June 6, 2024 at 7:00 PM - Work Session Meeting

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.

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. BOARD PRESIDENT'S REPORT

6. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

6.A. HIB Report

7. SCHOOL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR/BOARD SECRETARY'S REPORT
 

8. COMMITTEE REPORTS
 

9. 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:

1. A participant must be recognized by the presiding officer and must preface comments by announcing his/her name, place of residence, and group affiliation, if appropriate.
2. Each statement made by a participant shall be limited to 5 minutes in duration.
3. No participant may speak on the same topic until all others who wish to speak on that topic have been heard.
4. All statements shall be directed to the presiding officer; no participant may address Board members individually.
5. An individual cannot give his/her time to another individual.

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.

10. BOARD DISCUSSION OF PUBLIC COMMENTS

11. OLD BUSINESS
Referendum

12. NEW BUSINESS
Bullying Policy

 

13. 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____

13.A. Finance

13.A.1) Financial Reports
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board approve the transfers for the months ending May 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 May 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 over expended 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 May 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.

13.A.2) Bill List
Resolved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Alexandria Township Board of Ed approve the following Bill List:
April 24, 2024 - May 22, 2024
Check #   A12234 - 
Check #   B
Total - $

13.B. 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
Meeting Minutes May 9, 2024
Executive Session Minutes May 9, 2024
Meeting Minutes May 23, 2024
Executive Session Minutes May 23, 2024

13.C. 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.

13.D. Personnel
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent the Alexandria Township Board of Education approves the following:

13.D.1) Summer Hiring
Motion to authorize the Superintendent to appoint personnel to fill summer vacancies, subject to ratification of that action by the Board at the next Board meeting.

13.D.2) Salaries paid by Federal Grants
Motion to approve the use of IDEA Grant funds to pay the partial or total amount of the following staff member's salaries:
Nadine Boetsch
Isabel Braddock
Joanne Glennon
Mckayls Blazure
Leanne Levy

13.D.3) Substitute Custodians
Motion to approve Michael Small as Substitute Custodian, at a rate of $18/hour, pending completion of required documentation.

13.D.4) Substitute Custodian
Motion to approve Jake Small as Substitute Custodian, at a rate of $18/hour, pending completion of required documentation.

13.D.5) Retirement
Motion to approve the retirement of Ellen Kluber, School Treasurer, effective June 30, 2024.

13.D.6) Treasure of School Moneys
Motion to approve                  as Treasurer of School Moneys for the 2024-25 school year.

13.D.7) Approval of 2024-25 Substitutes
Motion to approve the attached Substitutes for the 2024-25 school year, at the following rates:

Teachers/ Paraprofessionals         $140/day
Nurses                                           $200/day
Custodians                                     $18/hour

13.D.8) Extended School Year Program
Motion to approve the Extended School Year Program (ESY) from July 1 - 25, 2024 from 9 AM - 12 PM:

Staff for Approval at per diem rate:
Tina Attansio
Kelly Haszko
Sara Kurcin
Caitlyn Semanchik
Lauren Tasy

Paraprofessionals at per diem rate:
Isabel Braddock
Joan Glennon

Nurse at per diem rate:
Christina Suydam

Substitutes at per diem rate:
Joe Olcott
Gretchen Savacool

CST Additional Hours for Testing at per diem rate:
Kim Glucksman
Amy Murray
Sara Slack

Wilson Instructors outside of ESY Hours at the rate of $45/hour:
Matthew Blazure
Emily Canavan

Speech/Language at the rate of $85/hour:
Amy Murray

OT/PT Provider
Therapeutic Interventions
 

13.D.9) Additional Summer Curriculum Writing
Motion to approve Tina Attanasio for 10 hours of Curriculum Writing at the rate of $45/hour.

Motion to approve Tracy Pawlowski, Lisa MacKinnon and Jeanne Lippincott for 30 hours of Curriculum Writing at the rate of $45/hr.

13.D.10) Increment Adjustment Amendment
Resolved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve an amendment to the May 23, 2024 agenda to read an increment and salary adjustment for Employee # ST077 for the 2024-2025 school year.

