Board Meeting - June 13, 2023

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Dates: 
Friday, June 9, 2023 - 4:45pm

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

METUCHEN, NEW JERSEY

 

TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2023

 

MEETING AGENDA

of the Metuchen Board of Education

Metuchen High School

400 Grove Avenue

Metuchen, NJ  08840

 

  1. Call to Order

 

  1. Flag Salute

 

  1. Notice of Meeting

 

I hereby make this statement to indicate compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act known as Chapter 231 of the Public Laws of New Jersey, 1975, which became effective 90 days after enactment, January 19, 1976.

 

Notice of this meeting was given by providing the location, time and date of this meeting, and posting of the same on the front door of the Board of Education offices, by delivering copies to the Borough Hall and the Metuchen Public Library, The Home News and Tribune, The Star Ledger, and by filing a copy with the Borough Clerk as prescribed by this law.

 

  1. Roll Call

 

Mr. Benderly

 

Ms. Killean

 

Ms. Cook

 

Mr. Lifton

 

Mr. Derflinger

 

Mr. Solasky

 

Mr. Glassberg

 

Dr. Spigner

 

Dr. Johnson-Marcus

 

Mr. Suss

 

 

  1. Showcase of Success

 

    2022-2023 Student Advisory Board Q&A

 

Derek Hall - 3rd Grade

Alex Hermans - 4th Grade

Ayomi Cole - 5th Grade

Drew Chonka - 6th Grade

Sama Samim - 7th Grade

Eashaan Bhattacharyya - 8th Grade

Sydney Gordesky - 9th Grade

Danny Galligan - 10th Grade

Kyle Rutter - 11th Grade

Maggie Rivera - 11th Grade

Keira Dowd - 12th Grade

Raghav Potdar - 12th Grade








 

    Sports Champions

 

MHS Boys Golf Team

 

GMC Champions 

Sectional Champions

State Champions

 

Christopher Ahn

Shawn Ahn

Jacob Blom

Aaron Grubman

Jakob Krombholz

Luke Krombholz

Jacob Leber

 

MHS Girls Track and Field

 

GMC Champion 

1600m and 3200m

Red Division Champion 1600m

Gianna Hernandez 

 

Red Division Champion

400m

Marina Armour

 

Red Division Champion

800m

Maggie Rivera

 

MHS Boys Track and Field

 

Red Division Champion

3200m

Alex Patelski

 

  1. Meeting Open to the Public (for any topic)

 

  1. Presentations 

 

  1. Reports

  • President’s Report

  • Superintendent's Report

  • Committee Reports

  • Student Board Member Report

 

  1. Old Business

 

  1. New Business

 

  1. Approval of Minutes of the Board of Education Meetings

 

May 23, 2023

  Special Business Meeting (1)

May 23, 2023

  Special Business Meeting (2)

May 23, 2023

  Board Meeting

 

  1. Meeting Open to the Public (for any topic)




 

  1. Recommendations of the Superintendent of Schools

(at this time the Board will take formal action on the following items – see attachments)

Often times it may appear to members of our audience that the Board of Education takes action with very little comment and in many cases a unanimous vote. Before a matter is placed on the agenda at a public meeting, the administration has thoroughly reviewed the matter with the Superintendent of Schools. If the Superintendent is satisfied that the matter is ready to be presented to the Board of Education, it is then referred to the appropriate board committee. The members of the board committee work with administration and the Superintendent to assure that the members fully understand the matter. When the committee is satisfied with the matter, it is presented to the Board of Education for discussion before any final action is taken. Only then, is it placed on the agenda for action at a public meeting.

 

  1. PERSONNEL

Motion/Second/Comments/Roll Call

 

  1. Family Leave of Absence - Certificated Staff

Move to approve the family leave of absence of John Flynn, Music Teacher at Campbell School and Metuchen High School, effective September 5, 2023 through approximately November 26, 2023.

 

2.    Medical Leave of Absence - Extension

    Move to approve the extension of the medical leave of absence of Jo-Ann Rice, Secretary at Edgar School, through approximately June 30, 2023 (Agenda 5/9/23, Section 13 A2).

