Minutes - BOARD OF EDUCATION

South Plainfield Board of Education

Regular Public Meeting Minutes

High School Auditorium

September 22, 2021

6:30 p.m.

South Plainfield Public Schools Mission Statement:

Students are the focus of the South Plainfield Public Schools. We will provide a dynamic, rigorous,

relevant, and technology-enriched curriculum, guided by the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Our

mission is to develop life-long learners who are prepared to succeed in a global and diverse society. We are

resolved to educate the whole child, instilling the desire within our students to question and to become

divergent thinkers who can achieve their fullest potential.

I. CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Chapman called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

II. SALUTE TO FLAG

III. ROLL CALL

Board Members Present: Mrs. Boyle, Mr. Both, Mr. Farinella, Mr. Giannakis,

Mr. Pennisi, Mr. Cassio, Mr. Chapman

Absent: Mrs. Miller, Mr. Seesselberg

Also Present: Dr. Noreen Tansey Lishak, Superintendent; Ms. Mary Malyska,

Assistant Superintendent; Mr. Alex Benanti, Business

Administrator/Board Secretary; Mr. Joseph Roselle, Legal

Counsel

IV. BOARD PRESIDENT

In accordance with the terms of the Sunshine Law, adequate notice of this meeting was posted in

all s buildings, the Administration Building, Borough Clerk's office, Police Headquarters, Public

Library, four newspapers, and Tapinto on January 7, 2021.

Please be advised:

• There is no smoking on school grounds - inside or outside - at any time.

• Please silence all electronic devices.

• Pursuant to District Policy #0167, each statement made by a participant shall be limited to

three minutes duration and no participant may speak more than once on the same topic.

V. AGENDA ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS

VI. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON THE PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS

VII. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE PRIOR BOARD MEETING MINUTES

RESOLVED, that the minutes of the Board of Education meetings, held on the dates indicated, as

Regular Public Meeting

September 22, 2021

2

submitted, be received, and filed.

Committee of the Whole Meeting August 18, 2021

Executive Session August 18, 2021

Regular Public Meeting August 18, 2021

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

A. Advanced Placement Score Report Presented by Ms. Malyska

Ms. Malyska presented her report on the Advanced Placement Scores.

B. Good News and Progress in Our School

Dr. Tansey Lishaked reviewed the calendar updates that are on the agenda for approval;

discussed the Start Strong Assessment dates; the opening of Tiger Farms; Labor Day parade;

Borough shredding event; updates on the traffic concerns at Grant School and the High School;

and also announced the job postings for paraprofessionals, lunch aides, duty aides, and bus

drivers.

IX. CURRICULUM/STUDENT ACTIVITIES

1. Acceptance of Anti-Bullying Report

Approve the Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying Reports from September 2, 2021 –

September 22, 2021.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that

the Board of Education approve the following cumulative data regarding HIB incidents from

September 2, 2020 – June 16, 2021, reported as of this agenda.

School Number of Alleged Incidents Number of Verified Incidents

High School 0 0

Middle School 1 0

Grant School 1 0

Franklin School 0 0

Kennedy School 0 0

Riley School 0 0

Roosevelt School 0 0

2. Acceptance of Fire and Security Drill Reports for September 2021

Accept the Fire and Security Drill Reports to the Board of Education for September 2021.

3. Designation of “Week of Respect”

MOTION: Mr. Giannakis SECOND: Mr. Pennisi VOTE: 7-0


September 22, 2021

3

Acknowledge that the week of October 4 – 8, 2021 will be dedicated as a “Week of Respect”

in accordance with the Anti Bullying Bill of Rights Act (P.L. 2010, c122.) This week will be

observed by providing age-appropriate instruction focusing on preventing harassment,

intimidation, or bullying.

4. Approve the Designation of “School Violence Awareness Week”

Approve the designation of the week of October 18 – 22, per N.J.S.A. 18A:36-5.1, as “School

Violence Awareness Week”

5. Approve the South Plainfield Schools and District Professional Development Plans (PDP –

2021/22

Approve the South Plainfield Public Schools and District Professional Development Plans

(PDP for the 2021/2022 school year as shown in Tab IX.5

6. Approve the 2020/2021 Graduation Pathway Results

Approve the Graduation Pathway Results Report for the 2020/2021 school year as shown in

Tab IX.6.