13.D.11) Educational Consultant
Motion to approve Ronald Bolandi to continue as Educational Consultant for the Referendum, Rod Grant and to assist the new School Business Administrator, effective July 1, 2024 as needed, at a rate of $75/hour not to exceed $35,000 for all items listed.

13.E. Finance and Facilities

13.E.1) Transfer of Current Year Surplus to Capital Reserve
WHEREAS, NJSA 18A:21-1 and NJSA 18A:7G-13 permit a Board of Education to establish and/or deposit into certain reserve accounts at year end, and,

WHEREAS, the aforementioned statutes authorize procedures, under the authority of Commissioner of Education, which permit a board of education to transfer anticipated excess current revenue or unexpended appropriations into reserve accounts during the month of June by Board resolution, and

WHEREAS, the Alexandria Township Board of Education wishes to deposit anticipated current year surplus into a Capital Reserve account at year end, and

WHEREAS, the Alexandria Township Board of Education has determined that an amount not to exceed $500,000 may be available for such purpose to transfer.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Alexandria Township Board of Education that it hereby authorizes the District’s School Business Administrator to make this transfer  with all applicable laws and regulations.

13.E.2) Transfer of Current Year Surplus to Maintenance Reserve
WHEREAS, NJSA 18A:21-1 and NJSA 18A:7G-13 permit a Board of Education to establish and/or deposit into certain reserve accounts at year end, and,

WHEREAS, the aforementioned statutes authorize procedures, under the authority of the Commissioner of Education, which permit a board of education to transfer anticipated excess current revenue or unexpended appropriations into reserve accounts during the month of June by Board resolution, and

WHEREAS, the Alexandria Township Board of Education wishes to deposit anticipated current year surplus into a Maintenance Reserve account at year end, and

WHEREAS, the Alexandria Township Board of Education has determined that an amount not to exceed $500,000 may be available for such purpose to transfer.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Alexandria Township Board of Education that it hereby authorizes the District’s School Business Administrator to make this transfer with all applicable laws and regulations.

13.E.3) FY23 Extraordinary Aid Appropriations
Motion to approve the following motion:
WHEREAS, N.J.S.C. 6A:23A-13.3 authorizes procedures, under the authority of the Commissioner of Education, which permit a Board of Education to transfer funds during the budget year, and
WHEREAS, NJ.A.C. 6A:C:23A-13.3(d)6 provides that a District Board of Education may at any time, without Commissioner approval, appropriate surplus generated from State revenue, such as Extraordinary Aid, that has been excluded from the excess surplus calculation, in the prior year, and
WHEREAS, the Alexandria Township Board of Education has received $198,240 of Extraordinary Aid FY23, and
WHEREAS, the Alexandria Township Board of Education has determined that the following transfers are needed to cover unanticipated costs and to increase the efficiency of district operations.
11-190-100-500-000-000 Technology                    $  78,240
11-000-261-420-300-000 Maintenance                 $120,000
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Alexandria Township Board of Education that it hereby authorizes the District’s School Business Administrator to make the transfers consistent with all applicable laws and regulations.
 

13.E.3)a. FY23 Nonpublic Transportation
Motion to approve the following resolution:

WHEREAS, N.J.S.C. 6A:23A-13.3 authorizes procedures, under the authority of the Commissioner of Education, which permit a Board of Education to transfer funds during the budget year, and

WHEREAS, NJ.A.C. 6A:C:23A-13.3(d)6 provides that a District Board of Education may at any time, without Commissioner approval, appropriate surplus generated from State revenue, such as Nonpublic Transportation, that has been excluded from the excess surplus calculation, in the prior year, and

WHEREAS, the Alexandria Township Board of Education has received $1,872.00 of Nonpublic Transportation Aid FY23, and

WHEREAS, the Alexandria Township Board of Education has determined that the following transfers are needed to cover unanticipated costs and to increase the efficiency of district operations.

11-000-270-515-000-000  Joint Agreement-Special Education           $1,872

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Alexandria Township Board of Education that it hereby authorizes the District’s School Business Administrator to make the transfers consistent with all applicable laws and regulations.
 

13.E.4) Toilet Room Facilities for Early Intervention, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Classrooms - 2022-2023 School Year 
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the submission of an application alternate method of compliance, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:26-6.2(h), 4ii, regarding toilet room access for Early Intervention, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten Classrooms for the 2022-2023 school year.

