MINUTES ALPINE BOARD OF EDUCATION July 7, 2016 REGULAR MEETING 8:00 P.M. Alpine School Public Library, 500 Hillside Avenue, Alpine, New Jersey 07620 Mr. Simotas called the meeting to order at 8:05 P.M. Mr. Simotas read the following statement: In accordance with the NJ Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice of this meeting was sent to the Record. Notice and the agenda were posted on the municipal and school bulletin boards and notice was filed with the Borough Clerk. Roll Call Mr. Srinivas Dhulipala - present Mrs. Sharon Kurtz - absent Mrs. Kate Martinelli - present Mr. Richard Serko - absent arrived at 8:10 PM Mr. Philip Simotas - present Also present were Interim Superintendent Dr. Richard Brockel, Mr. Daniel Hauser, Business Administrator, Ms. Maureen McCann, Principal and Rivka Rosenstein, Teacher. The Pledge of Allegiance was then recited. Presentation None Public Comment None 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. Mrs. Martinelli asked the Board if the raises were approved at the last meeting since she was absent from the June 2 nd meeting. Mr. Dhulipala responded that the Board approved Dr. Brockel s recommendations in Executive Session. Board President s Report Committee Reports --- None Legislative Report --- None
Minutes Regular Meeting July 7, 2016 Page 2 Communications --- None Administrative Reports Superintendent Fire/Security Drill --- Dr. Brockel advised the Board that the required fire and security drills were performed in June. Violence & Vandalism Report---Dr. Brockel reported that the report that was submitted indicated that we had no incidents at all and it was submitted to the state as required. SOA for School Self-Assessment for Determining Grades under Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act---Dr. Brockel explained to the Board that this is a form that we do ourselves and we rate ourselves in a number of different areas every year including programs, training, curriculum instruction having to do with HIB, other staff instruction, HIB personnel, etc. There is possibility of 78 points and our self-assessment scored 71, which is in a resolution to be approved tonight and it will be sent to the state accordingly. Dr. Brockel reported to the Board that we have a potential special education placement in Utah and there is a difference in cost between whether the school district places the child or the parent places the child. Dr. Brockel explained that we have sent other students to Utah before and had been able to negotiate a settlement. The school in Utah charges $100 more if the school district places the student than if we go into a settlement agreement with the parent. Dr. Brockel wanted to let the Board know that a tuition contract will probably be coming our way in August. There is also a difference of what the school in Utah is asking for, which is 365 days of educational therapy but we are responsible for 180 days of educational costs or 220 days for an extended school year. Business Administrator/Board Secretary Septic Fields --- Mr. Hauser advised the Board that the recycled concrete which was used as fill alongside the new septic tanks was sent for testing in Edison and the results showed there was no contamination. Accordingly, Wiggers is now planning to take 1 1/2 feet of the recycled concrete out, loading in sand and packing down the sand to fill in the voids. Then cloth will be put on top and ¾ stone to fill it level. This should be done in two days next week since the fourth septic tank needs to be put in as well. Then, ML, Inc. will be able to go ahead with the concrete, which could take up to two or three weeks to get it set from when it is scheduled but ML, Inc. is pushing hard to get this completed. Mr. Serko made some suggestion regarding the fill, expansion joints, etc. Elevator --- The permits were taken care of and ML, Inc. will be installing the elevator on Monday, which should take about one week.
