Boulevard, Apt. C, New Milford, NJ 07646 as a substitute teacher for the 2010-2011 school year. P306 Moved by Ms. Herries, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education hereby approves the hiring of Rose Santiago, 191 Hudson Avenue, Norwood, NJ 07648 as a social worker at the hourly rate of $150 and the evaluation rate of $400 for the 2010-2011 school year. P307 Moved by Ms. Herries, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education hereby approves the hiring of Arlene Nuzzi, 121 Madison Street, Little Ferry, NJ 07643 as a new member of the Teacher/Mentor program at the rate of $500 per day not to exceed $5,000 for the 2010-2011 school year. Background: This will be available at the Board Meeting. P308 Moved by Ms. Herries, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education hereby amends P299 to have Rivka Rosenstein and Lisa Wolfelsperger split the $1,526 stipend for the Science Olympiad Club #1 for the fall of the 2010-11 school year. P309 Moved by Ms. Herries, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education hereby approves the hiring of Jennifer West, 155 Weidmann Ct., Old Tappan, NJ 07675 as a full time Special Education Aide for the 2010-11 school year at the rate of $16 per hour effective October 25, 2010.
Minutes Regular Meeting October 7, 2010 Page 9 Old Business - none New Business - none Public Comment Agenda and Non-Agenda Items The Board of Education reserves the right to hold public comment on agenda and nonagenda items, at its discretion, at its regular monthly public meetings. Public comment will be limited to three minutes per person not to exceed 30 minutes. Citizens should give their name and address when recognized to speak. Moved by Mr. Simotas and seconded by Ms. Herries to adjourn the meeting at 8:58 PM. Respectfully submitted: Donna Alonso Board Secretary/Business Administrator