13.E.5) Locker Replacements
Motion to approve the replacement of student lockers by Nickerson NY, LLC, contract # ESCNJ 22/23-43, in the amount of $118,796.18. Funds to be used from appropriations transferred into the General Fund from FY23 Extraordinary Aid.

13.E.6) Approval of Bank Accounts and Signers
Motion to approve the attached bank accounts and signers with Citizens Bank, for the 2024-25 school year.

13.E.7) 2024/2025 Delaware Valley Regional H.S. Joint Transportation - Regular Transportation
Resolved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board approve the 2023-2024 Joint Transportation Agreement for Regular Transportation.

ALEX 1 - $  32,682
ALEX 2 -     36,663 
ALEX 3 -     37,751
ALEX 4 -     39,154
ALEX 5 -     29,832
ALEX 6 -     37,862
ALEX 7 -     38,250
ALEX 8 -     40,348
ALEX 9 -     34,417
ALEX 10 -   29,307
TOTAL    $356,266        

13.E.8) 2023/2024 Joint Transportation Agreement Delaware Valley Regional HS - Various Athletic / Class Trips
Resolved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve a Joint Transportation Agreement with Delaware Valley Regional High School for Various Athletic and Class Trips:

Various Athletic & Class Trips
Mileage billed at $2.75/mile.
First hour billed at $68/hour.  Additional hours billed at $40/hour.
No minimum charges assessed. Per Bus Cost

Park Shuttle: after school one way to local park for game/practice $50

13.E.9)  Out of District Tuition Contract
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve a 2024/2025 tuition contract with Warren Glen Academy in the amount of $9,712.50 for tuition and related services for July 2024 - August 2024 and a total tentative tuition of $58,275.00for September 2024 - June 2025 for a student whose name is on file in the Business Office.  The total tuition for July 2024 - June 2025 is $67,987.50.

13.E.10) Agreement with Educational Data Services, Inc. 
Motion to approve the Agreement between Educational Data Services, Inc and ATS to provide Time and Materials Bid Services, access to co-op time and materials, skilled trades and service bids to the District from April 2024 - March 2025.

13.E.11) Professional Service
Resolved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve professional services provided by Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection for the 2024-2025 school year.

Pursuant to 18A:18A.5, the Alexandria Township Board of Education in the County of Hunterdon and the State of New Jersey awarded the following contracts for licensed professional for the 2024-2025 school year as listed below.  These contracts are awarded without competitive bidding as a "professional service" under the provisions of the Public Procurement Law.  The contract itself is available for public inspection at the Office of the Board Secretary, located at 557 County Road 513, Pittstown, New Jersey between the hours of 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Fire Protection
Kistler, O'Brien, Inc. 
Fire Extinquisher Inspection - $663.36
Kitchen Semi Annual Inspections - $866
Sprinkler & Backflow - $1968.28
 

13.F. Education

13.F.1) Approve Professional Services Agreement 
Motion to approve the Professional Services Agreement with Montclair State University for School-based Emotional Engagement and Development Services (SEEDS) in the amount of $52,805.00 for September 2024 - June 2025

13.F.2) Standards to Numerical Grading System
Motion to approve the movement of 5th grade report cards away from standards based to numerical/letter grading system.

13.F.3) Approve Donation
Motion to approve a donation to Tanya Drake's classroom, from the raffle winner at the PTO's March Madness Festival, in the amount of $500 from the Scholastic Catalog.

14. 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:

1. A participant must be recognized by the presiding officer and must preface comments by announcing his/her name, place of residence, and group affiliation, if appropriate.
2. Each statement made by a participant shall be limited to 5 minutes in duration.
3. No participant may speak on the same topic until all others who wish to speak on that topic have been heard.
4. All statements shall be directed to the presiding officer; no participant may address Board members individually.
5. An individual cannot give his/her time to another individual.

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.

15. BOARD DISCUSSION OF PUBLIC COMMENTS

16. 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 __________.

17. OPEN SESSION
Motion made by __________, seconded by __________, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that the Alexandria Board return to Open Session at __________.

18. ADJOURN
Motion made by __________, seconded by __________, to adjourn the meeting at __________ .