Minutes Regular Meeting July 7, 2016 Page 3 Change Orders --- Mr. Hauser advised the Board that ML, Inc. issued two change orders for payment for extended time and management of the project due to delays in construction, which are on the agenda addendum. Change order #34 was due to the changes made a few times in the landscape design in the courtyard, which ended up delaying it to being done during the school year instead of during the summer last year. Not to disrupt the classes going on, we had to have this done on weekends making a one week project a three week project. Change order #35was for work stopped on the front entrance to the auditorium caused by the septic system renovation, elevator permits and the sound system change order for one month. Dr. Brockel advised the Board at the construction meeting this morning that we expressed our chagrin and asked ML, Inc. if they would walk off the job if they did not get payment for these change orders. Mike from ML, Inc. said no but he could not say that his boss wouldn t sue us if we didn t pay something. Mr. Serko suggested these change orders be tabled until they provide itemized backup as to how many men were on the job, how much per hour for how many extra days. Mr. Hauser advised the Board that we are applying for a temporary Certificate of Occupancy targeting August 1 st to get a checklist to see what needs to be finished. There is a potential problem with the new kitchen since the sinks need to be installed. Temporary cabinets have been picked up to be installed while waiting for the final cabinets, which could take four to seven weeks from now. The appliances must be installed. Mr. Serko brought up a safety issue since he had stopped by the school over the weekend to see how things were going and the gate to the construction site was wide open. As a legal issue if a child goes in and gets hurt, there could be a major lawsuit which we have no defense for. Accordingly, the construction men need to open and close the gate when they come and leave, which needs to be adhered to until the end of the project. Technology updates --- Mr. Hauser has been pricing new computers for the Windows Lab as the ones in there are three years old. We will then take those computers and move them into the classrooms to replace 23 of the laptops. The cost is estimated at $24,000 to $25,000, which is already budgeted.
Minutes Regular Meeting July 7, 2016 Page 4 Approval of Minutes Moved by Mr. Dhulipala, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that the Alpine Board of Education, upon recommendation of the Superintendent, hereby approves the minutes of: June 1, 2016 Joint Board Meeting Dinner of the Alpine BOE with Tenafly BOE June 2, 2016 Regular Meeting & Executive Session Via Voice: 3 Ayes 0 Nays 1 Abstained Finance F1 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Mrs. Martinelli BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves transfers as of May 31, 2016 as e-mailed in advance of meeting. F2 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Mrs. Martinelli BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the Secretary and Treasurer s report for May 31, 2016 as e- mailed in advance of meeting. F3 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Mrs. Martinelli BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby certifies pursuant to N.J.A.C., 6:20-2a.10(e) that as of May 31, 2016 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.
Minutes Regular Meeting July 7, 2016 Page 5 F4 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Mrs. Martinelli BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the payroll and employer FICA for the month of June, 2016 in the amount of $319,945.64 as follows: June 15, 2016 $156,751.48 June 30, 2016 $163,194.16 TOTAL $319,945.64 F5 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Mrs. Martinelli BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves purchases and receiving documentation in the amount of $419,910.67 for June 30, 2016 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 $186,421.53 (20) Special Revenue Funds $ 3,631.50 (30) Capital Projects Funds $229,775.00 (50) Enterprise Funds $ 82.64 Total $419,910.67 F6 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Mrs. Martinelli BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves purchases and receiving documentation in the amount of $3,024.00 for June 30, 2016 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 $3,024.00 (20) Special Revenue Funds $.00 (30) Capital Projects Funds $.00 (50) Enterprise Funds $.00 Total $3,024.00
Minutes Regular Meeting July 7, 2016 Page 6 District Operations DO1581 Moved by Mr. Dhulipala, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the Contract for Mental Health Assessments and School Clearances with Bergen County Region III Districts for services from West Bergen Mental Healthcare, Inc., 120 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 for the period July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. DO1582 Moved by Mr. Dhulipala, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the Special Education Tuition Agreement with EPIC for educational services for student #2802779232 in the amount of $72,461.00 beginning July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2017. Background: This is an existing placement for student #2802779232. DO1583 Moved by Mr. Dhulipala, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the attendance of one (1) Alpine student to the Bergen Academy (Hackensack, NJ) campus of the Bergen County Technical schools at a rate of $8,910 per student or $8,910 per annum for the 2016-2017 school year. DO1584 Moved by Mr. Dhulipala, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the HIB ITP under the Anti- Bullying Bill of Rights Act from January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016. Background: Reporting period 2.
