HUNTERDON COUNTY VOCATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Central Campus 10 Junction Road Flemington, NJ 08822 Minutes of the Board of Education Meeting Monday, February 28, 2011 6:45 p.m. CALL TO ORDER AND OPEN PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT: The meeting of the Hunterdon County Board for Vocational Education was called to order at 6:51 p.m. by Board President Ms. Elizabeth Martin. Ms. Martin stated that this meeting was being held in accordance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act. Adequate notice was given by prominently posting the meeting notice on the first floor of the County Administration Building, 71 Main Street, Flemington, New Jersey, a public place reserved for such announcements. The notice was sent to the Hunterdon County Democrat and by filing with the Hunterdon County Clerk a schedule of the time, date and place of the holdings of this meeting. Present were board members: Laurence Molloy, Michael Yates, Elizabeth Martin. Also present was Susan Joyce Business Administrator/Board Secretary; Kim Metz Superintendent. Public Present: Polytech staff Dan Kerr Principal, Larry Blanke, Lisa Lee; Freeholder W. Mennen. Public Comment: Mr. Blanke, on behalf of the Association, questioned the process of the destruction of records in reference to the Arbitration proceedings earlier this month. Board President Ms. Martin responded that as the board attorney is absent, the board will forward this request to Mr. Novak and will forward the response. Consent Agenda. Items 1 & 2 removed from the consent agenda. Due to the absence of the Board Attorney, he has been unable to the review the minutes. 1. Approve the minutes of the Board of Education meeting of January 24, 2011. 2 Approve the minutes of the Executive Board of Education meeting of January 24, 2011. It was moved by Mr. Yates, second by Mr. Molloy to approve Items 3, 4 and 5 of the Consent Agenda. 3. Approve Transfers in the amount of $4,727.00 Fund 10; $3,240.00 Fund 20. 4. Approve the Report of the Treasurer and Secretary for the month of December 2010 5. Approve the payment of all claims as listed on the Claims Register dated February 28, 2011 in the amount of $181,544.15. VI. Old Business: none Min Feb. 28/11 Page 1 of 8
New Business: A. Request is made of the Board of Education to approve the tentative 2011-12 school budget. It was moved by Mr. Molloy, second by Ms. Martin to approve the tentative 2011-2012 general fund school budget of $4,700,977 with a local tax levy of $1,448,174. Resolution attached. Discussion on the budget followed. Discussion also focused on setting a date for the Board of School Estimate Meeting. Mr. Molloy x B. Approve R & L Data Center as Payroll Provider. It was moved by Mr. Yates, second by Mr. Molloy to approve R & L Data Center as Polytech s Payroll Provider. Payroll costs: $227 per payroll x 24 pays = $5,448; plus end of year costs of $100 plus $4 per W2. Additional fees for special requests/reports, onsite training, payroll support and payroll software support may be charged, as detailed in the fees section of the agreement, on an as needed basis. This service was previously paid for by TD Bank through our local banking agreement. TD Bank has changed the terms of this agreement and effective January 1, 2011, TD Bank will no longer cover the cost of payroll services or any other services, nor will they be paying interest on our deposits. We are actively seeking Requests for Proposal for banking services in conjunction with other districts in Hunterdon and Warren Counties. C. Approve Harcum College Articulation Agreement and CEP Program. It was moved by Mr. Yates, second by Mr. Molloy to approve an agreement with Harcum College and the Pre-Veterinary Science Small Animal program and the Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP) agreement with Raritan Valley Community College. Pre Vet students that successfully complete the Harcum College course competencies for Introduction to Veterinary Technology VET102 with an average grade of B or better will earn three (3) credit hours and Pre-Veterinary Science Large Animal students that successfully complete the Harcum College competencies for Veterinary Assistant Program Animal Management and Nutrition VET 230 with an average grade of B or better will earn three (3) credit hours. The college credits will be applicable to Harcum s Veterinary Technology Associate s Degree Program. Agreement attached. Min Feb. 28/11 Page 2 of 8
The Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP) agreement with Raritan Valley Community College provides criteria for student eligibility, cost to students and college, and the faculty selection for students to receive college credit while in high school. This agreement does not approve specific college credits but just provides the basis of the CEP. Currently high school students enrolled in the Nursing and Teacher Academy Programs receive RVCC CEP credits. D. Approve the Nursing Services Plan. It was moved by Mr. Yates, second by Mr. Molloy to approve the Nursing Services Plan as attached. The Nursing Services Plan is approved by the Board of Education annually and submitted to the county superintendent of schools for review and approval as per NJAC 6A:16-2.1(b). E. Approve Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI) Program Resolution. It was moved by Mr. Molloy, second by Mr. Yates to approve the Special Education Medicaid Initiative Program Resolution. This resolution is approved annually to apply for a waiver due to the fact that we project having fewer than 30 Medicaid eligible classified students. Polytech is a shared school and does not offer Medicaid services. Complete resolution attached. F. Approve Personnel/Professional Development. It was moved by Mr. Molloy, second by Mr. Yates to approve listed personnel and professional development requests. Chuck Toye, Automotive Technology Instructor as bus driver, as needed to be paid $20.00 per hour when driving after regular work day. Min Feb. 28/11 Page 3 of 8
