March 19, 2024 at 7:00 PM - Regular Meeting
| Agenda |
|---|
|
1. NOTIFICATION OF MEETING
Welcome to a public meeting of the Alexandria Township Public Schools under the Open Public Meetings Act of 1975, also known as the “Sunshine Law.” The District hopes that you will find this meeting informative and instructive, and that citizens are afforded an opportunity to better understand and appreciate the District’s operation and functions. Under the Sunshine Law, the District must provide notice of all open meetings to allow citizens to attend and observe the deliberations of the District. This meeting was properly advertised according to the Open Public Meeting Act (P.L. 1975:31) in the Hunterdon Democrat on February 29, 2024, to begin at 7:00 PM at the Alexandria Middle School Media Center, 557 County Road 513, Pittstown, NJ. |
|
2. ROLL CALL
April Abelman Renee Bagley Caterina Dobak Eric Joseph Marybeth Madlinger Marci Nardone Wanda Quinones Michael Small Doug Walker |
|
3. FLAG SALUTE
|
|
4. PRESENTATIONS
|
|
5. CORRESPONDENCE
Email from K. Carven Email from N. Vencel |
|
6. BOARD PRESIDENT'S REPORT
|
|
7. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
|
|
7.A. Bullying / Suspensions (see details attached)
|
|
8. SCHOOL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR/BOARD SECRETARY'S REPORT
Discussion of preliminary 24-25 school budget |
|
9. COMMITTEE REPORTS
School Safety Committee |
|
10. PUBLIC INPUT - (Agenda Items Only)
The Alexandria Township Board of Education recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of allowing members of the public to express themselves on school matters. Public participation at board meetings is intended to allow individuals of the public to address the Board on issues of public concern, and is not intended as a forum for extended conversation or two-way dialogue with the Board members and/or District officials. The Board has set aside a specific section of the agenda, titled Board Discussion of Public Comments, whereby the Board can discuss the public comment topics in open session. Thus, the Board shall set aside two twenty-minute periods for public comment at each meeting. In order to permit the fair and orderly expression of such comments, public participation shall be governed by the following rules:
The Board President is responsible for maintaining a respectful environment during public participation, so that public comments can be heard and considered by the Board. The President, therefore, may interrupt or terminate any individual’s speaking privilege if the speaker’s comments are excessively loud, disruptive, obscene, or otherwise in violation of applicable law. Further, an individual may be cautioned that a personally directed statement may be slanderous or defaming and that the individual may be liable for his/her statement. Examples of unacceptable behavior that will not be permitted include, but are not limited to: naming District employees and engaging in personal attacks, racial slurs, excessive loudness, calling out, yelling, generally disruptive behavior, attempting to disrupt the meeting or inciting others to do the same. Any disregard for the rules of decorum stated above will not be tolerated and may subject the individual or group to removal from the meeting. If necessary, the board meeting will be adjourned temporarily or until the next scheduled meeting. |
|
11. BOARD DISCUSSION OF PUBLIC COMMENTS
|
|
12. OLD BUSINESS
0171 - Duties of President and Vice President |
|
13. NEW BUSINESS
Policy 0142 - Board Member Qualifications, Prohibited Acts and Code of Ethics Zoll Medical AED and Portable Interactive First Aid Kits Referendum Ideas for November ballot question Fencing |
|
14. APPROVE PRELIMINARY 2024-2025 SCHOOL BUDGET
Tentative Budget Resolutions For Submission to the Executive County Superintendent Adopt the Tentative Budget Alexandria Township School Adoption of the Tentative Budget for School Year 2024-2025 BE IT RESOLVED that the tentative budget be approved for the 2024-2025 school year using the 2024-2025 state aid figures and the Secretary to the Board of Education be authorized to submit to the Executive County Superintendent for approval in accordance with N.J.S.A.18A:7F-5 and 18A:7F-6: General Special Debt Fund Revenues Service Total 2024-2025 Total Expenditures Less: Anticipated Revenues Taxes to be Raised And, to advertise said tentative budget in the Star Ledger in accordance with the form suggested by the New Jersey Department of Education and according to law; AND a public hearing on the budget for the 2024-2025 school year will be held at Alexandria Township School on April 25, 2024 at 7:00 PM Adjustment Options Adjustment for Banked Cap: $0 BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education includes in the tentative budget the adjustment for banked cap in the amount of $0. In accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-10.3(b), the district has fully exhausted all eligible statutory spending authority. The adjustment will be used to/for [state specific purpose(s)]. The Board of Education will complete this by June 30, 2025 and acknowledges that it cannot be deferred or incrementally completed over a longer period of