7. Approve the Revised 2021/2022 School Calendar

Approve the revised 2021/2022 School Calendar due to the loss of two school days. October

22nd and June 7th are now half days for students and half Professional Development Days for

staff. Tab. IX.7

RESOLVED, upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that the Board of

Education approves the foregoing resolutions:

X. POLICY

Approval of Second Reading of Policies/Regulations & Bylaws

Approve the Second Reading of the following Policies/Regulations & Bylaws and hereby adopts

them:

a.

Number Name Tab

Policy No. 1648.11 The Road Forward COVID-19-Health and Safety X.1. a b. Policy No. 2422 Comprehensive Health and Physical Education X.1.b c. Policy No. 2467 Surrogate Parents and Resource Family Parents X.1.c d. Policy No. 5111 Eligibility of Resident/Nonresident Students X.2.d e. Policy No. 5116 Education of Homeless Children X.1.e f. Policy No. 6115.01 Federal Awards/Funds Internal Controls-Allowability of Costs X.1.f g. Policy No. 6115.02 Federal Awards/Funds Internal Controls-Mandatory Disclosures X.1.g h. Policy No. 6115.03 Federal Awards/Funds Internal Controls-Conflict of Interest X.1.h i. Policy No. 6311 Contracts for Goods or Services Funded by Federal Grants X.1.i j. Policy No. 7432 Eye Protection X.1.j

MOTION: Mr. Giannakis SECOND: Mr. Cassio VOTE: 7-0


September 22, 2021

4

k. Regulation No. 7432 Eye Protection X.1.k l. Policy No. 8420 Emergency and Crisis Situations X.1.l m. Regulation No. 8420.1 Fire and Fire Drills X.1.m n. Policy No. 8540 School Nutrition Programs X.1.n o. Policy No. 8550 Meal Charges/Outstanding Food Service Bill X.1.o p. Policy No. 8600 Student Transportation X.1.p q. Policy No. 1648 Restart and Recovery Plan - ABOLISHED r. Policy No. 1648.02 Remote Learning Options for Families – ABOLISHED s. Policy No. 1648.03 Restart and Recovery Plan-Full-Time Remote Instruction –

ABOLISHED

t. Policy No. 5114 Children Displaced by Domestic Violence – ABOLISHED u. Policy No. 8810 Religious Holidays – ABOLISHED


Education approves the foregoing resolutions.

XI. PERSONNEL

Motion by Member Mr.Giannakis, seconded by Member Mr. Both, to accept the

recommendation of the superintendent and adopt the following:

RESOLVED, that the South Plainfield Board of Education approves the following:

(NOTE: Approval of this resolution authorizes the superintendent to submit to the county

superintendent applications for emergent hiring and the applicant’s attestation and proof that he/she

has not been convicted of any disqualifying crime pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:6-7.1

et. seq., N.J.S.A. 18A:39-17 et. seq., or N.J.S.A. 18A:6-4.13 et. seq. This includes background

checks and fingerprinting for those employees listed below: (All appointments are contingent upon

receipt of proper teaching certification and the satisfaction of all requirements set forth in P.L.

2018, c.5. All salary placements are pending receipt of college transcripts verifying degree status

and a letter stating years of service in other districts, *denotes mentoring required.)

