SOUTH BOUND BROOK BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR MEETING

OCTOBER 20, 2005

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by board vice president Frank Ambrose at 7:30 p.m. in room 140 of Robert Morris School with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by this opening statement:

STATEMENT RE: SUNSHINE LAW

This meeting has been advertised in two newspapers at least 48 hours prior to the meeting and has been posted in conspicuous locations including the borough hall and school buildings, which complies with state law governing meetings of school boards and other organizations.

ROLL CALL

PRESENT: Mr. Allen, Mr. Ambrose, Mrs. Bolmer and Mrs. Sarboukh. Mrs. Esposito arrived at 7:55 p.m.

ABSENT: Mrs. Santora and Mr. Stys.

Also present were: Dr. Carol L. Rosevear, Superintendent; Patricia Leonhardt, Business Administrator/Board Secretary; Mr. Thomas Gilbert and Ms. Dani Hoffer of Gilbert Architects; Terry Warrelmann, liaison from Borough Council; and staff members Dennis Donahue, Mike Butkus, Elaine Quinlan and Laura Burkhardt.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion presented to approve the agenda as distributed to board members.

MOTION: Mrs. Sarboukh SECOND: Mrs. Bolmer VOTE: 4-0

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion to approve the minutes of the September 22, 2005 Regular Meeting and to amend the August 18, 2005 minutes (Item I) to correct terminology from IDEA to IDEIA and (Item V) to more specifically identify the district and school goals approved by the board at that time (amended pages 4 and 6 attached).

MOTION: Mr. Ambrose SECOND: Mrs. Bolmer VOTE: 4-0

GILBERT ARCHITECTS PRESENTATION

Two representatives addressed the board concerning modification or remediation of lighting project. Mr. Gilbert acknowledged that the lighting is deficient and assured the board that they will take full responsibility for remediation costs. They are looking for proper lights. He estimates 3-4 weeks before they begin replacement. The board will see the replacement lights, and Ken will be the architect we will work with.

SUPERINTENDENT REPORT

Mrs. Quinlan discussed the Nursing Services Plan (page 99 of the QAAR) and covered the multiple aspects of her job. The public was invited to respond with comments and questions. The plan was well received by all in attendance.

NOTE: Mrs. Esposito arrived at this time (7:55 p.m.) and acted on all remaining business of the meeting.

Mr. Donahue presented results of test scores in GEPA, NJASK4, NJASK3 and Terra Nova, and goals for targeted improvements in scores.

SCHOOL VIOLENCE AWARENESS -- Following is a transcription of the Chief School Administrator's presentation at the October 20, 2005 board meeting in accordance with statute P.L. 2001, c. 299. During the question and answer segment of the report, Dr. Rosevear was asked to review the types of incidences reported to the state. Dr. Rosevear reviewed the list of ten incidences on our EVVRS report. The public had no further questions or comments.

Annually, the Board of Education receives a report from the Superintendent regarding the incidents of violence and vandalism during the previous school year. In 2004-2005 there were ten incidents of violence and no vandalism incidents in our school.

We are pleased to report that there were no incidences of weapons or substance abuse in our school. This data has already been reported to the New Jersey Department of Education.

Throughout the year, our school is involved, on a daily basis, with activities to help students make good decisions, to provide them with strategies to resolve conflicts, and to encourage respect and responsibility when interacting with others.

Some of the programs we are using include:

Red Ribbon Tie-In: Students wear red to kick off our "Say No to Drugs and Violence" program.

Project STAR (Stop, Think, Act, Review): This is a decision making program which encourages students to think before they act and to reflect on their actions. The program helps students to take ownership of their behavior.
Project Wisdom: Morning announcements encouraging students to do their best in school and to make good decisions.

Bully Free Classroom Project: Students pledge to stop bullying and teasing.
Drug Awareness -- Second Step Program with Student Assistance Counselor.
Activities planned for Anti-Violence/Drug Awareness Week (third week in October):

*Wear Red Day for kick-off on Monday: "Say NO to drugs and violence!"

*In Music, students will review, sing and discuss "Don't Laugh at Me," an anti-bullying song.

*Project Wisdom morning announcements will focus on anti-violence messages each day.

*Guidance counselor will provide anti-violence essay topics for all grade levels.

*During Health, students will view and discuss videos "Joey" and "Broken Toy," poignant stories of the impact of bullying.

*The Six Pillars of Character banners will be hung, initiating their infusion in to the curriculum.

*Art -- Students will design posters to be displayed throughout the school, i.e.