 

3.    Appointment – Additional Event Staff

    Move to approve the following additional Event Staff for the 2022-2023 school year (Agenda 8/9/22, Section 13 A13):

 

Anais Ortega

Alexa Baird

Samantha Rubin

Ryan Clapp

Lindsay Nalepa

Marilyn Levine

William Latta

William Ortman

 

4.    Appointment – Re-Registration Support Staff

    Move to approve the following support staff to work the Re-Registration sessions for incoming 5th and 9th grade families, effective June 29, 2023 through approximately August 19, 2023, at their hourly rates, not to exceed 26 hours per support staff member. 

 

Teri Coleman

Pam Hatzlhoffer 

Kate Eosso

Carolyn Taylor

Patricia Hallas

 

 

5.    Salary Adjustment – Certificated Staff

    Move to approve a change in base salary for Scott Delaney, Campbell School Teacher, from Step 1G, $60,200/year, to Step 2G, $61,705*/year, as a result of his 30 additional credits (BA+30), effective July 1, 2023.

 

*salary may be adjusted based on new MEA contract 

 

6.    Clubs and Co-Curricular Activities - Revision

    Move to rescind the following co-curricular stipend for the 2022-2023 school year as listed (Agenda 8/23/22, Section 13 A14):

 

Edgar School

   

Advisor

Club

2022-2023 stipend

Rescind:

Linda Garfinkel

 

French Club

 

$1,323

 

7.    Resignation - Paraprofessional

    Move to accept the resignation of Michael Small, Paraprofessional at Campbell School, effective June 30, 2023.

 

8.    Maternity Leave of Absence - Certificated Staff

    Move to approve the maternity leave of absence of Emily Peluso, Speech Therapist at Moss School, effective approximately October 10, 2023 through approximately June 30, 2024.

 

9.    Medical Leave of Absence - Extension

    Move to approve the extension of the medical leave of absence of Christine Lacaskey, Paraprofessional at Campbell School, through June 30, 2023 (Agenda 4/25/23, Section 13 A7).

 

10.    Resignation - Certificated Staff

    Move to accept the resignation of Nicole Kogan, Preschool Teacher at Moss School, effective August 10, 2023. 

 

11.    Formal Mentor Teacher Assignments

    Move to approve the following additional formal mentor assignments for the 2022-2023 school year (Agenda 8/9/22, Section 13 A20):

 

New Teacher

School

Mentors

Payment – Traditional Route $550/year

Shannon Desch

EMS

Deborah Brown

Melanie Gilbert

Lindsay Kaye

Jennifer Muller

2 months @ $68.75/month

1 month @ $68.75/month

1 month @ $68.75/month

1 month @ $68.75/month

 

12.    Resignation - Certificated Staff

    Move to accept the resignation of Melanie Gilbert, PE/Health teacher at Edgar Middle School, effective June 30, 2023. 

 

13.    Appointment - Certificated Staff 

    Move to approve the appointment of Jennifer Stranz, Math Teacher at Metuchen High School, for the 2023-2024 school year, at a salary of $71,610, Step 3I*, effective August 30, 2023 through June 30, 2024. (*salary may be adjusted upon the settlement of the new contract).

    

14.    Reappointment - Tenured Teachers

    Move to approve the reappointment of the following as tenured teachers for the 2023-2024 school year, as shown on the attachment. 

15.    Reappointment - Tenured Principals/Assistant Principals 

    Move to approve the reappointment of the following tenured Principals/Assistant  Principals for the 2023-2024 school year, effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 at the annual salaries as follows:

 

Name 

Position 

Salary

Edward Porowski

MHS Principal

$163,170*

Brian Stike 

MHS Assistant Principal 

  $130,751*

Brooke Kirschner 

CES Assistant Principal 

$134,902*

Suzy Azevedo

EMS Principal

$141,482*

Neyda Evans

EMS Assistant Principal

$130,383*

 

*salary may be adjusted upon the settlement of the new contract

 

16.    Reappointment – Tenured Supervisors

    Move to approve the reappointment of the following tenured supervisors for the 2023-2024 school year, effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 at the annual salaries as follows: 

 

Name 

Position 

Salary

John Cathcart 

Supervisor 

$161,088*

Kathleen Henn

Supervisor

$131,176*

 

*salary may be adjusted upon the settlement of the new contract

 

17.    Retirement - Supervisor

    Move to accept, with regret, the retirement of Kathleen Henn, Metuchen School District Supervisor, effective September 1, 2023. 