RESOLVED, that the South Plainfield Board of Education approves the following:

A. Resignations, Retirements, Terminations

Code Name Action Position Location Date Eff. Discussion

1. Pezzolla, Annemarie Resign Assistant Soccer Coach Middle School 09/13/21

2. Richter, Luzviminda Resign BAC Aide Franklin School

3. Rickert, Susan Resign Duty Aide Riley School 09/10/21

B. Leaves of Absence

Code Name Reason Position Loc. Paid

FMLA

Start

Date

Paid

Leave

(Not

FMLA)

Unpaid

Federal

FMLA

Start

Date

Unpaid

NJ FLA

Start

Date

Unpaid

Leave

W/out

Benefits

Return

Date

Discussion

1. Employee

ID#: 3178

Paid

Medical

Teacher Franklin

School

09/01/21

2. Employee

ID#: 5411

Unpaid LOA 08/16/21 8/23/21 With benefits



September 22, 2021

5

3. Employee

ID#: 5164

Paid

Medical/Federal/

NJ FMLA

BCBA Kennedy/

Riley/ Roosevelt

Schools

5/1/21 6/1/21 11/17/21 Revised

Return to work date

4. Employee

ID#: 3936

Paid

Medical

Nurse High

School

11/18/21 1/10/22

5. Employee

ID#: 4280

Unpaid LOA Bus Aide District 5/26/22 With Benefits

C. Appointments, Transfers

Code Name Action Position Degree/

Step

Salary/

Hourly

Rate

Location Date Effective Date

Term

Discussion

1 Villalta,

Petrona

Approve Bus Driver Step 1

6 hrs. Per

day

$28,032 District TBD 6/30/22 Pending successful criminal

history background check

Acct#: 11-000-270-161-16 2 Rosario, Luisa Approve Bus Driver Step 4

6 hrs. Per

day

#33,852 District 9/1/21 6/30/22 Revised Step

Acct#: 11-000-270-160-16 &

11-000-270-161-16

3 Burke, Patricia

Approve Duty Aide Step 3 3 hrs. Per

day

$10,731 Roosevelt School

9/1/21 6/30/22 Revised Step Acct#: 11-000-262-107-07

4 Arellano, Cherise

Approve BAC Aide Step 0 $17.70 per hr.

District TBD 6/30/22 Pending successful criminal history review

Acct#: 61-993-100-101-19 5 Nardacci,

Zoe

Approve BAC Aide Step 0 $17.70 District TBD 06/30/22 Up to 3.25 hours per day for

5 days per week Pending successful criminal

history review Acct# 61-993-100-101-19

6 Richter,

Luzviminda

Approve FT Para Step 1

6 hrs. Per

day

$22,267(

prorated)

District TBD 6/30/22 Pending successful criminal

history review

Acct#:11-212-100-106-18 7 Richter,

Luzviminda

Rescind Bus Aide Step 1

5.5 hrs. Per

day

$18.110(

prorated)


history review

Acct#:11-000-270-107-16

8 Chandler, Shawnette

Approve Bus Aide Step 1 5 hrs.

Per day

$17,586(prorated)


Acct#11-000-270-107-16

9 Basile, Jacquiline

Approve Duty Aide Step 1 3 hrs. per

day

$10,443 Roosevelt School

TBD 6/30/22 Pending successful criminal history review

Acct: #:11-000-262-107-07

10 Holdwright,

Erin

Approve Elem.

Teacher

Step 3 BA $57,145(

prorated)

Roosevelt

School

TBD 6/30/22 Pending successful criminal

history review Acct. #11-120-100-101-07

11 Giannakaris,

Filio

Approve F/T Para Step 1

6 hrs. a day

$22,267(

prorated)

Kennedy

School

TBD 6/30/22 Pending successful criminal

history review Acct. #:11-213-100-106-18

12 Ruchaevsky,

Shayna

Approve BAC Aide Step 0 $17.70 District TBD 06/30/22 Pending successful criminal

history review

Acct# 61-993-100-101-19

13 Olano,

Patricia

Approve BAC Aide Step 0 $17.70 District TBD 06/30/22 Revised Step

Pending successful criminal


14 Rochford,

Eldwin


6 hrs. Per day

$32,400 District 9/13/21 6/30/22 Revised Hours

Acct#: 11-000-270-160-16 & 11-000-270-161-16

15 Santacruz,

Stella


6.5 hrs. Per

day

$32,513 District 9/13/21 6/30/22 Revised Hours

Acct#: 11-000-270-160-16

16 Wolak,

Stephanie

Approve Duty Aide Step 1

3 hrs. Per

day

$10,443 Riley School TBD 6/30/22 Pending successful criminal

history review

Acct: #:11-000-262-107-03

17 Revollar, Tina Approve BAC N/A $35.00 District 9/23/21 6/30/22 Acct#: 61-993-100-101-19


September 22, 2021

6

Substitute

Nurse

per hr.