Bully-Free Zone, Stop the Violence, Give Peace a Chance.

DARE Say no to drugs and violence -- Drug Awareness Resistance Education and Violence Prevention program.

In addition to these projects, we hold assemblies, essay contests, class discussions, and invite special guests into our school to speak on topics such as gangs, violence, drugs and bullying.

We are fortunate to have parent and community support as we continue to work together to help our youngsters to become good school and community citizens.

Presentation of Quality Assurance Annual Report by Dr. Rosevear, who reviewed each section of the report and provided clarification where needed.
NJSSI Newsletter, featuring Science Success in South Bound Brook
Dr. Rosevear reported that our Community Quilt has been hung and looks beautiful. A community reception is planned.
Dr. Rosevear drew the board's attention to the monthly newsletter, The Patriot Press.

RECOGNITION OF PUBLIC

Mrs. Burkhardt questioned the ten incidences of violence referred to in the Violence and Vandalism report.

Mr. Butkus inquired about the Bound Brook school district's website. Mrs. Esposito suggested that he touch base with his counterpart in Bound Brook.

CONSENT ITEMS

a. APPROVAL OF PAYROLLS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS

Motion to approve payment of bills per warrant listing dated October 20, 2005 in the amount of $477,006.41 as well as payrolls for the month of September 2005 in the amount of $359,188.56.

b. BOARD SECRETARY'S REPORT

Motion to approve Board Secretary's Report dated July 31, 2005 indicating a cash balance of $1,189,174.00.

c. TREASURER'S (CONSULTANT) REPORT

Motion to approve Treasurer's Report dated July 31, 2005 indicating a cash balance of $1,189,174.00.

Motion to approve the above consent items, a through c.

ROLL CALL

MOTION: Mr. Allen SECOND: Mr. Ambrose VOTE: 5-0

CORRESPONDENCE

a. Letter to Dr. Rosevear from NJ Principals and Supervisors Association, indicating that Wendy Stein has been selected as a member of the NJPSA Special Education Committee.

b. Letter of resignation from Abby Jacob.

c. Letter to Lt. Prudente from Nancy Santora regarding DARE funding.

ACTION ITEMS (ROLL CALL VOTE)

a. ANALYSIS OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENT (NJASK) AND GRADE EIGHT PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENT (GEPA)

An analysis of the New Jersey standardized tests, NJASK and GEPA, indicating the percent of students scoring at proficiency levels set by the state, will be available for discussion. A motion is necessary indicating that an analysis of the GEPA and NJASK Assessments was presented and discussed at the October 20, 2005 public meeting.

b. RESOLUTION TO APPOINT ARCHITECT OF RECORD AND ARCHITECT

WHEREAS, the South Bound Brook Borough Board of Education ("Board") will be engaging in various renovation and capital improvement projects in its District; and

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the consulting and advisory services of a full service architectural and design firm are needed to successfully proceed with and complete some Facility Projects; and

WHEREAS, the Board has completed a diligent search for an architectural and design firm to represent the interests of the Board as Architect of Record; and

WHEREAS, the Board has thoroughly reviewed the information submitted by the various architectural and design firms competing for the position as Board Architect of Record; and

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the architectural and design firm of BSA + A, Inc. ("BSA + A"), through its proposal for architectural, design and advisory services ("Services") dated September 2, 2005, and as may be amended by separate document (collectively, "Proposal"), has met the requirements set forth by the Board and would best represent the interests of the Board while the Board is involved with the Project; and

WHEREAS, the fee for the Architect of Record Services as included in BSA+A's Proposal will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the scope of work to be performed, but in no instance shall exceed the rates attached hereto as Exhibit "A"; and

WHEREAS, the Board, pursuant to its authority under N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-5a(1), may negotiate and award a contract for professional architectural and advisory services without the necessity of public advertising for bids and bidding therefore, as it constitutes a Professional Service within the meaning of the statute.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes the Administration to enter into a contract with BSA+A for the services outlined in its Proposal for Architect of Record Services at the fee structure attached hereto as Exhibit "A", subject to negotiation, drafting, review and approval of the formal contract for same by Board Counsel; and be it

RESOLVED, that upon conclusion of all negotiations and execution of the Owner/Architect Agreement by both parties, a brief notice of this action shall be printed once in the Courier-News, stating the contract's nature, duration, service and amount, and that the Resolution and Professional Services Agreement are on file in the office of the Board of Education.

c. QUALITY ASSURANCE ANNUAL REPORT

Local school district and the New Jersey State Department of Education have a joint responsibility to ensure that students are being provided with a "thorough and efficient" education pursuant to Chapter 212 of Public Law 1975. This is accomplished through an annual accountability system culminating in an on-site monitoring visit every seven years to verify that districts meet the established monitoring standards. The monitoring process examines selected key elements determined to be most representative of a district's success in providing a "thorough and efficient education" for all students. The process includes a Quality Assurance Program which requires districts to:

1. Develop a comprehensive management system linked to school level planning and approach student achievement and performance, and

2. Provide annual accountability to the New Jersey Department of Education and the public through the Quality Assurance Annual Report which delineates the district's year status in meeting monitoring requirements.