 

18.    Coaches – Metuchen High School and Edgar Middle School Fall 2023

    Move to approve the following Metuchen High School and Edgar Middle School coaches for the Fall 2023 school sports season as shown on the attached list.

 

19.    Coaches – Metuchen High School and Edgar Middles School Winter 2023- 2024

    Move to approve the following Metuchen High School and Edgar Middle School  coaches for the Winter 2023-2024 school sports season as shown on the attached list. 

 

20.    Coaches – Metuchen High School and Edgar Middle School Spring 2024

    Move to approve the following Metuchen High School and Edgar Middle School  coaches for the Spring 2024 school sports season as shown on the attached list. 

 

21.    MHS Weight Room Supervisors

    Move to approve the following as weight room supervisors for the 2023-2024  school year, effective July 1, 2023, at the rate of $25*/hour, as needed: 

 

Nick Zaneto 

Molly Yelencsics

Bob Ulmer

Marcus Farris**

Joseph Migacz**

Joe Keagle 

Hannah Thomas**

James Cardillo**

Mike Knoth**

 

Joelle Williams**

Jordan Leitner 

Julie Youngman

Mark Mooney

 

 

**adjunct coach (not a member of district staff) 

*salary may be adjusted upon the settlement of the new contract

22.    Registered Behavioral Technician Training

Approve Ben Hohmann and Donna McLaren to be paid at their hourly rates to complete Registered Behavioral Technician training, not to exceed 45 hours each.

 

23.    Instructional Stipends

    Move to approve the following teachers for an instructional stipend, prorated, for 1:1 IEP student work, effective March 27, 2023 through June 20, 2023. 

 

Name

School

Assignment

2022-2023 Stipend

Aubree Deminski

MHS

1:1 IEP student work

$7,724, prorated

Sarah Karger

MHS

1:1 IEP student work

$7,724, prorated

 

24.    Appointment - Certificated Staff 

    Move to approve the appointment of Nadia Salzer, Spanish Teacher at Campbell School, for the 2023-2024 school year, at a salary of $55,000, Step 1C*, effective August 30, 2023 through June 30, 2024. (*salary may be adjusted upon the settlement of the new contract).

 

25.    Additional Appointments of the Zone Staff

    Move to approve the following additional Zone Staff for the 22-23 school year (Agenda 8/29/22, Section 13 A29):

 

Mentors:

Name

Hourly Rate

Savanna Rodriguez

$15

 

----------------------------end of personnel section--------------------------

 

  1. FINANCE

Motion/Second/Comments/Roll Call

 

1.    Nonpublic Security Aid

    Move to approve the following nonpublic security aid for the 2022-2023 school year. These expenditures are required for the district to fulfill certain legal obligations under state legislation to administer federal or state funds provided to nonpublic schools within our jurisdiction.

 

School

Vendor

QTY

Item #

Description

Price

Total

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

29

642 - Lenel S2 – LNL-R10330-05TB

BlueDiamond Mobile Ready: Mini-Mullion Reader

$178.50

$5,176.50

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

50

658 – Lenel S2 – LNL-EV22KPPDFOB

DESFire EV2 Keyfob 2K 13.56MHZ – pre-programmed w/diversified key for BlueDiamon readers

$5.12

$256.00

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

4

1702 – Lenel S2 – S2-MR52-s3

Reader Interface Module2 Readers 8 Inputs, 6 Outputs

$591.12

$2,364.48

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

2

503 - Lenel S2-LNL-OLS120ACTXP2

4.0 A Power Supply w/Enclosure (see attached)

$381.60

$763.20

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

2

504 – Lenel-LNL-MOM-5

Multi-output power supply interface

$50.40

$100.80

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

2

2519 – Bosch D126

12V, 7AH Battery

$27.21

$54.42

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

6

2170 – HES 9600-630

9600Series Surface Mnt Electric Strike No Monitoring

$364.80

$2,188.80

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

1

2382 – MM15

12/24VDC Electromechanical Magnalock

$416.50

$416.50

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

2

2386 – TS-14

Round Green Push Button “PUSH TO EXIT”

$268.80

$537.60

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

1

2729 - Bosch DS160

PIR Request to exit sensor w/sounder

$80.56

$80.56

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

2

2775 – ISN-CMENT-4418

Metal Door Contact

$16.42

$32.84

St. Francis Cathedral School

Ope Systems Integrators Inc.

