June 27, 2024 at 7:00 PM - Regular 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 Star Ledger on June 17, 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
Climate Survey Review |
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5. BOARD PRESIDENT'S REPORT
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6. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
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6.A. HIB Report
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7. SCHOOL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR/BOARD SECRETARY'S REPORT
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8. COMMITTEE REPORTS
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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:
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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10. BOARD DISCUSSION OF PUBLIC COMMENTS
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11. OLD BUSINESS
Referendum |
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12. NEW BUSINESS
Bullying Policy |
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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____ |
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13.A. Finance
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13.A.1) Bill List
Resolved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Alexandria Township Board of Ed approve the following Bill List: May 23, 2024 - June 24, 2024 Check # A12234 - A12335 Check # B0252 Total - $1,369,157.43 |
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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 |
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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. |
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13.D. Personnel
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent the Alexandria Township Board of Education approves the following: |
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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. |
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13.D.2) Resignation
Motion to approve the resignation of Jacob Allshouse, Custodian, effective August 31, 2024. |
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13.D.3) Resignation
Motion to approve the resignation of Kasandra Semanchik, Health and Physical Education Teacher, effective June 30, 2024. |
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13.D.4) 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 |
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13.D.5) Substitute Custodian
Motion to approve Michael Small as Substitute Custodian, at a rate of $18/hour, pending completion of required documentation. |
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13.D.6) Substitute Custodian
Motion to approve Jake Small as Substitute Custodian, at a rate of $18/hour, pending completion of required documentation. |
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13.D.7) Retirement
Motion to approve the retirement of Ellen Kluber, Treasurer of School Moneys, effective June 30, 2024. |
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13.D.8) 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 |
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13.D.9) 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 |
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13.D.10) Additional Summer Curriculum Writing
Motion to approve Tina Attanasio for 10 hours of Curriculum Writing at the rate of $45/hour. Motion to approve Matt Hoyda and Caitlyn Semanchik for 20 hours of Curriculum Writing at the rate of $45/hr. Motion to approve Tracy Pawlowski, Lisa MacKinnon, Jeanne Lippincott and Danielle Hofmann for 30 hours of Curriculum Writing at the rate of $45/hr. |
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13.D.11) 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. |
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13.D.12) 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. |
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13.D.13) Alexandria Township Education Foundation (ATEF)
Resolved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board accept the following ATEF Grant: Grant # 2024-09, Educational Disc Golf, James Bowman, $1699.95 |
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13.D.14) Non-Affiliated Staff Contract Approval
Motion to approve the following non-affiliated staff contracts for the 2024-25 school year: Ginger Crawford - Data Collection Specialist - $54,855 Joy Dominic - Supervisor of Special Services & Projects - $136,145 Erin Durborow - Supervisor of Tech/Assistant Principal - $120,138 Jared Herbst - Computer Technician - $60,034 Jeffrey Munsey - Facilities Manager - $72,450 Jennifer Myers - Payroll & Benefits Specialist - $65,552 Doreen Penge - Admin Assistant for District Operations - $60,034 |
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13.D.15) Summer Math - July 1st through 26th
Motion to approve Tracy Pawlowski for summer Math with an additional group for 16 hours at the professional rate of $45 per hour. |
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13.D.16) Supervisor of Special Services
Motion to approve Dr. Carly Bergstrom-Rosellini as Supervisor of Special Services, at a salary of $105,000/year, effective August 1, 2024. |
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13.D.17) Middle School Math Teacher
Motion to approve Melissa Flynn as a Middle School Math Teacher for the 2024-2025 school year at a salary of 3-BA $60,955, to be adjusted after Ratification of the Negotiated Agreement. |
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13.E. Finance and Facilities
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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13.E.4) Toilet Room Facilities for Early Intervention, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Classrooms - 2024-2025 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 2024-2025 school year. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 $58,275.00 for 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. |
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13.E.10) Out of District Tuition Contracts
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve a 2024/2025 tuition contract with Clinton Township Board of Education for tuition and related services for July 2024 - August 2024 (ESY) and a total tentative tuition of $45,098.00 for September 2024 - June 2025 for a student whose name is on file in the Business Office. RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve a 2024/2025 tuition contract with Clinton Township Board of Education for tuition and related services for July 2024 - August 2024 (ESY) and a total tentative tuition of $44,778.00 for September 2024 - June 2025 for a student whose name is on file in the Business Office. |
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13.E.11) Out of District Tuition Contract
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve a 2024/2025 tuition contract with Franklin Township Board of Education for tuition and related services from September 2024 - June 2025 for a student whose name is on file in the Business Office. The total tuition for September 2024 - June 2025 is $107,140.00. |
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13.E.12) 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. |
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13.E.13) 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 |
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13.E.14) Auditing Services
Motion to approve the following resolution to award a contract for Auditing Services: Whereas, the Alexandria Township Board of Education (Board) received proposals for Auditing Services for Alexandria Township School District. Whereas, each vendor supplied a price for Auditing Services. Whereas, BKC CPA, PC submitted a bid in the amount of $24,500; and Whereas, the bid submitted by BKC CPA, PC complied with the Board's technical and management specifications in all material respects; therefore, be it Resolved, that the Board will award the contract for Auditing Services to the most responsible and responsive bidder; and be it further Resolved, that the contract for Auditing Services is hereby awarded to BKC CPA, PC at a rate of: Annual Audit Services, $24,500.00 including ASSA/DRTRS Services |
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13.E.15) Approve ROD Grant Project Contractor - Project No. 23K090
Motion to approve the following resolution to award a contract for the ROD Grant Project contractor: Whereas, the Alexandria Township Board of Education (Board) received proposals for Contractor Services - Project No. 23K090 - HVAC Upgrades for the approved ROD Grant for Alexandria Township School District. Whereas, each vendor supplied a price for Contractor Services. Whereas, Sunnyfield Corp submitted a bid in the amount of $572,000.00; and Whereas, the bid submitted by Sunnyfield Corp. complied with the Board's technical and management specifications in all material respects; therefore, be it Resolved, that the Board will award the contract for Contractor Services to the most responsible and responsive bidder; and be it further Resolved, that the contract for Contractor Services is hereby awarded to Sunnyfield Corp. at a rate of: Annual Contractor Services, $572,000 for HVAC Upgrades for the approved ROD Grant, Project No. 23K090. |
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13.E.16) Payment Applications
Motion to approve the following payment applications: Preferred Mechanical - Pay App #23 - $30,189.10 |
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13.F. Education
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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 |
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13.F.2) Standards to Numerical Grading System
Motion to approve the movement of 5th grade report cards away from standards based grading to numerical/letter grading system. |
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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. |
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13.F.4) Sale of MacBooks
Motion to approve the sale of outdated MacBooks to ATS staff in the amount of $100 each. MacBooks not sold will be recycled. |
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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:
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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15. BOARD DISCUSSION OF PUBLIC COMMENTS
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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 ____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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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 __________. |
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18. ADJOURN
Motion made by __________, seconded by __________, to adjourn the meeting at __________ . |