Mel Joshi for an additional $15,000 as needed at the rate of $40/hr to June 30, 2011 to develop, setup and train instructors to deliver online instruction paid by 2010-11 Perkins grant and customized training funds. Revision to the contract of student aide Susan Rozycki approved at the January meeting. Susan Rozycki as student aide at a revised prorated salary of $9,747.50 (Step 1 -$19,495) and prorated benefits with a revised start date of February 1, 2011 to the end of the school year (1.5 family illness/personal days, 3.5sick days). Ms. Rozycki replaced student aide Sarah Lamonaco. Accepted the resignation of James Babaian, Construction Technology instructor effective April 25, 2011. Letter attached. Thomas C. Ramsin as Emergent Hire - Construction Technologies Teacher at the rate of $200 per day, no benefits, from March 1, 2011, as needed until March 21, 2011. Mr. Ramsin earned a B.S. degree in Pre-Engineering/Technology Education and has over twenty-five years of trade experience as a general building contractor and worker. Debbie Oliver to attend the Annual Social Work Conference in Atlantic City, N.J. from May 1 to 3, 2011. Cost is $340 for registration and an approximate cost of $300 for travel and two nights hotel. Susan Joyce, Board Secretary/Business Administrator to attend the NJASBO Annual Conference from June 1 to 3, 2011 at the Borgata Hotel, Atlantic City, N.J. Cost is $150 for registration and an approximate cost of $360 for travel and two nights hotel. Meals are included. Chris Shockley to attend the American Technical Education Association (ATEA) National Conference in St. Paul, Minnesota from March 30 to April 1, 2011. Cost is $495 for registration, $350 flight and an approximate cost of $350 for transportation, two nights hotel and meals. This activity has been approved and paid by 2010-2011 Perkins grant funds. G. Accept Grant Funds /Approve Grant Submissions: It was moved by Mr. Yates, second by Mr. Molloy to accept grant funds as stated and to approve grant submissions. Accepted the 2011 Green Program of Study Mini-Grant Award of $6,000 from the NJDOE to implement the first year of a four-year green program of study. The study is a part of the implementation phase of NJ s first statewide green programs of study (Green POS). Each of the approved six pilot schools throughout the state will be offered a second year grant for an additional $6,000 in 2012. Funds are to be used for teacher stipends, travel to professional development seminars, textbooks and course materials. Min Feb. 28/11 Page 4 of 8
Although the grant was intended for 4-year full-time high schools, the NJDOE is interested in our application for a unique approach within our shared-time 2-year district. The first year grant concludes on January 31, 2012. Approved the submission of a 2011 ING Unsung Heroes Award Program for a maximum of $25,000 by the April 30, 2011 deadline. Funds are to be used for unique educational projects. The award of $2,000 is issued to 100 finalists, at least one from every state. Of the 100 finalists, three will be selected for additional financial awards, first place for additional $25,000 award, second place for additional $10,000 award and third place an additional $5,000 award. Polytech s application will focus on developing distance learning opportunities for CTE Nursing, Health Science and Pre-Veterinary Science students. Approved the submission of two 2011 Realize Science Technology Grants for Agriculture in the Classroom. Ten grant winners will receive a Dlite Discovery Education Kit from School & Science Technology Resources consisting of a hand-held microscope with magnification tips and software to take pictures, videos and time lapse movies. The value of the items was not stated, but it was indicated that there will be over $5,000 in Awards. Application will be submitted by the Pre-Veterinary Science and Culinary Arts/Baking & Pastry programs by the March 31, 2011 deadline. If an award is received, items will be delivered by May 31, 2011. H. Approve 2011-2012 School Calendar. Calendar attached. It was moved by Mr. Yates, second by Mr. Molloy to approve the 2011-2012 school calendar. I. Approve 2011-2012 Shared Service Rate. It was moved by Mr. Molloy, second by Mr. Yates to approve the rate for student aides at $1,425 for each student with an IEP on the ASSA October 15, 2011 date. Min Feb. 28/11 Page 5 of 8
