West Deptford Middle School
675 Grove Road
West Deptford, NJ 08066-1999
November 25, 2002
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of the Township of West Deptford was held at the
above date and place at 7:00pm.
The meeting was called to order by President James P. Mehaffey, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance
and a Moment of Silence.
Mr. Mehaffey, President, announced: Notice of this meeting has been provided by letter dated 03 May
2002 to the Gloucester County Times, Camden Courier Post and the West Deptford Municipal Clerk.
Public notice was also posted in the West Deptford Municipal Building on 03 May 2002.
PRESENT ABSENT
Mr. James Crawford
Mr. Michael Douglas
Mrs. Lisa Eckley
Mrs. Anne Marie Fletcher
Dr. Brian Gotchel
Mr. Donald Hicks
Mr. Douglas Hill
Mr. James Mehaffey
Mrs. Donna Szymborski
Also present: George P. Faunce, Superintendent
William H. Thompson, Business Administrator/Board Secretary
Patricia Ripley, Director of Curriculum
PRESIDENT’S REMARKS
Motion by Hicks, seconded by Douglas to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of November
11, 2002.
Motion carried unanimously.
COURTESY EXTENDED TO VISITORS
11/25/02
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
-Annual Audit Presentation by Bowman & Company
GENERAL BUSINESS
A. FINANCE – HICKS, Crawford, Szymborski (Alternate: Hill)
1. Motion by Hicks, seconded by Fletcher to approve the regular bill list of November 25,
2002 totaling $516,850.50, with funds available as documented in the Board Office,
pending final review by the Finance Committee Chairperson.
Motion carried unanimously.
(Exceptions: Hill abstained on Warrant #50094; Crawford abstained on Warrant #50053;
Mehaffey abstained on Warrant #50188)
2. Motion by Hicks, seconded by Fletcher to approve the October Expenditure and
Revenue Reports as enclosed and to approve and certify that the October Expenditure
Reports, after review of the secretary's monthly financial report (appropriations
sections), and upon consultation with the appropriate district officials, to the best of our
knowledge, contain no major accounts or funds which have been overexpended in
violation of NJAC 6A:23-2.11(b), and that sufficient funds are available to meet the
District's financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. Motion by Hicks, seconded by Crawford to approve the reports of the Secretary and the
Treasurer of School Monies for the month of October 2002; that said reports are in
agreement.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. Motion by Hicks, seconded by Crawford to approve the transfers for October 2002.
Motion carried unanimously.
5. Motion by Hicks, seconded by Crawford to approve the November 25, 2002 cafeteria
bill list totaling $50,026.01, with funds available as documented in the Board Office.
Motion carried unanimously.
11/25/02
A. FINANCE – continued
6. Motion by Hicks, seconded by Crawford to approve the Corrective Action Plan outlined
below:
WEST DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION-CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
FY ENDED JUNE 30, 2002
PERSON COMPLETION
RECOMMENDATION CORRECTIVE ACTION IMPLEMENTATION RESPONSIBLE DATE
#1 Board Secretary’s The district will finish the The district Business
Records fixed asset inventory Administrator will retain a
The District review the valuation started in the firm capable of providing the
fixed assets report prepared prior fiscal year. Upon service of inventorying fixed
by the independent completion the district will assets. Business 12/31/02
appraisal company and be able to reconcile the Administrator
amend the fixed assets subsidiary ledger for fixed
detail subsidiary ledger to assets to the general ledger
the proper funding source. for fixed assets.
#2 School Food Service Food Service Director will Each month the Food Service
Prior to submission, the perform an analytical Director will compare last
district review review of reimbursement year’s reimbursement request
reimbursement requests for vouchers to ensure that to this year’s reimbursement
accuracy and completeness. reimbursement requests request for the same monthly Business 12/31/02
appear reasonable. In period. Any large variances Administrator/
addition, the Business will be followed up on. Each Food Services
Administrator shall provide month the Business Director
a detailed review of Administrator will provide a
reimbursement requests to detailed review of the
supporting details. supporting documentation in
order to determine validity of
the reimbursement request.