1

5496 – Airphone JPS-4AEDV

JP Series Video Intercom Box Set

$1,910.88

$1,910.88

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

1

5486 – AirphoneJP-4HD

JP Series Video Intercom Sub Station

$1,146.24

$1,146.24

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

1

5490 – Airphone JP-DV

JP Series Video Intercom Door Station

$312.48

$312.48

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

1

5488 - Airphone JP-8Z

Distribution Adaptor

$213.12

$213.12

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

1

5594 - Airphone PS-242OUL

24V DC Power Supply

$129.60

$129.60

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

1

5599-RY-3DL

Door Release Adaptor

$103.68

$103.68

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

1

52650-Airphone 871802P10C

2 Conductor,18AWG,SolidFEP insulated, Plenum Rated Wire,1000”

$768.96

$768.96

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

3

7078 – AC251822B3PGN10

Access control cable plenum

$1,651.48

$4,954.44

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

1

7060 – 254245EZBK1000

Cat5e plenum cable

$405.18

$405.18

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

10

8372 – RAC192

Double gang electrical box

$2.02

$20.20

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

10

8377 – EMT075

¾ “ EMT

$151.58

$1,515.80

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

2

8380 – FITTWCOCN075

¾” EMT Connector

$0.58

$1.16

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

5

8386 – FITTWST075

¾” EMT Strap

$16.52

$82.60

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

30

8340 – CADCAT32

J-Hook

$7.74

$232.20

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

 

Project Mgmt Labor

16 Hours

$157.00

$2,512.00

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

 

Network Engineering Labor

16 Hours

$162.00

$2,592.00

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

 

Foreman Electrician Install Labor

80 Hours

$155.18

$12,414.40

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

 

Journeyman Electric Install Labor

80 Hours

$132.64

$10,611.20

St. Francis Cathedral School

Open Systems Integrators Inc.

 

Field Technician Labor

8 Hours

$152.00

$1,216.00

 

2.    Professional Development

Move to approve the following professional development activities as shown on the following chart: 

 

Start Date

End Date

Activity Title

Name

Building

Approved

Payment

FFPI Proposal #

6/5/

2023

6/5/

2023

Union Management Collaboration

Robbins, Evan

MHS

0

No cost

 

6/5/

2023

6/5/

2023

Inter-District Meeting - June 5

Fitzgibbon, David

CES

0

No cost

 

6/5/

2023

6/5/

2023

Rutgers Collaborative School Leadership Initiative - Inter District Meeting

Schlavis, William

MHS

0

No cost

 

6/5/

2023

6/19/

2023

EDUC 6925.81 Early Literacy Intervention

Anderson, Julie

CES

$850

Other

 

6/26/

2023

6/30/

2023

The Educator Summit Summer 2023

Spring, Christina

CES

$40

FFPI

23-145

7/3/

2023

7/7/

2023

Spanish Language for Teachers

Smith, Audra

EMS

$757

FFPI

24-002

7/6/

2023

7/6/

2023

The Brain and Reading

Smith, Rebecca

CES

$45

FFPI

24-009

7/10/

2023

7/13/

2023

Advanced Placement Institute: AP Physics I (Training)

Klee, Martin

MHS

$1,275

Other

 

7/10/

2023

7/14/

2023

Comprehensive Orton Gillingham Plus Virtual

Reyes, Adrianna

CES

$1,500

Other

 

7/24/

2023

7/24/

2023

Orton Gillingham Revisited

Smith, Rebecca

CES

$45

FFPI

24-010

10/6/

2023

10/6/

2023

Muslims, Christians, and Jews: Interactions Past and Present

Blaze, Kerry

MHS

 

$35

FFPI

24-003

11/17/

2023

11/17/

2023

Gender, Sexuality, and Colonialisms

Blaze, Kerry

MHS

$35

FFPI

24-004

12/8/

2023

12/8/

2023

"The World of Henry VIII: Understanding the Tudors"

Blaze, Kerry

MHS

$35

FFPI

24-005

3/1/

2024

3/1/

2024

"New Histories of the American Soldier during WWII"

Blaze, Kerry

MHS

$35

FFPI

24-006

4/12/

2024

4/12/

2024

"The Historical Roots of Islamophobia"

Blaze, Kerry

MHS

$35

FFPI

24-007

4/26/

2024

4/26/

2024

"The Other Italian Renaissance"

Blaze, Kerry

MHS

$35

FFPI

24-008

 

3.    Reading and Writing Intervention

Move to approve Judith Shapiro to provide professional development in reading and writing intervention  at $250/hour, IDEA grant funded.