As part of the Quality Assurance Annual Report the Chief School Administrator is required to provide an annual report to the Board of Education by October 31, which includes the following components:

Implementation of School Level Objectives
Achievement of Performance Objectives
School Report Card
Professional Development Activities
Condition of School Activities
Status of Mandated Programs
Community Support Data

Motion presented to indicate that the above components of the Quality Assurance Annual Report, 2005-2006 School Goals and Objectives, and Nursing Service Plan were discussed and approved at the October 20, 2005 board meeting.

d. SUBMISSION OF COMPREHENSIVE MAINTENANCE PLAN

WHEREAS, the Department of Education requires New Jersey school districts to submit three-year maintenance plans documenting "required" maintenance activities for each of its public school facilities, and

WHEREAS, the required maintenance activities as listed in the attached document for the various school facilities of the South Bound Brook School District are consistent with these requirements, and

WHEREAS, all past and planned activities are reasonable to keep school

facilities open and safe for use or in their original condition and to keep their system warranties valid,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the South Bound Brook School District hereby authorizes the School Business Administrator to submit the attached Comprehensive Maintenance Plan for the South Bound Brook School District in compliance with Department of Education Requirements.

e. TUITION FOR OUT-OF-DISTRICT PLACEMENT FOR 2005-2006

Motion for inclusion in the minutes to accept the following costs for out-of-district placement for the 2005-2006 school year (July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006). Student was approved on June 2, 2005 to attend Beadleston HS full time at a cost of $33,725, but is attending half time and half time at Union County Voc-Tech:

# STUDENTS DESTINATION COST

1 Beadleston HS (1/2) $16,862.50

1 Union County Voc-Tech (1/2) 6,000.00

f. RESIGNATION OF ABBY JACOB, CLASSROOM AIDE

Motion to accept, with regret, the resignation of Abby Jacob effective December 2, 2005. Ms. Jacob will be moving to Connecticut to further her education.

g. HOME INSTRUCTION FOR DEAF CHILD

Motion to provide deaf child with home instruction by Mrs. Trudeau-Smith, a certified special education teacher who signs, until the student is approved for placement in Katzenbach School. Home instruction will be provided at ten hours per week.

h. ACCEPTANCE OF PSE&G ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GRANT

Motion to accept a grant in the amount of $2,326.00 from the PSEG Foundation. Mr. Reo and Ms. Lidon applied for the grant in relation to their project, The Wonder of Watersheds.

Motion to approve above Action Items a-h:

ROLL CALL

MOTION: Mrs. Sarboukh SECOND: Mrs. Bolmer VOTE: 5-0

COMMITTEE REPORTS

BOUND BROOK BOARD OF EDUCATION: Mrs. Esposito reported that Bound Brook is at impasse in negotiations and reported on personnel changes.

OLD BUSINESS

Mrs. Leonhardt reported that the new shed is in place and looks good.

Mr. Ambrose remarked on the beautiful rainforest mural our art teacher, Mrs. Breyan, painted in the cafeteria. Mrs. Breyan will receive a letter of gratitude from the Board of Education.

Mr. Ambrose verified with Dr. Rosevear that the alumni website has been taken off the web.

NEW BUSINESS

Mrs. Leonhardt discussed arrangements for NJSBA Convention.

Mr. Ambrose advised that Mr. Stys' father passed away today. Mrs. Leonhardt will distribute information to board members regarding funeral arrangements, and the board will send flowers.

RECOGNITION OF PUBLIC

No comments at this time.

ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss negotiations.

MOTION: SECOND: VOTE:

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

Motion to return to Open Session.

MOTION: SECOND: VOTE:

ADJOURNMENT

Business concluded, motion presented to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m.

MOTION: Mr. Ambrose SECOND: Mrs. Sarboukh VOTE: 5-0

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Leonhardt

Business Administrator/Board Secretary