#3 T.P.A.F. Prior to enrolling an The payroll specialist prior to
Reimbursement applicant in the PERS or enrolling an applicant in a
Prior to the submission to TPAF pension system, each pension system, will
the State for applicant shall be thoroughly review each Payroll Specialist 12/31/02
reimbursement, the thoroughly reviewed as to applicant as to their pension
calculation of T.P.A.F. their pension eligibility eligibility status.
share of social security be status.
reviewed to insure that only
T.P.A.F. salaries are
included.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. Motion by Hicks, seconded by Crawford to approve authorizing Remington & Vernick
and The Prisco Group for professional design services for renovations to the High
School, Middle School, and the Red Bank, Green-Fields, and Oakview Elementary
Schools.
Motion carried unanimously.
8. Motion by Hicks, seconded by Crawford to approve delegating Remington & Vernick
and The Prisco Group, the Design Consultants, with the authority to prepare all plans,
specifications, drawings and necessary bid-related documents for the five renovation
projects (one per school).
Motion carried unanimously.
11/25/02
A. FINANCE – continued
9. Motion by Hicks, seconded by Crawford to approve submission of a facilities project to
the NJDOE for the electrical renovations to the High School Gym and replacement of
the gym bleachers, as needed, for health and safety.
Motion carried unanimously.
10. Motion by Hicks, seconded by Crawford to approve delegating The Prisco Group and
Remington & Vernick with the authority to prepare plans, specifications, drawings and
necessary bid-related documents for the renovations.
Motion carried unanimously.
11. Motion by Hicks, seconded by Crawford to approve the following Resolution.
WEST DEPTFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION
RESOLUTION
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 this document for the
various school facilities of the West Deptford Township 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 West Deptford Township School District hereby authorizes the School Business
Administrator to submit the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan for the West Deptford
Township School District in compliance with Department of Education requirements.
Board of Education of the
Township of West Deptford
In the County of Gloucester
__________________________
President
Attest:
_______________________
Secretary
NOTE:
Document was enclosed in the back-up materials packet.
Motion carried unanimously.
B. CURRICULUM - SZYMBORSKI, Eckley, Fletcher (Alternate: Douglas)
11/25/02
1. Motion by Szymborski, seconded by Eckley to approve the WDHS Marching Band's
performance at the Middle School on November 26 from approximately 7:30-10am.
NOTE:
Mr. Kershaw believes it would be beneficial for the High School Marching Band to perform the
competition band field show in the Middle School Cafetorium to interest the Middle School students in
the High School program.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. Motion by Szymborski, seconded by Eckley to approve Jeannine Izzo, High School
World Language Teacher, and her conversational Spanish class students to work with
the students at Oakview School on a selective basis during the 2002-2003 school year;
visitations will be set up with individual schools.
NOTE:
(1) Ms. Izzo and her students will walk to Oakview School.
(2) There were two visitations which took place in last year's program; they worked out
successfully.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. Motion by Szymborski, seconded by Eckley to approve High School students Melissa
Coats, Thomas Gaffney, Danielle Matson, and Danielle McGhee to attend the Pearl
Harbor Attack Commemoration aboard the USS Battleship New Jersey on Wednesday,
December 4, 2002 at 10am, under the supervision of Steve Michaelchuck, High School
Social Studies Teacher, at a cost to the B.O.E. of a substitute.
NOTE:
(1) Mr. Michaelchuck will drive the students to the event in his vehicle.
(2) Additional is attached.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. Motion by Szymborski, seconded by Eckley to approve the annual holiday Learn and
Serve visitation to Shady Lane Nursing Home in Clarksboro, for 40 Grade 6 students, to
visit patients; at a cost of $47.96 for transportation.
Motion carried unanimously.
11/25/02
C. TEACHERS & PERSONNEL - FLETCHER, Eckley, Crawford (Alternate: Szymborski)
1. Motion by Fletcher, seconded by Eckley to approve accepting with regret, (pending hire
as Green-Fields Teacher) the resignation of Monica Wentz, Green-Fields CAP Aide.
NOTE:
(1) Mrs. Wentz is the candidate who will go before the B.O.E. as replacement for Mrs. Claire
Schwerzler who plans to retire December 31, 2002.
(2) Additional information was enclosed in the back-up materials packet.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. Motion by Fletcher, seconded by Eckley to approve hiring, effective January 2, 2003,
Monica Wentz as Green-Fields Grade 1 Teacher, and to establish compensation for
services at B.A. Level 8; $42,956.