time. Maximum Travel Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-7.3, a board of education must establish a maximum dollar limit for travel expenditure, as defined in N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-7.1 et seq., BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education includes in the tentative budget a maximum travel expenditure in the amount of $15,000.00 for the 2024-2025 school year. The maximum travel expenditure amount for the 2023-2024 is $14,200.00, of which, $1,136.00 has been spent and $13,064.00 is encumbered to date. Travel and Related Expense Reimbursement The Board of Education recognizes school staff and Board members will incur travel expenses related to and within the scope of their current responsibilities and for travel that promotes the delivery of instruction or furthers the efficient operation of the school district; AND, N.J.A.C. 6A:23A Subchapter 7 requires Board members to receive approval of these expenses by a majority of the full voting membership of the Board and staff members to receive prior approval of these expenses by the Superintendent of Schools and a majority of the full voting membership of the Board; AND, a board of education may establish, for regular district business travel only, an annual school year threshold of $150 per staff member where prior Board approval shall not be required unless this annual threshold for a staff member is exceeded in a given school year (July 1 through June 30); AND, travel and related expenses not in compliance with N.J.A.C. 6A:23A Subchapter 7 but deemed by the board of education to be necessary and unavoidable as noted on the approved Board of Education Out of District Travel and Reimbursement Forms; BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves all travel not in compliance with N.J.A.C. 6A:23A Subchapter 7 as being necessary and unavoidable as noted on the approved Board of Education Out of District Travel and Reimbursement Forms; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Education includes in the tentative budget travel and related expense reimbursements in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:23A Subchapter 7, to a maximum expenditure of $80,000.00 for all staff and board members for the 2024-2025 school year. The School Business Administrator/Board Secretary shall track and record these costs to ensure that the maximum amount is not exceeded. Capital Reserve Capital Reserve Account Withdrawal: $595,260 BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education includes in the budget a capital reserve withdrawal in the amount of $595,260 for:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education includes in the general fund appropriations $00.00 for deposit into the Board of Education’s approved Capital Reserve Account for future funding. Maintenance Reserve Maintenance Reserve Account Withdrawal: $605,000 BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education includes in the budget a maintenance reserve withdrawal in the amount of $605,000 from Maintenance Reserve _____________ and from excess surplus _________for the purpose of: Locker replacements - $150,000 Old Gym Boys & Girls Bathroom Plumbing - $75,000 Alexandria School Canopy Repair - $85,000 Terrazzo Tile repair - $20,000 Replace Kitchen Exhaust Fan - $125,000 Repair of Exterior Doors - $50,000 Concrete Walkway Repair - $100,000 ROLL CALL VOTE: Abelman____Bagley____Dobak____Joseph____Madlinger____Nardone____Quinones____Small____Walker____ |
|
15. APPROVE STATE AID for the 2024-2025 (FY25) SCHOOL YEAR
RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Alexandria Township Board of Education accept the FY25 State Aid in the amount of : Equalization Aid: $130,751 School Choice Aid: $186414 Transportation Aid: $193,439 Special Education Categorical Aid: $468,512 Security Aid: $42,678 Total Aid: $1,021,794 |
|
16. CONSENT AGENDA
Motion made by __________, seconded by __________, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that the Alexandria Township Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda as follows: ROLL CALL VOTE: Abelman____Bagley____Dobak____Joseph____Madlinger____Nardone____Quinones____Small____Walker____ |
|
16.A. Finance
|
|
16.A.1) Financial Reports
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that the Board approve the transfers for the months ending January 31, 2024 as submitted by the Superintendent, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:22-8-2. to accept the monthly financial reports of the Board Secretary and the Treasurer of School Moneys for the month ending January 31, 2024 and in compliance with N.J.A.C.6:20-2.13(3) that the Board of Education certify that no major account or fund has been overexpended and that as of this report sufficient funds are available to meet the District's financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year. Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that the Board accept the certification of the School Business Administrator, as required by N.J.A.C.6:20-2.13(D), that no line item account has been over expended as of January 31, 2024, and that as of this date sufficient funds are available to meet the District's financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year. |