18 Bongiovanni, Samantha

Approve Elementary Teacher

Step 1 BA $56,395(prorated)


Acct# 11-120-100-101-07

19 Resti, Angela Approve Elementary Teacher

Step 2 BA $56,395(prorated)


Acct# 11-120-100-101-07

20 Jacobsen,

Amanda

Approve Elementary

Teacher

Step 2 BA $56,395(

prorated)



D. Adjustments, Stipends, Degree Changes

Code Name Action Position Degree/ Step No.

Of Hrs.

Salary/ Stipend

Location Date Effective

Date Term

Discussion

1 Mangieri, Scott

Approve AM SAT Prep 6 MA $54.00 per hr.

High School 10/1/21 10/31/21 Not to exceed 25 hrs. Acct#” 11-140-100-101-01

2 Vigneri,

Bonnie

Approve AM SAT Prep 18 MA $83.34 per

hr.

High School 10/1/21 10/31/21 Not to exceed 25 hrs.

Acct#” 11-140-100-101-01 3 Brinkman,

Kristen Approve Examining the

Art Standards N/A $41.00 per

hr. High School 10/22/21 10/22/21 Not to exceed 4.5 hrs.

Acct#: 11-140-100-101-01 4 Donnelly,

Erin

Approve Examining the

Art Standards

N/A $41.00 per

hr.

High School 10/22/21 10/22/21 Not to exceed 4.5 hrs.

Acct#: 11-140-100-101-01 5 Modernel,

Diane Approve Supporting

student @ Drama

Club

N/A $23.12 per hr.

Middle School

9/10/21 9/10/21 One hour Acct. #: 11-213-100-106-18

6 Hughes, Shannon

Approve Softball Assistant Coach

Step 4 $3,760 Middle School

3/18/22 6/17/22 Acct#: 11-402-100-100-22

7 Esposito, Sal Approve Volunteer –

Baseball N/A N/A High School 3/18/22 6/30/22 Acct#: N/A

8 Petrillo, Steve

Approve Volunteer – Baseball

N/A N/A High School 3/18/22 6/30/22 Acct#: N/A

9 Ullom,

Carol

Approve Nurse Step 15

RN

$57.94 per

hr.

District 9/1/21 6/30/22 Coverage @ other schools

beyond normal workday –

not to exceed 30 hours Acct#: 11-000-213-100-01

10 Rendon,

Paula

Approve 6th Period -

Spanish

Step 11

BA

$12,083 Middle

School

9/1/21 6/30/22 Acct#: 11-130-100-101-02

11 Salazar, Aura

Approve 6th Period - Spanish

Step 13

MA

$13,452 Middle School

9/1/21 6/30/22 Acct#: 11-130-100-101-02

12 Bott, Erika Approve Boys’ Assistant

Soccer Coach Step 1 $3,358

(prorated) Middle

School

9/23/21 12/05/21 Acct#: 11-402-100-100-22

13 DiBella, Marissa

Approve Student Council Co-Advisor

Step 1 $1,185 Middle School

9/1/21 6/30/22 (½ of $2370) Acct#: 11-401-100-100-02

14 Ryan, Haley Approve Student Council

Co-Advisor Step 1 $1,185 Middle

School

9/1/21 6/30/22 (½ of $2370)

Acct#: 11-401-100-100-02 15 Gray,

Michelle Approve Supporting

Students @ AM

Chorus

Step 3 $19.63 per hr.