NOTE:
(1) Ms. Wentz will replace Mrs. Claire Schwerzler.
(2) Additional information was enclosed in the back-up materials packet.
Roll Call Vote:
Yes: Crawford, Douglas, Eckley, Gotchel, Hicks, Hill, Szymborski, Fletcher,
Mehaffey
No: ---
Abstain:---
3. Motion by Fletcher, seconded by Eckley to approve the below-listed staff members to
attend a Writer's Workshop clinic to be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2002 from
3:45-4:45pm; funds to come from No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Title IIA; cost: 1 hour
@ $30 per hour x 17 teachers; total cost $510.
Red Bank Oakview Green-Fields
Marianne Gallagher Lisa Exley Karen Berry
Tori Huffman Mary Jacobs Michele Elliott
Lisa Lombardozzi Noreen Mikulski Linda Foschi
Kathleen Fyke Nicole Reynolds Joan Pacini
Linda Clark Gaetan Pappalardo
Jennifer Preziosi
Meredith Sawyer
Judy Struck
Motion carried unanimously.
11/25/02
C. TEACHERS & PERSONNEL – continued
4. Motion by Fletcher, seconded by Eckley to approve the below-listed staff members to
attend a Writer's Workshop clinic to be held Thursday, December 5, 2002 from 3:45-
4:45pm; funds to come from NCLB Title IIA; cost: 1 hour @ $30 per hour x 9 teachers;
total cost $270.
Red Bank Oakview Green-Fields
Joanne Keating Suzanne Dahl Jennifer Buyser
Cheryl Micciche Stephanie Phillips Marggy
Campana
Mary Jane Moeller Melanie Gligor
Linda Hess
Motion carried unanimously.
5. Motion by Fletcher, seconded by Eckley to approve Kim Dupper, Green-Fields Grade 3
Teacher, to present a Writer's Workshop clinic on Wednesday, December 4, 2002 from
3:45-4:45pm, for Grade 3 and Special Education teachers; funds to come from NCLB
Title IIA; cost: 2 hours prep time/1 hour presenting time @ $30 per hour; total cost $90.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. Motion by Fletcher, seconded by Eckley to approve Donna Tessmer, Oakview Grade 4
Teacher, to present a Writer's Workshop clinic on Thursday, December 5, 2002 from
3:45-4:45pm, for Grade 4 teachers; funds to come from NCLB Title IIA; cost: 2 hours
prep time/1 hour presenting time @ $30 per hour; total cost $90.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. Motion by Fletcher, seconded by Eckley to approve the below-listed Middle School
math teachers in Grades 6, 7 and 8, along with the resource center teachers of math, to
attend an after-school math workshop on December 4, 2002, to be presented by Dr. Eric
Milou, Rowan Math Professor; to be funded by NCLB Title IIA monies; cost: 13
teachers @ $30 per hour x 1 hour; total cost $390.
Rebecca Headley Bridget Breece
Janet Izzo Jon Burnham
Carrie Joyce Melissa Flores
Linda Leary Lynette Lindia
Bob Scholl Linda Sherry
Beth Seher Rachelle Swindell
Deborah Yoa
Motion carried unanimously.
11/25/02
C. TEACHERS & PERSONNEL – continued
8. Motion by Fletcher, seconded by Eckley to approve Middle School Social Studies
teachers Susan Morris, Jeff Christo, Jeanne Gasparovic, and Jennifer Mullen to
participate in an after-school social studies curriculum workshop on December 3 and
December 10, 2002; to be funded by district Staff Development monies at a cost of: 4
teachers @ $30 per hour x 2 hours; $240.
Motion carried unanimously.
9. Motion by Fletcher, seconded by Eckley to approve Middle School teachers Susan
Morris, Adrienne Yule, and Robin Bazzel, and High School teachers Debby Park, Dan
Mansor, and Terry McAndrew, to participate in a Social Studies curriculum project with
Distance Learning; dates to be determined; to be funded by NCLB Title II-D monies;
cost: 6 teachers @ $30 per hour x 8 hours; total cost $1,440.
NOTE:
(1) This project will link Middle School and High School social studies curriculum through the
discussion of diversity issues.
(2) A major area of focus is improving our school climate through such issues as bullying and
diversity.
Motion carried unanimously.