|
16.A.2) Bill List
Resolved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent the Alexandria Township Board of Ed approve the following Bill List: February 21, 2024 - March 18, 2024 Check # A12025 - A12094 Check # B241 - B247 Total - $1,152,212.88 |
|
16.B. Policy
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the 2nd reading of the following policies: 0164 - Conduct of Board Meetings - eliminate "Correspondence" 0168 - Recording of Board Meetings - eliminate "The Board Secretary shall make an audio tape of each meeting. The recording shall be permanently preserved as a governmental record in accordance with the Open Public Records Act." |
|
16.C. Approval of Minutes
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Alexandria Township Board of Education approves the following meeting minutes: Meeting Minutes February 22, 2024 Executive Session Minutes February 22, 2024 Meeting Minutes March 7, 2024 Executive Session Minutes March 7, 2024 |
|
16.D. Travel and Related Expenses Reimbursed
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of the Alexandria Township Board of Education approves the attached list of requests for employee/Board Member travel in accordance with the School District Accountability Act. Only overnight stays are eligible for meal reimbursement. Mileage, meals, and lodging reimbursements shall be in accordance with NJ Statute, Code, and NJ Department of Treasury Guidelines. OMB Mileage Reimbursement Rate is $0.35. |
|
16.E. Personnel
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent the Alexandria Township Board of Education approves the following: |
|
16.E.1) Long Term Substitute Nurse
Motion to approve Christina Stoffers as Long Term Substitute Nurse, from March 11, 2024 to April 19, 2024 at the rate of $185/day, pending completion of the necessary documentation. |
|
16.E.2) Part-time Custodian
Motion to approve Zoraida Ramos de Garcia as part-time Custodian beginning March 7, 2024 at a rate of $18.00/hour, not to exceed 29 hours/week. |
|
16.E.3) Leave Replacement Teacher
Motion to approve Tara Werner as Leave Replacement Teacher from March 25, 2024 until June 12, 2024 at a salary of 1-BA $60,455, prorated. |
|
16.E.4) Leave of Absence
Motion to approve employee #ST243 for a Leave of Absence beginning on March 5, 2024. |
|
16.E.5) Baseball Coaches
Motion to approve Lance Miller, Erik Fransen and Jim Kramer as volunteer baseball coaches for the spring season. |
|
16.F. Finance and Facilities
|
|
16.F.1) Payment Applications
Motion to approve the following Payment Applications: Preferred Mechanical - Pay App #21, $39,453.50 Preferred Mechanical - Pay App #22, $61,750.00 DC Systems - Pay App #18, $25,258.17 Preferred Plumbing - Pay App # 21, $3,850.35 |
|
16.F.2) Change Orders:
Motion to approve the following change orders: Preferred Mechanical - Change Order # M-2, $5,477.00 - remove existing unusable condensate pipe, install new condensate pipe to align with new HVAC equipment Preferred Plumbing - Change Order # P-3, 9,496.00 - disconnect and reconnect kitchen plumbing to install floor sinks and floor tile; furnish and install bottle fill station |
|
16.F.3) School Health Insurance Fund (SHIF)
WHEREAS, a number of school boards in the State of New Jersey have joined together to form the SCHOOLS HEALTH INSURANCE FUND hereafter referred to as "SHIF", as permitted N.J.S.A. 18A:18B-1 et seq., and; WHEREAS, the SHIF has received approval by the Commissioner of the Department of Banking and Insurance on August 10, 2015; WHEREAS, the statutes and regulations governing the creation and operation of a joint insurance fund, contain certain elaborate restrictions and safeguards concerning the safe and efficient administration of the public interest entrusted to such a school board joint insurance fund; WHEREAS, the governing body of Alexandria Township Board of Education, hereinafter referred to as "SCHOOL BOARD" has determined that membership in the SHIF is in the best interest of said SCHOOL BOARD. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the governing body of the SCHOOL BOARD hereby agrees as follows: i. SCHOOL BOARD shall become a member of the SHIF for the period outlined in the SCHOOL BOARD's Indemnity and Trust Agreement. ii. SCHOOL BOARD will participate in the following type (s) of coverage (s): a.) Health Insurance as defined pursuant to N.J.S.A. 17B:17-4, the SHIF's Bylaws, and the SHIF’s Plan of Risk Management. iii. SCHOOL BOARD accepts and approves the SHIF's Bylaws and agrees to be bound by the terms thereof. iv. SCHOOL BOARD shall execute an application for membership and any accompanying certifications. v. SCHOOL BOARD agrees to commit to the four principles of the SHIF which are: a.) A long term philosophy on rates. b.) A willingness to work with bargaining units to achieve plan design changes. c.) Professional management with stability and commitment. d.) Rating structure based on actuarial numbers. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the governing body of the SCHOOL BOARD is authorized and directed to execute the Indemnity and Trust Agreement and such other documents signifying membership in the SHIF as required by the SHIF's Bylaws, and to deliver these documents to the SHIF's Executive Director with the express reservation that these documents shall become effective only upon: i. Approval of the SCHOOL BOARD by the SHIF. ii. Receipt by the SHIF of a Resolution from the SCHOOL BOARD accepting SCHOOL BOARD’s SHIF assessment. iii. Approval by the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance of SCHOOL BOARD as a member of the SHIF. |