High School 9/1/21 6/30/22 Acct#: 11-213-100-106-18

16 Williams,

Lamont

Approve Volunteer –

Boys' Basketball

N/A N/A High School 11/8/21 3/20/22 Acct#: N/A

E. Approval of Title I Funds for Salaries

Name Yearly

Salary

Percente paid

by Title Funds

Salary Paid by

Title Funds

Accounting Number School

Mary Rodger $100,010 20% $ 20,002 20-231-100-100-58-11 Riley

Dana Hauck $89,060 15% $ 13,359 20-231-100-100-58-11 Riley

Ann Johnson $99,110 20% $ 19,822 20-231-100-100-80-11 Roosevelt

Amanda Lair $62,795 20% $ 12,559 20-231-100-100-53-11 Roosevelt


September 22, 2021

7

Susan Gwiazda $101,510 20% $ 20,302 20-231-100-100-53-11 Roosevelt

Lindsay Vito $60,145 20% $ 12,029 20-231-100-100-53-11 MS

Alyssa Eckhardt $58,145 20% $ 11,629 20-231-100-100-70-11 Grant

Cathy Pompilio $87,360 20% $ 17,472 20-231-100-100-70-11 Grant

Megan Boyle $66,795 20% $ 13,359 20-231-100-100-70-11 Grant

Linda Downey $97,360 40% $ 32,000 20-231-100-100-53-11 MS

F. Approval of Stage Crew Advisor Job Description


Education approved the Stage Crew Advisor job description, as per TAB XI.E.

G. Approval of Lighting & Sound Technician Job Description


Education approved the Lighting & Sound job description, as per TAB XI.F

XII. FINANCE

1. Approval of Line-Item Transfers

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the monthly transfer reports for August

2021 and submits them to the Executive County Superintendent for approval. Tab XII.1.

2. Receipt of Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Reports

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approve the receipt of the Secretary’s and

Treasurer’s Reports as of August 2021 and acknowledge the following certification of the

Board Secretary: The receipt of the Treasurer’s Report is contingent upon the Treasurer’s

signature on the report prior to submission to the Secretary.

Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2-11(c)4, the Board Secretary certifies that after review of the

Board Secretary’s and Treasurer’s monthly financial reports in the minutes of the Board each

month that no major account or fund has been over expended in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A:23-

2.121(b).

__________________________ __________

Alex Benanti, Board Secretary Date

3. Approval of Bill List for September 2021

Approve payment of bills and claims that have been certified by the Board Secretary and filed

in the Business Office. The following is a list of payments approved:


Mrs. Boyle abstained on Section D, #9.


September 22, 2021

8

Checks Payroll Number Amount

Payroll 8/13/2021 $361,766.23

8/31/2021 $313,986.46

Checks Check Numbers Amount

Trust & Agency 100693 – 100694 85.54

Latchkey 400143 – 400145 3125.25

Cafeteria 200157 – 200159 25,223.15

FICA 908132112 21,206.63

908312127 18,244.34

Machine Checks 11053 – 11260 1,968,737.30

Fund 30 700310 - 700312 80,243.00

**Check #11053 voided

**Check #11054 and 200157 Petty cash

4. Approval of Withdrawals, Placements, and Tuition Adjustments of Special Education

Students the 2021-2022 School Year

Approve the withdrawals/placements/tuition changes for the following special education

students for the 2021-2022 school year:

a. Placement of one special education student at Archway Programs, Upper School,

Atco, NJ for the 2021-2022 school year. Tuition cost will be $43,986.60 ($244.37

per diem). State ID No.: 1241435398.

b. Withdrawal of one special education student from Honor Ridge Academy for the 2021-

2022 school year. The tuition cost of $76,860.00 was approved on the June 16, 2021,

Board of Education agenda. State ID No.: 2143450403.

c. Placement of one special education student at Bonnie Brae School for the 2021-2022

school year; start date is September 1, 2021. The tuition cost will be $77,700 ($420.00

per diem). State ID No.: 2548298870.

d. Change in tuition cost for one special education student attending CPC Behavioral

Healthcare-High Point School for the 2021-2022 school year. The student will be shared

time between South Plainfield High School and CPC High Point effective September 7,

2021. Adjusted tuition cost for the 2021-22 school year will be $37,922.40 ($210.68 per

diem). Original tuition cost for the 2021-22 school year of $75,844.80 was approved on

the June 16, 2021, Board agenda. State ID No.: 2467977625.