10. Motion by Fletcher, seconded by Eckley to approve the below-listed substitute teachers
for the 2002-2003 school year, pending completion of all district and state
requirements:
Lisa M. Gimpel Amy N. Moran
Alicia E. Wilson
Joann Weindel Robert S. Rowand
NOTE:
(1) Per the new regulations from the Office of Criminal History, emergent hiring is only permitted
for three months. At the end of this period, if an approval letter has not yet been received
regarding the criminal history check, the Commissioner of Education must be petitioned for an
extension of two months.
(2) Interim approval is to be obtained from the Gloucester County Department of Education. No
new employee can begin employment without this interim approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
11. Motion by Fletcher, seconded by Eckley to approve the transfer, on a voluntary basis, of
Marq Acolia, presently Middle School Night Custodian, to the position of High School
Night Custodial Leader, with an annual stipend of $900.
Motion carried unanimously.
11/25/02
C. TEACHERS & PERSONNEL – continued
12. Motion by Fletcher, seconded by Eckley to approve the transfer, on a voluntary basis, of
John Hoffman, presently High School night Custodial Leader, to the position of Middle
School Night Custodian.
Motion carried unanimously.
13. Motion by Fletcher, seconded by Eckley to approve a medical leave of absence for
Norma Minnite, Green-Fields Lunchroom/Playground/Clerical Aide, for the period
December 1, 2002 to approximately January 17, 2003; leave to be paid to the extent of
accumulated sick days.
NOTE:
Petition was enclosed in the back-up materials packet.
Motion carried unanimously.
14. Motion by Fletcher, seconded by Eckley to approve five additional hours per week (for
a total of 17 hours weekly) for Betty Cotton, Green-Fields
Lunchroom/Playground/Clerical Aide, at her approved rate of $7.50 per hour.
NOTE:
(1) Ms. Cotton is picking up some of the hours normally worked by Mrs. Norma Minnite, Green-
Fields Lunchroom/Playground/Clerical Aide while she is out for surgery for the period
December 2, 2002 to approximately January 17, 2003.
(2) Mrs. Minnite's other hours are being covered by a substitute Lunchroom/Playground/Clerical
Aide.
Motion carried unanimously.
15. Motion by Fletcher, seconded by Eckley to approve retroactively, the payment of 7
additional hours for Betty Cotton, Green-Fields Lunchroom/Playground/Clerical aide, at
the rate of $7.50 per hour.
NOTE:
Mrs. Cotton was covering for Mrs. Minnite who was planning for her upcoming surgery.
Motion carried unanimously.
16. Motion by Fletcher, seconded by Eckley to approve the below-listed staff members as
Club Advisors for the 2002-2003 school year:
Activity Advisor School # Meetings Stipend
Study Skills Michele Elliott Green-Fields 8 $176
Oceanography Gaetan Pappalardo Green-Fields 8 $176
NOTE:
These are additional sessions for the clubs. Green-Fields has a large number of students who have signed
up for these activities and it is not possible to accommodate all of them in the 8 sessions that were
approved at the October 14th meeting.
Motion carried unanimously.
11/25/02
C. TEACHERS & PERSONNEL – continued
17. Motion by Fletcher, seconded by Eckley to approve the below-listed substitute
Lunchroom/Playground/Clerical Aide and Substitute Secretary for the 2002-2003
school year, pending completion of all district and state requirements.
Laura A. Pagan
NOTE:
(1) Per the new regulations from the Office of Criminal History, emergent hiring is only permitted
for three months. At the end of this period, if an approval letter has not yet been received
regarding the criminal history check, the Commissioner of Education must be petitioned for an
extension of two months.
(2) Interim approval is to be obtained from the Gloucester County Department of Education. No
new employee can begin employment without this interim approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
D. NEGOTIATIONS, PUPIL PLACEMENT, PROGRESS & WELFARE - HILL, Fletcher,
Douglas (Alternate: Gotchel)
1. Motion by Hill, seconded by Fletcher to approve the out-of-district placement of J.K.
(d/o/b 11-12-86), classified Eligible for Special Education and Related Services-E.D., at
Gloucester County Special Services School District Bankbridge Regional-South
Campus' Multiply Disabled program, at a tuition rate of $22,000.
NOTE:
(1) This is a budgeted expense.
(2) Additional information was enclosed in the back-up materials packet.
Motion carried unanimously.