|
16.F.4) ATS Lacrosse Teams
Motion to approve students from Kingwood Township School and Holland Township School to participate in Alexandria Township's Girls and Boys Lacrosse programs. |
|
16.F.5) ATS Softball Team
Motion to approve Alexandria Township School's Softball Team to participate in Kingwood Township School's Softball program. |
|
16.F.6) Entrance Columns
Motion to approve the Proposal for Professional Services for Entrance Columns Investigation at Alexandria Township School. |
|
16.G. Education
|
|
16.H. Alexandria Township Education Foundation (ATEF)
Resolved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board accept the following ATEF Grant: Grant 2024-07: Maker's Day at ATS, J. Romanella, N., Spayd, S. Grossmann, K. Nemeth, $1200.00 |
|
16.I. Phoenix Advisors, LLC.
Resolved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve a contract with Phoenix Advisors, LLC as Alexandria Township BOE Registered Municipal Advisors and Continuing Disclosure Services for the 2024-25 school year. |
|
17. PUBLIC INPUT
The Alexandria Township Board of Education recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of allowing members of the public to express themselves on school matters. Public participation at board meetings is intended to allow individuals of the public to address the Board on issues of public concern, and is not intended as a forum for extended conversation or two-way dialogue with the Board members and/or District officials. The Board has set aside a specific section of the agenda, titled Board Discussion of Public Comments, whereby the Board can discuss the public comment topics in open session. Thus, the Board shall set aside two twenty-minute periods for public comment at each meeting. In order to permit the fair and orderly expression of such comments, public participation shall be governed by the following rules:
The Board President is responsible for maintaining a respectful environment during public participation, so that public comments can be heard and considered by the Board. The President, therefore, may interrupt or terminate any individual’s speaking privilege if the speaker’s comments are excessively loud, disruptive, obscene, or otherwise in violation of applicable law. Further, an individual may be cautioned that a personally directed statement may be slanderous or defaming and that the individual may be liable for his/her statement. Examples of unacceptable behavior that will not be permitted include, but are not limited to: naming District employees and engaging in personal attacks, racial slurs, excessive loudness, calling out, yelling, generally disruptive behavior, attempting to disrupt the meeting or inciting others to do the same. Any disregard for the rules of decorum stated above will not be tolerated and may subject the individual or group to removal from the meeting. If necessary, the board meeting will be adjourned temporarily or until the next scheduled meeting. |
|
18. BOARD DISCUSSION OF PUBLIC COMMENTS
|
|
19. EXECUTIVE SESSION
WHEREAS the "Open Public Meetings Act" (Chapter 231 Laws of 1975) authorizes a public body to exclude the public from that portion of a meeting at which specified topics are to be discussed under circumstances where the public consideration of such topics will clearly endanger the public or where the personal privacy or guaranteed rights of individuals whose activities or affairs are to be discussed would clearly in danger of unwarranted invasion; be it RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Township of Alexandria now adjourns its public session to reconvene in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the following: ___Confidential Matters by Law or Court Order ____Purchase Property _X__Personnel Matters ____Invasion of Individual Privacy Employee or Student ____Investigation into Violations of Law ____Suspension, Civil Penalty or Loss of a License or Permit ____Disclosure would Impair District's Right to Receive Funding _X__School/Public Security _X__Collective Bargaining _X__Pending, Ongoing or Anticipated Litigation And be if further RESOLVED that the matters discussed in Executive Session will be made public when confidentiality is no longer required. Motion to Enter Executive Session Motion made by __________, seconded by __________, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools the Alexandria Board enter Executive Session at _____ to discuss __________. |
|
20. OPEN SESSION
Motion made by __________, seconded by __________, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that the Alexandria Board return to Open Session at __________. |
|
21. ADJOURN
Motion made by __________, seconded by __________, to adjourn the meeting at __________ . |