Minutes Regular Meeting July 7, 2016 Page 7 DO1585 Moved by Mr. Dhulipala, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the verification of 2015-2016 Annual District Report of Violence and Vandalism from January, 2016 to June, 2016. Background: The data contained in the 2015-2016 Annual District Report has been reviewed and is correct. DO1586 Moved by Mr. Dhulipala, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby agrees to join with Tenafly School District in a consortium for Title III money under the NCLB (No Child Left Behind) in the amount of $967.00 for the 2016-2017 school year. DO1587 Moved by Mr. Dhulipala, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the application for and acceptance of funding under the No Child Left Behind Act for Title I and Title IIA for the school year 2016-2017 as follows: Title IA - $34,122 Title IIA - $ 2,240 Background: This is available for review in the Board Office. DO1588 Moved by Mr. Dhulipala, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the Statement of Assurances for the School Self-Assessment for Determining Grades under the Anti- Bullying Bill of Rights Act (ABR).
Minutes Regular Meeting July 7, 2016 Page 8 DO1589 Moved by Mr. Dhulipala, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the following field trip: 6/15/16 Student Council, Newspaper Club & Merit Point trip to Palisades Center Mall, Nyack, NY DO1590 Moved by Mr. Dhulipala, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby authorize routine travel up to $500 per year for the following individuals for the 2016-2017 school year: Joan Marie O Neill Sheryl Spencer Background A5 legislation requires all travel be approved prior to reimbursement. DO1591 Moved by Mr. Dhulipala, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the registration and travel expense for the following training for Dorian Soares: October 18, 2016 25 th Annual NJAAP School Health Conference, at The Palace at Somerset Park, Somerset, New Jersey Background: Registration $175.00 Travel Expense 55.00 Total $230.00 DO1592 Moved by Mr. Dhulipala, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the Student Handbook for 2016-2017.
Minutes Regular Meeting July 7, 2016 Page 9 DO1593 Moved by Mr. Dhulipala, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the new Science curriculum mandated by the NJDOE for September, 2016. DO1594 Moved by Mr. Dhulipala, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the results and findings of the 2015-2016 District Goals as attached. DO1595 Moved by Mr. Dhulipala, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby certifies the findings of the HIB investigation #1516-02 as reported to the Board on June 2, 2016. DO1596 Moved by Mr. Dhulipala, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the Proposed Change Order #34 from ML, Inc. to Extend Project 30 days due to Landscaping in the Courtyard. TABLED to Aug. 4, 2016 DO1597 Moved by Mr. Dhulipala, seconded by Mr. Serko BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the Proposed Change Order #35 from ML, Inc. to Extend Project 30 days due to Septic System Renovation, & Lack of Elevator Permit. TABLED to Aug. 4, 2016
Minutes Regular Meeting July 7, 2016 Page 10 Personnel P557 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Mrs. Martinelli BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby terminates the employment contract for Andrew Paspalas, a Full-Time Instructional Aide, effective August 15, 2016. Background: 60 days notice was given per Dr. Brockel s letter dated June 16, 2016. P558 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Mrs. Martinelli BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the hiring of Sheryl Spencer, 450 Island Road, #117, Ramsey, New Jersey 07446 as Supervisor of Student Services commencing July 1, 2016 for the 2016-2017 school year at a salary of $106,000.00. P559 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Mrs. Martinelli BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the hiring of Nanci Valente to overlap with Sheryl Spencer as a contracted consultant at her per diem rate of $454.58 for up to 5 days during July and August, 2016 for a total not to exceed $2,272.90. P560 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Mrs. Martinelli BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the hiring of Joan Marie O Neill, 62 Wilkens Drive, Dumont, New Jersey 07628 as Bookkeeper/Payroll commencing July 1, 2016 for the 2016-2017 school year at a salary of $47,000.00.