11/25/02
E. ATHLETIC, BAND & CAFETERIA - ECKLEY, Douglas, Gotchel (Alternate: Hicks)
1. Motion Eckley, seconded by Douglas to approve hiring Andrea Ranno as High School
Assistant Varsity Winter Cheerleader Coach for the 2002-2003 season, and to establish
compensation for services at Step 2; stipend of $2,168.
NOTE:
(1) Ms. Ranno is a 1997 graduate of West Deptford High School. She was a cheerleader for four
years and assisted as a volunteer to the High School staff during the 1999-2000 season.
(2) Additional information was enclosed in the back-up materials packet.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. Motion Eckley, seconded by Douglas to approve the designation of West Deptford High
School as the host school for the Colonial Conference All-Star Soccer matches (both
boys and girls) to be held Monday, November 25, 2002, at 6 and 8pm.
NOTE:
The games will feature seniors from the respective Colonial Conference schools. The rain date is
Tuesday, November 26, 2002.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. Motion Eckley, seconded by Douglas to approve hiring Joel Robinson, High School
Science Teacher, as Volunteer Girls Basketball Coach for the 2002-2003 season.
NOTE:
This approval would round out the newly-hired Girls Basketball staff. Mr. Robinson is a fourth year
science teacher at WDHS.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. Motion Eckley, seconded by Douglas to approve payment at the WDEA negotiated
stipend of Step 3 for part-time fall coaching service 2002, respectively to Mike Hink,
Boys Soccer, and Aimee Maska, Girls Soccer.
Motion carried unanimously.
11/25/02
F. PROPERTY, BUILDINGS & TRANSPORTATION - DOUGLAS, Hill, Szymborski
(Alternate: Gotchel)
1. Motion by Douglas, seconded by Hill to approve the below-listed applications for
Facilities Use by outside organizations:
(1) Cub Scout Pack 295 to use Green-Fields All-Purpose Room on 12/9/02;
1/13/03; 2/10/03; 3/10/03; 4/14/03; and 5/12/03, from 7-8:30pm for den
meetings, at no charge to the organization.
(2) Gloucester County Children's Choir to use the High School's auditorium P.A.
system, piano on stage; six dressing rooms, lavatories and risers on May 3, 2003
from 10a-8p for Holiday Children's Choir, at a charge of one custodian @ $20
per hour for 10 hours; one stage crew advisor @ $20 per hour for 3 hours; and
one stage crew member @ $5.15 per hour for 3 hours; total charge of $275.45.
Motion carried unanimously.
G. POLICY & COMMUNITY RELATIONS - CRAWFORD, Hill, Hicks (Alternate: Fletcher)
No action taken.
COURTESY EXTENDED TO VISITORS
11/25/02
Motion by Hill, seconded by Hicks to adopt the following resolution to hold a closed session meeting
after the completion of all agenda items in order to have the opportunity to discuss sensitive student
discipline and placement issues, negotiations and litigation.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS: Matters pertaining to sensitive personnel issues, negotiations, and
litigation are proper topics for closed sessions under the Public Meetings
Act, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: to hold a Closed Meeting of the West Deptford Board of Education for
said purposes, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
to make available the results of the Closed Meeting in the minutes of this
meeting or in subsequent actions of the Board of Education.
BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE
TOWNSHIP OF WEST DEPTFORD
IN THE COUNTY OF GLOUCESTER
_____________________________
President
ATTEST:
____________________________
Secretary
NOTE:
Closed Session Agenda was enclosed in your agenda folder under separate cover.
Motion carried unanimously.
The Board recessed at 7:30pm.
The Board convened Closed Session at 7:38pm.
Motion by Hicks, seconded by Douglas to reconvene Open Session.
Motion carried unanimously.
The Board reconvened Open Session at 8:17pm.
11/25/02
ACTION AFTER CLOSED SESSION:
- Motion by Hicks, seconded by Douglas to approve the Closed Session minutes of November
11, 2002.
Motion carried unanimously.
- Motion by Hill, seconded by Fletcher to approve denial of senior privileges for Student #3184.
Motion carried unanimously.
- Motion by Crawford, seconded by Douglas to adjourn the meeting at 8:23pm.
Motion carried unanimously.
_______________________________
William H. Thompson
Business Administrator/Board Secretary
11/25/02