5. Approve Contracting with the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey for

Transportation Routes

Approve the following fall out-of-district route through the Educational Services

Commission of New Jersey:

School Bus Company Cost per Diem

Newmark School Three Brothers Bus Company $293.00


September 22, 2021

9

6. South Plainfield School District Board of Education Resolution for Capital Improvement

Project School Facilities Project at District Schools

WHEREAS, the South Plainfield School District, in the county of Middlesex, New Jersey,

(the “Board”), desires to proceed with an “other capital project,” generally consisting of

HVAC Upgrades for indoor air quality and related work at Grant and Roosevelt Schools; and

WHEREAS, the Board now seeks to take steps in order to proceed with the project and

comply with NJAC 6A:26-5.2 and 5.3 and related sections of the code; and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Education reviews and approves other capital

outlay projects.

WHEREAS, The District is NOT seeking ROD Grant Funding. ROD Grant Funding is not

available.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Plainfield School District Board of

Education does hereby authorize and direct the architectural firm of USA Architects, Planners

+ Interior Designers, and the School Business Administrator, as applicable, to prepare the

Department of Education Submission Package in connection with the project.

That the Architect and the School Business Administrator, as applicable, prepare an

amendment to the district’s Long Range Facility Plan in connection with the project.

That the Architect, School Business Administrator, Bond Counsel, and the Board Attorney,

as applicable, are hereby authorized to undertake all related actions necessary in connection

with the project.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Plainfield School District Board of Education

authorizes the submission of the project to the New Jersey Department of Education for

consideration and approval.

This resolution shall become effective immediately.

7. Approval of Professional Services Proposal from USA Architects for the Proposed HVAC

Replacement at Grant and Roosevelt Schools

Approve the Proposal from USA Architects to provide professional/engineering services

relative to the proposed HVAC Replacement at Grant School and Roosevelt Schools for the

sum of $148,800 in accordance with the terms and conditions therein.

8. Approval of Revised Master Services Agreement and Statement of Work with Remedy

Analytics, Inc.

Approve the revised Master Services Agreement and Statement of Work with Remedy

Analytics, Inc. to conduct audits of our prescription plan to ensure we received all discounts

due us for a fee of 20% of the savings received up to an annual cap of $85.000. This

agreement is for the 2021/2022, 2022/2023, and 2023/2024 school years.


September 22, 2021

10

9. Approval of Corrective Action Plan for the School Nutrition Program Procurement Review

Approve the Corrective Action Plan relative to the recommendations listed in the School

Nutrition Program Procurement Review Report as shown in Tab XII.9

10. Accept Gift Donation

Accept the gift donation of $1,120 from Shop Rite to purchase thirty-two (32) hooded

sweatshirts with logo, name & number for every JV & Varsity Girls’ Soccer Team player and

the managers.

11. Approval for Professional Development Expenditures – 2021/2022


Education approves the following expenditures (registration, mileage, and conference fees),

substitutes, and trips, which are compliant with State payment guidelines, employee job

responsibilities and critical to the needs of the school district.

Name of Workshop Dates Amount Person Attending

1. Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Foundation

Course with Advanced Physical Skills

10/5-

10/8/2022

$3699.00

11-000-223-580-11

Andrew Brandon

2. NJ Science Convention 10/20/2021 $180.00

11-000-223-580-11

Casianne Guastella

3. NJ Science Convention 10/20/2021 $ 300.00 Reg

$15.26 Travel

11-000-223-580-11

Shanti Kantha-

Murray

4. Future Problem Solvers of NJ Coaches

Training

10/1/2021 $40.00

11-000-223-320-11

Jillian Tortora

5. Certificate Course in Neurological

Approaches for Self-Regulation &

Techniques for Kids with Autism, ADHD

TBD $199.99

11-000-219-580-19

Kathryn Raber

6. Leading for Student-Centered, Equity

Focused Education

2/17/22 –

2/20/22

$1923.00

11-000-230-339-12

Noreen Tansey

Lishak

7. NJSCA Fall Conference 10/8/21 $109.00

11-000-223-580-11

Melissa Zurawiecki

8. Asbestos Building Inspector &

Management Planner

10/4/21 $249.00

11-000-223-320-11-000

Tom Wiggins

9. Asbestos Supervisor License Renewal 10/7/21 $195.00

11-000-223-320-11

Tom Wiggins

12. Approval of Contract with Rutgers University for Teacher Professional Development


September 22, 2021

11

Approve the contract with Rutgers University at the cost of $12,000.00 for teacher

professional development on valid, ELA & cross-curricular, data-driven assessment creation

and analysis for Grades Kindergarten through Grade 5.