Minutes Regular Meeting July 7, 2016 Page 11 P561 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Mrs. Martinelli BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the hiring of Gail Quinn, 257 Greenway Terrace, River Edge, New Jersey 07661 as a Full-time Instructional Aide commencing September 1, 2016 for the 2016-2017 school year at a salary of $26,160.00. P562 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Mrs. Martinelli BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby appoints the following staff for the Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular stipends for the 2016-2017 school year: Name Activity Amount Dora Ibelli-Ferrantelli Yearbook, Reflections $1,900 Wendy DeMoya/S. Mulvihill Newspaper $2,281 Suzanne Mulvihill Student Council Advisor $1,271 Lisa Wolfe 6 th Grade Advisor $2,019 K. Jarosh/Kasey Stolba 7 th Grade Advisors $2,019 Stacey Murphy 8 th Grade Advisor $3,290 Marcia Hankle Band Director $6,223 Jon Rohrbeck Boys Basketball Coach $5,447 TBD Girls Basketball Coach $5,447 Jon Rohrbeck Sport Coordinator $1,636 Jon Rohrbeck Golf Coach $2,682 Federico Velazquez Soccer Coach $2,682 Rivka Rosenstein Science Olympiad (grades 6-8) $1,795 Lisa Wolfe Science Olympiad (grades 3-6) $1,795 Rivka Rosenstein Math Counts $1,795 Stephanie Bailey Art Service Club $1,795 Stephanie Bailey Gardening Club $1,795 Dora Ibelli-Ferrantelli Web Design $2,500 Total $48,372
Minutes Regular Meeting July 7, 2016 Page 12 P563 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Mrs. Martinelli BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves a salary increase of 3.5% for the following employees for the 2016-2017 school year: Carolyn Abramson - Aide Jacqueline Collins Lunchroom Aide Marilyn Hayward - Treasurer Francesca Mazzella - Aide Leela Ramsook - Aide Jeanine Saal - Aide John Genardi Substitute Custodian Ed (Patricio) Rosero Substitute Custodian P564 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Mrs. Martinelli BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the employment contracts for the 2016-2017 school year. Susan DePalma Daniel Hauser Philip Lockwood Ruben Menendez Nancy Smith Background: Contracts are available for review in Board Office. P565 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Mrs. Martinelli BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the employment contract for Luann Post from July 1 to July 8, 2016. Background: Contract is available for review in Board Office. P566 Moved by Mr. Serko, seconded by Mrs. Martinelli BE IT RESOLVED that Superintendent, hereby approves the employment contract for Maureen McCann.
Minutes Regular Meeting July 7, 2016 Page 13 Old Business None New Business Discussed earlier during construction issues regarding the gate. Mr. Dhulipala asked when the interview of architects will take place. Dr. Brockel advised the Board that we have our current architects until the reorganization meeting in January but the three architectural firms are ready to come in whenever we can meet with them. The Board agreed to start the interview process in the Fall. We can send out a list of questions to each firm in advance of the meeting at which they will make their presentation to us. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ALPINE BOARD OF EDUCATION that WHEREAS, The Board of Education of Alpine must discuss personnel matters which include non-affiliated employee status; WHEREAS, The aforesaid subject is not an appropriate subject to be discussed in a public meeting; and WHEREAS, The aforesaid subject to be discussed is within the exemptions which are permitted to be discussed and acted upon in private session pursuant to P.L. 1975 Chapter 231; it is therefore, RESOLVED, That the aforesaid subject shall be discussed in private session by this Board at the conclusion of the public segment of this meeting, and information pertaining thereto will be made available to the public if reasons for non-disclosure no longer exist. The public session should reconvene in approximately 15 minutes. Moved by Mr. Serko and seconded by Mrs. Martinelli to move into an Executive Session at 8:48 PM. Moved by Mr. Serko and seconded by Mrs. Martinelli to reconvene to Public Session at 8:56 PM.
Minutes Regular Meeting July 7, 2016 Page 14 Moved by Mr. Dhulipala and seconded by Mr. Serko to adjourn the meeting at 8:58 PM. Respectfully submitted: Daniel Hauser Business Administrator