J. Approve Field Trip/Fund Raising Activity. For Field Trips the Polytech bus and driver will be utilized unless unavailable or for another reason. If an outside bus company is needed, the lowest of at least three quotes will be used. It was moved by Mr. Yates, second by Mr. Molloy to approve listed field trip and fund raising activity. DATE: March 18, 2011 TIME: 8:00 am (depart Central) Departure from Site: 1:00 p.m. PROGRAM/TEACHER(S): Energy Technology/Thomas Ramsin TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS PARTICIPATING: 16 TEACHER/CHAPERONES/AIDES: 2 DESTINATION: Garden State Green Fest, Kean University, Union, NJ COST OTHER THAN BUS: Adults $20.00 under 18 free of charge PURPOSE: Students will be inter-active with vendor representatives, take part in hands-on type seminars. Approve fundraising activity for FCCLA. Amanda Ewing, a student in Teacher Academy, works at Cheeburger Cheeburger in Flemington. The restaurant is willing to participate in our fundraising efforts on March 14. All customers that come into the restaurant that day with an approved flyer will have 10% of their total bill donated to our FCCLA chapter. The money from this fundraiser will assist in costs for future competitions. Mr. Yates x Superintendent s Report/Update: Proposal to reduce Perkins funding of $100 million across the country. The President s recommends even deeper cuts of $234 million. As a result, it is likely that some cuts to Perkins funds will occur. The Harvard report - The Pathways to Prosperity report that states CTE will have an important role in preparing students for a career and post-secondary education. Marie Berry from NJDOE will postpone her visit to the board to the spring when more members are in place. A Culinary Arts & Baking and Pastry Senior Project is sponsoring a Breakfast Brunch to be held on Sunday, May 14. The project is a major event that gives a sense of community, requires 21 st century skills such as cooperative learning, critical thinking and problem solving while also being a recruitment tool. Students are divided into several committees and are given a task such as promotion, operations and finances. Each committee is overseen by a leader. All costs will be covered by an admission fee and any profits will be made to a charity group. NJDOE: The Report Card Narratives are online on the NJDOE website. As a shared-time school a lot of the statistics, reports do not apply. Min Feb. 28/11 Page 6 of 8
Arnaz Dotivala has been selected as our Teacher of the Year. Ms. Dotivala is a Cosmetology teacher that goes above and beyond in the classroom as well as getting the community involved. Ms. Dotivala often has a 100% passing rate for the Cosmetology License. Spring adult education enrollment: 371. The Culinary Arts Food and Beverage Management program continues to grow in popularity with 84 students. Recruitment activities are taking place. Enrollment numbers will be available next month. The second Coffee with the Superintendent took place on February 10.. Six adults, mostly of middle school students, took part in asking questions of the Superintendent. Nursing services update; 5 visits to the nurse at Bartles and 12 at Central. District wide maintaining an average of about 20 visits per month. Hunterdon Central agrees that the process is going very well. On February 15 the Freeholders proclaimed February as Career & Technical Education Month (CTE). Implementation of CTE activities took place throughout the month. Tomorrow (March 1) Pre-Vet students will be presenting at the Freeholder s meeting. Polytech Open House was held on Jan. 19 th, on our snow date. Approximately 300 people attended. Surveys indicated an increase of parents of home schooled students and middle school students. Most indicated that this was their first visit to Polytech. Reports of staff that attended the January 2011 Technology Centers That Work National Forum, in Charleston, South Carolina are found at the end of the Superintendent s Report. Committee Reports: Finance Committee - Elizabeth Martin and Michael Yates reviewed the budget with the Superintendent and Business Administrator. Negotiations Committee: Superintendent Metz reported that the committee had reviewed outstanding contracts. The Board is now waiting for the union s (HPEA) negotiation s list. Buildings & Grounds: Gas shut off in Culinary: The district is waiting for a proposal on the suppression system gas shut off issue from Reliable Fire Company. The system is working but the gas line does not shut down. Mr. Ayers installed the new washer and dryer in the Cosmetology classroom and in the Pre-Vet building. Students are now able to wash and dry towels used in their program rather than out servicing this task. Mr. Ayers replaced the network connection for the copy machine in the Central building main office. He also repaired the connection to a video camera at the Bartles Campus. Public Comment: none Executive Session: At 7:19 p.m. it was moved by Mr. Yates, second by Mr. Molloy to exit public session and enter executive session regarding the budget/personnel/litigation update. All in favor. Min Feb. 28/11 Page 7 of 8
Present were board members: Laurence Molloy, Michael Yates, Elizabeth Martin. Also present were Susan Joyce Business Administrator/Board Secretary; Kim Metz Superintendent and by invitation Dan Kerr. Executive Session and Enter Public Session: At 7:31 p.m. it was moved by Mr. Molloy, second by Mr. Yates to return to public session. All in favor. It was moved by Mr. Molloy, second by Mr. Yates to adjourn at 7:32 p.m. Respectfully submitted by, Susan Joyce Business Administrator/Board Secretary Elizabeth Martin Board President Min Feb. 28/11 Page 8 of 8