13. Approval of Contract with coLab for Teacher Professional Development

Approve the contract with coLAB at the cost of $28,500.00 for teacher professional

development and coaching on enhancing culturally responsive teaching and cultural

consciousness for Grades 7 & 8. Title funded as follows:

Teacher Training Title II 200-300 $15,000.00

Teacher Salaries Title II 200-100 $ 5,000.00

Stipend for Lab Title IV 200-100 $ 1,500.00

Student Supplies Title IV 100-600 $ 3,000.00

Teacher Supplies Title IV 200-600 $ 4,000.00

14. Accept the Gift of Three Professional Development Sessions

Accept the gift of three (3) professional development sessions valued at $710.00 from

Rutgers Center for Literacy Development for Mrs. Pamela Ackerman-Garcia and a teacher

attendee for “Creativity, Ingenuity & Hip Hop Literacy,” “Cultural Responsiveness &

Engagement in the 21st Century,” and “Comprehension Development through SEL to

Leverage Student Identity.”

15. Accept the Proposal from Dr. Lacey Hunter for Curriculum Development and Pedagogical

Support

Accept the proposal from Dr. Lacey Hunter, African American History & Studies at Rutgers

University, at the cost of $4,500 for development and pedagogical support for inclusive

classroom curriculum and instructional practice.

16. Approval of Addendum #1 to the Service Agreement for the 2021 - 2026 Contract with

Pritchard Industries, Inc.

Approve Addendum #1 to the Service Agreement for the 2021 – 2026 Contract with

Pritchard Industries, Inc. for providing custodial, grounds, and management services to the

district. The amended total Annualized Contract Price for 2021/2022 is increased from July

2, 2021, through June 30, 2022, to Two Million, Four Hundred Twenty-Eight Thousand, Four

Hundred Thirty-Six Dollars and Forty-three Cents ($2,428,436.43).

17. Accept School Security Grant

Accept the approved School Security Grant in the amount of $187,438.00.

18. Approval for Related Services Providers – 2021/2022

Approve the following related services appointment for special education students

for the 2021/2022 school year:


September 22, 2021

12

Related Services Staffing

United Therapy Solutions, Inc.

141 South Avenue, Suite 6, Fanwood, NJ 07023

September 3, 2021 through June 30, 2022

School Social Worker

(case management, evaluations)

$80.00 per hour

Nursing Services

Bayada Home Health Care

285 Davidson Avenue, Suite 503, Somerset, NJ 08873

September 20, 2021, through June 30, 2022

Transportation Nurse

$75.00 per hour/3-hour increments

19. Approval for D& L Bus Services to Provide Transportation to Metuchen High School for a

Field Hockey Game

Approve the payment of $550.00 to D&L Bus Services to provide Transportation to

Metuchen High School on September 15, 2021, for a Field Hockey game.

20. Non-Public Chapters 192 & 193 State Aid – 2021/2022

Through a contract with the Education Services Commission of New Jersey, the Board of

Education authorizes the administrative personnel of the Commission to conference, discuss

and solicit input in the development of the use of State Aid for Services Under Chapters 192 &

193 totaling $68,704.00 for the 2021/2022 school year, as follows:

Chapter 192

Compensatory Education $29,561.00

E.S.L. $0.00

Transportation $ 4,748.00

Chapter 193

Initial Exam & Class $9,283.00

Annual Exam & Class. $4,560.00

Corrective Speech $6,510.00

Supplementary Instruction $14,042.00

21. Accept 2021 Sustainable Jersey Grant from the Sustainability Institute at the College of New

Jersey

Accept the 2021 Sustainable Jersey Grant funded by the PSEG Foundation in the amount of

$2,000 from the Sustainability Institute at the College of New Jersey to be used for the

Middle School Greenhouse.

22. Accept the Chrysalis Fund Award from the Entomological Society of America (ESA)


September 22, 2021

13

Accept the Chrysalis Fund Award from the Entomological Society of America in the amount

of $2,000 to be used for lab materials including a dissecting microscope, mini gel

electrophoresis system, and related equipment at the High School.

23. Accept Gift Donation

Accept the gift donation of an Outdoor Volleyball Net from Mary Kate Schiller for use in

Physical Education classes at the High School.

24. Approve Contracting with the Educational Services Commission of NJ for Transportation

Routes

Approve the following fall route through the Educational Services Commission of NJ

Commission:

Route School Cost per Diem

Plainfield SPHS, SPMS & Grant School (3 students) $386.00

25. Approve Professional Development Expenditure – Staff/Board Member

Approve the following travel expenditures, which are compliant with State payment

guidelines, employee job responsibilities, and critical to the needs of the school district

pursuant to Bylaw #0147. (Acct. #11.000.230.585.12)

Name Title Workshop Date Components Amount

Sharon

Miller

Board

Member

Middlesex County School

Boards Meeting, Pierre’s,

Monmouth Junction, NJ

9/27/21 Mileage

$12.40


Education approves the foregoing resolutions.

XIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS

a. Public Comments on the Safe Return to School Plan

Pursuant to the requirements of the Plan for Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and

Continuity of Service issued by the NJDOE – the public is provided the opportunity to make

public comment during a board meeting on the requirement to wear a face covering and

follow social distancing mandates as related to New Jersey Public Schools. Please be advised

this is a required exercise as related to the Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and

Continuity of Service Plan. All mandates and executive orders must be adhered to by the

school district until such time the mandates are amended or removed and/or the executive

order expires.



September 22, 2021

14

b. Public Comments on Any Item

XV. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS

Mr. Chapman thanked the community for their donations for the families affected by Hurricane

Ida. He said that the district also received donations of school supplies and they are available to

families in need. He also addressed the traffic concerns at Grant School and the High School,

asking for everyone to follow the proper procedures.

Mrs. Boyle acknowledged Mr. Blondo and the Borough for their 9/11 ceremonies. She also

thanked Councilman Derryk White, the Fire Department, First Aid Department, the American

Legion, and those that read at the ceremony. She acknowledged the wonderful tribute that

Senator Diegnand presented to Mrs. Joffe at her retirement dinner, and she discussed the ongoing

transportation issues that are happening in the towns.

XVI. EXECUTIVE SESSION

RESOLVED, pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 47-:1A-1 et. seq.) that the

Board meets in closed session at this time to discuss confidential matters pertaining to (select one

or more)

1. a matter rendered confidential by federal or state law

2. a matter in which release of information would impair the right to receive

government funds

3. material the disclosure of which constitutes an unwarranted invasion of individual

privacy

4. a collective bargaining agreement and/or negotiations related to it

5. a matter involving the purchase, lease, or acquisition of real property with public

funds

6. protection of public safety and property and/or investigations of possible violations or

violations of law

7. pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiation and/or matters of attorney-

client privilege

8. specific prospective or current employees unless all who could be adversely affected

request an open session.

9. deliberation after a public hearing that could result in a civil penalty or other loss

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the matters discussed in closed session shall be made public

as soon as the need for confidentiality no longer exists.

The Board went into executive session at 6:44 p.m.

The Board returned to the public session at 7:35 p.m.

MOTION: Mr. Both SECOND: Mr. Pennisi VOTE: 7-0


September 22, 2021

15

XVII. ADJOURNMENT

With no further business of the Board, there was a motion to adjourn at 7:36 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Alex Benanti

Business Administrator/Board Secretary

MOTION: Mr. Farinella SECOND: Mr. Pennisi VOTE: 7-0

Minutes - BOARD OF EDUCATION

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