May 9, 2024 at 7:00 PM - Work Session Meeting
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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 January 11, 2024, to begin at 7:00 PM at the Alexandria Middle School Media Center, 557 County Road 513, Pittstown, NJ. |
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2. ROLL CALL
April Abelman Renee Bagley Caterina Dobak Eric Joseph Marybeth Madlinger Marci Nardone Wanda Quinones Michael Small Doug Walker |
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3. FLAG SALUTE
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4. PRESENTATIONS
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5. CORRESPONDENCE
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6. BOARD PRESIDENT'S REPORT
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7. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
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7.A. Student Recognition
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8. SCHOOL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR/BOARD SECRETARY'S REPORT
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9. COMMITTEE REPORTS
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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. |
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11. BOARD DISCUSSION OF PUBLIC COMMENTS
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12. OLD BUSINESS
Referendum |
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13. NEW BUSINESS
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14. 2024-2025 School Budget
WHEREAS, the 2024-2025 Alexandria Township School Budget includes sufficient funds to implement the proposed planning process as described in this district’s Annual Report pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7A -11 and WHEREAS sufficient funds will be available to provide curriculum and instruction which will enable all students to achieve the Core Curriculum Content Standards; WHEREAS, the 2024-2025 school budget is in compliance with the requirements set forth in N.J.S.A. 18A and N.J.A.C. Title 6 and 6A; WHEREAS, the budget was approved by the Hunterdon County Executive Superintendent; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alexandria Township Board of Education adopts the 2024-2025 final budget and authorizes its submission to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools for final approval as follows: General Fund Operating Budget: $11,125,773 Special Revenue Fund (Grants and Entitlements): $163,123 Debt Service: $952,684 Grand Total Budget: $12,241,580 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the school budget results in the following General Fund and Debt Service Tax Levy: $10,145,867 ROLL CALL VOTE: Abelman____Bagley____Dobak____Joseph____Madlinger____Nardone____Quinones____Small____Walker____ |
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15. REGULAR TUITION RATES
Resolved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent the Board approve the following regular tuition rates for the 2024-2025 school year: Preschool: $6,500 Kindergarten through Grade 8: $12,731 |
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16. TENURED STAFF EMPLOYMENT
Motion to approve employment for the tenured employees for the 2024-25 school year, as attached. Salaries to be determined upon final approval of the Negotiated Agreement. |
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17. NON-TENURED STAFF EMPLOYMENT
Motion to approve employment for the non-tenured employees for the 2024-25 school year, as attached. Salaries to be determined upon final approval of the Negotiated Agreement. |
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17.A. Confidential Employee Employment
Motion to approve the following confidential employees for the 2024-25 school year, salaries to be determined: Ginger Crawford Data Collection Specialist Joy Dominic Supervisor of Student Services and Special Programs Erin Durborow Supervisor of Technology/Assistant Principal Jennifer Myers Payroll and Benefits Specialist Doreen Penge Administrative Assistant for District Operations |
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17.B. Non-tenured Non-Affiliated Employees
Jared Herbst Computer Technician Jeffrey Munsey Facilities Manaager |
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18. ROLL CALL VOTE for Agenda items 18-20:
Abelman____Bagley____Dobak____Joseph____Madlinger____Nardone____Quinones____Small____Walker____ |
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19. 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____ |
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19.A. Finance
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19.A.1) Financial Reports
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board approve the transfers for the months ending April 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 April 30, 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 April 30, 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. |
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19.A.2) Bill List
Resolved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Alexandria Township Board of Ed approve the following Bill List: March 19, 2024 - Check # A12095 Check # B248 Total - $ |
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19.B. Policy
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the 2nd reading of the following policies: 0171 - Duties of President and Vice President |
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19.C. Approval of Minutes
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Alexandria Township Board of Education approves the following meeting minutes: Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 Executive Session Minutes April 25, 2024 |
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19.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 $0.47. |
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19.E. Personnel
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent the Alexandria Township Board of Education approves the following: |
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19.E.1) Motion to approve up to 15 additional days of summer employment for Andrea Damboise, CST Secretary, to be paid per diem, determined by the Superintendent.
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19.E.2) Motion to approve Employee # ST107 for a leave of absence effective May 6, 2024, through the end of the school year.
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19.E.3) Substitute Nurse
Motion to approve Kristen Ross as a Substitute Nurse for the 2023-2024 school year, at a rate of $200/day, pending completion of required documentation. |
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19.E.4) Administrative Principal Contract
Motion to approve the employment contract for Kevin McPeek, Administrative Principal, for the period from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2028 with a base salary of $175,000 for the 2024-2025 school year, $180,250 annually for the 2025-2026 school year, $185,658 annually for the 2026-2027 school year, and $191,228 annually for the 2027-28 school year. The Hunterdon County Executive Superintendent of Schools approved Mr. McPeek's Employment Agreement on April 16, 2024. |
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19.E.5) Withhold Increment
Resolved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board withhold increment for Employee # ST077 for the 2024-2025 school year. |
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19.F. Finance and Facilities
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19.F.1) Payment Applications
Motion to approve the following Payment Applications: |
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19.F.2) Change Orders:
Motion to approve the following change orders: DeSapio Construction - Change Request #30 Playground work - $22,997.47 |
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19.G. Education
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19.G.1) Garden State Coalition of Schools Membership
WHEREAS, the Board of Education wishes to join the Garden State Coalition of Schools (GSCS), a member-directed grassroots advocacy organization successfully representing Boards of Education, parents, school administrators and community members in advocating for quality education for all New Jersey students for 31 years, and WHEREAS, the Board of Education desires to be part of GSCS' efforts to focus on the inter-related issues of academic achievement, educational practices and school finance, while continuing to strengthen New Jersey school programs that have led to high student achievement, and WHEREAS, by joining GSCS, the Board of Education will be joining 100 other New Jersey school districts, and WHEREAS, membership in GSCS is initiated by a one-time resolution form for each Board of Education wishing to join the Coalition, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education does agree to join the Garden State Coalition of Schools, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board Secretary be authorized to initiate arrangements and pay the yearly dues of $1,250, which may be pro-rated for the remainder of the year where applicable, based on the resolution date. |
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19.G.2) The Center School Tuition Contract
Motion to approve a 2024/2025 tuition contract with The Center School in the amount of $82,985.40 for one student whose name is on file in the Business Office. |
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19.H. Delaware Valley Shared Service Vehicle Maintenance and Fuel Services
Resolved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Alexandria Township Board of Education agrees to enter into a Shared Services Agreement with Delaware Valley Regional High School Board of Education for the 2024-2025 school year for time and material vehicle maintenance and automotive fuel shared services. |
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20. Coordinated Transportation
Resolution for participation in coordinated transportation with Hunterdon County Educational Services Commission from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. |
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21. 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. |
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22. BOARD DISCUSSION OF PUBLIC COMMENTS
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23. 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 __________. |
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24. OPEN SESSION
Motion made by __________, seconded by __________, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that the Alexandria Board return to Open Session at __________. |
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25. ADJOURN
Motion made by __________, seconded by __________, to adjourn the meeting at __________ . |