 

----------------------------end of finance section--------------------------

 

  1. POLICY

Motion/Second/Comments/Roll Call-

    

1.    Suspensions

The Board hereby acknowledges receipt of the suspension report summary for May 22, 2023 - June 9, 2023.

 

2.    Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

    Move to affirm the findings of the previously reported cases:

 

  • METHS042123001

  • EMS050923001

3.    First Reading of Policies and Regulations 

    Move to approve the first readings of the following policies and regulations:

 

❖P 0144    Board Member Orientation and Training 

❖P & R 2520    Instructional Supplies (M)  

❖P 3217    Use of Corporal Punishment 

❖P 4217    Use of Corporal Punishment (New)

❖P 5305        Health Services Personnel (M)  

❖P & R 5308        Student Health Records (M)  

❖P & R 5310        Health Services (M)  

❖P 6112        Reimbursement of Federal and Other Grant 

  Expenditures (M)  

❖R 6115.01        Federal Awards/Funds Internal Controls – Allowability

  of Costs (M)  (New)

❖P 6115.04        Federal Funds – Duplication of Benefits (M)  (New)

❖P 6311        Contracts for Goods or Services Funded by Federal

  Grants (M)  

❖P 7440        School District Security (M)  

❖P 9100        Public Relations  (Abolished)

❖P 9140        Citizens Advisory Committees  

❖R 9140        Citizens Advisory Committee (M)  (Abolished)

 

----------------------------end of policy section--------------------------

  1. CURRICULUM

Motion/Second/Comments/Roll Call

 

1.    Student Observers

    Move to approve the following teachers to serve as facilitators for the MHS SEL Mentor Program for the 2023-2024 school year, not to exceed 20 hours each at the contractual rate of $48 per hour. To be paid from the Title IV federal grant. 

 

Name

School

Teacher

Antonio Guzman

Campbell

Margie Thomas

Spencer White

Campbell

Margie Thomas

Dan Howells

Campbell

Margie Thomas

 

2.     Field Trips

Move to approve the following Student Observers in our school district for the 2023 Fall Semester: 

School

Destination

Class/Group/

Purpose

Teachers/

Advisors

Date(s)

No. Of Students

Board Cost- Transportation

Number of

Subs Needed. 

MHS

Medieval Times

Grades 9-12; Students did fundraising throughout the year(soap sale) for this trip. CRP1 Act as a responsible and contributing citizen and employee CRP4 Communicate clearly and effectively and with reason CRP5 Consider the environmental, social and economic impacts of decision 

Dawn Valovcin Christina Dybas Michelle Schutz 

Joe Dimeglio Jordan Leitner Marilyn Levine 

Mike Molfetto Jesse's nurse

6/13/

2023

9

$110

MHS

MHS

Rowan University

Grades 9-12; As a prize for winning the 2023 Rowan String Festival, the MHS Chamber Orchestra has been invited back to Rowan University to perform at a Rowan University Orchestra Concert. They will perform a piece of music at the beginning of the concert, then will combine with the Rowan University Symphonic Orchestra on a large orchestral master work.

Christopher

McEwan

10/24/

2023

20

$200

MHS

 

3.    2023 Curriculum Summer Writing

    Move to approve the following curriculum writers and amounts for 2023 Summer:

 

Writer

Subject

Grade

Rate

Janelle Fisher

ESL

K

$1000

Adrianna Reyes

ESL

1-2 and 3-4

$1000 each

Ellen Park 

ESL

5-8 and 9-12

$1000 each

 

----------------------------end of curriculum section--------------------------

 

  1. Meeting Open to Public (for any topic)

 

  1. Announcements

 

  1. Motion to Go Into Executive Session (when applicable)

 

Resolution to Close Meeting

 

BE IT RESOLVED, pursuant to the Sunshine Act, N.J.S. 10:4-12 and 13, that the Board of Education will now meet in executive session to discuss _____________________________________ and that matters discussed will be disclosed to the public as soon as the reason for confidentiality no longer exist.

 

  1. Adjournment

Groups audience: