CALIFON BOARD OF EDUCATION

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CALIFON BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 14, 2008

I. CALL TO ORDER – OPENING STATEMENT

Mrs. Cathy Smith called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. in the Art/Music Room of the
Califon School with the following opening statement:
“I would like to announce and have placed in the minutes that adequate notice of this
meeting of the Califon Board of Education has been provided in accordance with the
Open Public Meetings Act. Proper notice of this Regular Meeting was provided in the
annual notice dated April 23, 2007. Said notice was posted at the office of the Califon
School, mailed to the Hunterdon County Democrat, the Hunterdon Review and The
Express Times. A copy of this notice has also been posted on the public bulletin board
in the Municipal Building and filed with the Borough Clerk. The agenda of this
meeting has been posted at the Califon School.

II. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. ROLL CALL

Members Present: Mrs. Robin Rumen Mrs. Cathy Smith
Mr. Kim Schundler Mrs. Lavinia Trimmer
Members Absent: Mr. Daniel Hemberger
Others Present: Dr. Kathleen Prystash, C.S.A. Dennis Oblack, B.A./B.S.
7 members of the public

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A. A motion was made by Mrs. Rumen and seconded by Mrs. Trimmer to approve
the December 10, 2007 regular meeting minutes as submitted.

The motion was unanimously approved by a voice vote.

V. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

A. Borough of Califon Council Meeting Minutes dated October 15, November 5,
November 19, and December 3, 2007
B. Memorandum from the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District
dated January 3, 2008
C. Califon Public School Health Office Report for the months of November and
December, 2007
D. Letter from the Washington Township Public Schools dated December 21, 2007

VI. CHIEF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

A. Student Teachers – Dr. Prystash pointed out that approval of four student
teachers was on the agenda.

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CALIFON BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 14, 2008

B. Polytech Students – Dr. Prystash reported that six high school students
considering careers in education will be participating in a cooperative program
between Hunterdon County Polytech and the district in which the students visit
the district six to eight times for approximately two hours for observations and
discussions with staff.

C. The Walking School Bus – Dr. Prystash explained the operation of this program
designed to encourage walking to school. She reported that the district has
received a $500 grant for the program from AAA through Hart Commuter
Information Service. The program, which is being planned for April, fosters
broad community involvement, with the PTA, Safety Patrol, Student Council,
Kids Care, parents and police participating.

D. Donation for the Music Department – Dr. Prystash reported that the district has
received a donation from the Korba family in memory of Jeff Korba. The
purchase of a new set of drums is being considered, as the donation is designated
for the Music Department.

E. Math Acceleration/Curriculum – Dr. Prystash reported that work continues on
the curriculum revision and review of texts and materials to be used. She also
reported that the revision will include beginning accelerated studies in 6th grade,
and that a variety of criteria will be used to select students who will participate in
the accelerated program.

F. Professional Development School Activity – Dr. Prystash informed the Board
that, starting at the end of this month, six staff members will be taking the course
Curriculum Development and Evaluation for graduate credit through the
Centenary College Professional Development School.

G. Smart Boards – The meeting moved to the 8th grade classroom where Dr.
Prystash introduced Kathleen Brown, Special Education Teacher, who
demonstrated the use of the recently purchased Smart Boards. She indicated that
the teachers are very excited about the use of this technology for classroom
instruction.

H. Coffee & Conversation – Dr. Prystash announced that the next Coffee &
Conversation session will be held on February 5th, at 7:00 p.m. She solicited
suggestions for a topic, and Mrs. Smith suggested differentiated instruction.

I. Articulation Meeting – Dr. Prystash reported that at the most recent meeting of
the articulation group a suggestion was made to increase the hours of the school
election to 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., and members were asked to survey their
respective Boards regarding support for this proposal. The consensus of the
Board was that consideration would be given to such a change.

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CALIFON BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 14, 2008

J. North Hunterdon/Voorhees Regional H.S. District Newsletter – Dr. Prystash
informed the Board that the district was highlighted in the recent issue of the
newsletter of the regional high school district.

K. Kindergarten Open House – Dr. Prystash announced that an open house will be
held in the near future for parents of current and incoming kindergarten students
to provide an update on the full-day program.

VII. PUBLIC COMMENT (resolutions only)

In response to a question from Melissa Baker, Mr. Oblack stated that the approval of
textbooks and the approval of the appointment of coaches were being made after-the-
fact due to oversights on his part.

VIII. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Mrs. Smith requested that motion X.-B.-2. be removed from the consent agenda.

B. A motion was made by Mrs. Rumen and seconded by Mrs. Trimmer to approve
the consent items as indicated by an asterisk.

The motion was unanimously approved by a roll call vote, with Mrs. Rumen
abstaining on motion XVI.-E.-2.

IX. FINANCE/TRANSPORTATION REPORTS

*A. Motion to approve the payment of invoices in the amount of $49,618.46 as shown
on Cash Disbursement Schedule SN-11. (See Attachment)

*B. Motion to approve the transfer of $22,399.93 for the January, 2008, payment of
health benefits to the State of New Jersey.

*C. Motion to approve the Board Secretary’s Report for the month of November,
2007 (See Attachment)

November, 2007
Fund 10 $430,646.36
Fund 20 $ 6,638.51
Fund 30 $ 66,365.84
Fund 40 $ 0.00
Capital Reserve $ 103.00
Total $503,753.71

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CALIFON BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 14, 2008

*D. Motion to approve the Treasurer of School Monies Report for the month of
November, 2007 (See Attachment)

Total Government Funds
November, 2007 $503,753.71

*E. Motion to approve, in compliance with NJSA 18A:22-8.1, budgetary transfers for
the month of November, 2007, in the amount of $50,756.00 to ensure that no line
items are over expended. (See Attachment)

*F. Motion to approve the following resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that, pursuant to NJAC 6A:23-2.12(c)4, the Califon Board of
Education certifies that as of November 30, 2007, after review of the secretary’s
monthly financial report and upon consultation with appropriate district officials,
to the best of its knowledge, no major account or fund has been overexpended in
violation of NJAC 6A:23-2.12(a)1, and sufficient funds are available to meet the
district’s financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year. (Major funds
are Current Expense, Capital Outlay, and Debt Service.)

*G. Motion to approve attendance of district personnel at the following training
programs and informational events:

# Board Event Total
Program Name Date # Employees Members Cost Cost
NJSBA Mandatory Board Member Wednesday, 0 3 $ 32.00 $ 96.00
Training Jan 16, 2008
NJ Music Educators Association Thursday thru
Annual Conference Saturday, Feb 1 0 $125.00 $125.00
21-23, 2008
Tuesday, Mar
Wilson Reading 2-Day Overview 25, thru 1 0 $325.00 $325.00
Wednesday,
Mar 26, 2008

*H. Motion to approve tuition reimbursement in accordance with the agreement with
the Califon Education Association to K. Brown, T. Miller, L. Montesion, L.
Patterson, P. Roller and L. Weiss pending successful completion of the 3-credit
graduate course entitled Curriculum Development & Evaluation, to be given at
Califon School through the Centenary College Professional Development
Program.

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CALIFON BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 14, 2008

*I. Motion to approve the acceptance of the Individual with Disabilities Education
Act, Part B (IDEA-B) combined Basic and Preschool grant award for fiscal year
2008, in the following amounts:

IDEA-B – Basic $34,220
IDEA Preschool $ 1,948
Total Grant Award $36,168

*J. Motion to approve a special education tuition contract agreement with the
Tewksbury Board of Education for one (1) student effective November 29, 2007
through June 19, 2008, at a cost of $8,972.00.

Mr. Schundler suggested that the process of bringing out-of-district transportation of
special education students in-house be initiated immediately in order to provide
significant cost reduction. The Board agreed and Mr. Schundler volunteered to begin
the process.

Mr. Schundler informed the Board that the newly enacted funding formula should
benefit the district over the long term, as state aid should increase by 10% per year for
the next several years.

Mr. Schundler reported that, according to a report of a consulting firm engaged by the
state, the new State Health Benefits Program should result in a 10%-12% reduction in
medical benefit costs in the first year, and costs are estimated to increase by
approximately 7% per year thereafter.

Mr. Schundler reported that at the most recent meeting of the Finance & Transportation
Committee, the committee developed goals of allocating funds to capital
improvements, maintaining current programs, and realizing 100% proficient/advanced
proficient results on all standardized state tests, while limiting the school tax increase to
4%. Mr. Schundler asked for additional input regarding budgeting goals. Mrs. Rumen
suggested delaying the asbestos abatement and limiting capital spending to replacement
of the underground fuel storage tank. Dr. Prystash and Mr. Oblack voiced concern that
the asbestos abatement has been delayed for several years and should be addressed.
Mrs. Smith indicated that funding must be provided in support of the math curriculum
revision in terms of new texts and materials for grades six through eight. She also
expressed her opinion that we should provide funding for continuing advances in
technology. Mr. Schundler reported that the committee is focusing on closing a gap of
approximately $60K between a rough estimate of funding required for 2008-2009 and
that which would limit the school tax increase to the 4% goal. He also stated that the
committee is concerned with compliance with administrative cost limits imposed by the
state. It was agreed that the committee will meet again on Thursday, January 24th, at
10:00 a.m.

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CALIFON BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 14, 2008

X. COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Building and Grounds

Mrs. Rumen reported that the Building & Grounds Committee had a meeting with
a consultant representing Spring Valley Construction’s bonding company and the
districts architect to review open issues concerning the addition and alterations
project. The consultant will prepare a report with recommendations for the steps
to be taken to resolve the open issues. In response to Mr. Schundler’s suggestion
that the issue of proper temperature control be addressed immediately, Mrs. Smith
indicated that such action is under consideration by the committee.

B. Curriculum and Instruction

*1. Motion to approve a field trip for Kindergarten and 1st grade students to go
to the Imagine That Museum in Florham Park, NJ, on Friday, May 23, 2008,
from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at no cost to the Board.

2. A motion was made by Mr. Schundler and seconded by Mrs. Rumen to
approve a field trip for 7th grade students to attend a performance of the play
Hairspray in New York City on Wednesday, March 12, 2008, from 9:00
a.m. to approximately 6:00 p.m., at no cost to the Board.

In response to a question from Mrs. Smith as to whether, in fact, the Board
would incur no cost for this trip, Dr. Prystash indicated that the trip is
funded through fund raising activities and parental contributions.

The motion was unanimously approved by a roll call vote.

*3. Motion to approve the 2007-2008 Textbooks as per the list attached hereto.

C. Legislation and Policy

*1. Motion to approve the first reading of the Califon Board of Education Policy
5142.1 – Pupil Supervision After School Dismissal.

Mr. Schundler asked if we were planning on posting our budget, once it is
finished, to our website as per recent legislation that calls for "user-friendly"
budgets to be posted to a district's website, if a district has one. He also asked if
we were planning on posting our "administrator compensation information to our
district website in a user-friendly format”, as per the A-5 regulations that were
recently enacted. Dr. Prystash responded that it is always our policy to comply
with all statutory requirements, and that, accordingly, these items would be
posted.

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CALIFON BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 14, 2008

D. Board Ad-Hoc Committee Reports

None

XI. OLD BUSINESS

Dr. Prystash reported that the annual cost of the district’s athletic programs is
approximately $19K, with parental fees offsetting approximately $5K of these costs,
resulting in a net cost to the district of approximately $14K annually.

XII. NEW BUSINESS

A. Dr. Prystash reminded the Board that last year it was decided that consideration
should be given to changes in the operating of summer camp from the standpoint
of operating it in a self-sustaining manner. The Board agreed with a suggestion
from Mr. Oblack that this issue be added to the agenda of the upcoming Finance
& Transportation Committee meeting.

B. Mrs. Smith suggested that the district’s 8th Grade Play program be submitted for a
School Leader Award as an innovative program. Dr. Prystash will arrange for the
submission.

C. In response to a question from Mr. Schundler, Dr. Prystash stated that if
additional snow days were incurred, make-up days would come, first from
Presidents’ Days, and then from Spring Break. Mr. Schundler suggested that an
immediate alert as to the make-up days be distributed if additional snow days are,
in fact, incurred. Dr. Prystash agreed to arrange for the alert if necessary.

D. Mr. Schundler suggested that a county program providing free computers to
families based on income be posted on the district’s website. Dr. Prystash agreed
to arrange for the posting.

E. In response to a question from Mr. Schundler, Dr. Prystash indicated that students
should be aware of their Study Island password, and if they are not, they can
obtain it from their teacher, Mrs. Tiger or herself.

XIII. PUBLIC COMMENT (all school-related topics)

A. Kelly Galligan suggested that the district expand participation in shared services
with nearby districts such as Tewksbury and Lebanon Township to provide
improved and more cost effective services is areas such as transportation and
pupil services. She also commented that the district is fortunate to have Mrs.
Patterson who provides important services beyond nursing and instruction.

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CALIFON BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 14, 2008

B. Carolyn Murin questioned whether a student teacher in Kindergarten would
overburden the classroom teacher. Dr. Prystash responded that this student
teacher was actually participating in a practicum comprised mainly of observation
one day per week, and thus would not be overly burdensome.

C. Melissa Baker expressed support for the Kindergarten Open House and for
differentiated instruction as a topic for Coffee & Conversation.

D. In response to a question from Mrs. Baker, Dr. Prystash indicated that the entire
math acceleration program is being revised, but the revision has not yet
progressed to the point where she is ready to provide details.

E. In response to a question from Mrs. Baker as to whether the preliminary $60K
2008-2009 budget gap includes asbestos abatement and replacement of the fuel
tank, Mr. Schundler indicated that it does include $50K for asbestos abatement,
and reiterated that at this early stage in budget development consideration may be
given to postponing this activity to July, 2009.

F. Mrs. Baker suggested that consideration be given to providing funding in the
2008-2009 budget for the emergency phone notification system so that all
families are included.

G. In response to a statement from Mrs. Galligan that the phone service notification
of the recent closings due to snow and a power failure were received too late or
were not received at all, Dr. Prystash, with regard to the snow day, explained the
collaborative process across the county in making decisions on weather-related
closings and indicated that the decision was not made until 7:00 a.m. With
respect to the power failure, Dr. Prystash indicated that the notification problems
were due to start-up problems with the system that have been addressed.

XIV. RECONVENE

XV. COMMITTEE REPORTS (cont.)

E. Personnel

*1. Motion to approve, upon the recommendation of the Chief School
Administrator, the appointment of the following student teachers:

Renee Clark Centenary Middle School Language Arts
Carol Mauger Centenary First Grade & Special Ed
Era Patel Kean Kindergarten
Diane Hopkins St. Elizabeth Third Grade

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CALIFON BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 14, 2008

*2. Motion to approve, upon the recommendation of the Chief School
Administrator, the appointment of the following coaches for 2007-08:

Ann Gunther Girls Basketball $2,100 stipend
Jennifer Schuetz Cheerleading $2,000 stipend
James Rumen Boys Basketball $2,100 stipend
Jigesh Parikh Asst. Boys Basketball $ 200 stipend

*3. Motion to approve, upon the recommendation of the Chief School
Administrator, the appointment of Lynn Decker as a substitute teacher for
the 2007-2008 school year at the contractual daily rate.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Board, it was moved by Mrs.
Trimmer and seconded by Mr. Schundler to adjourn at 9:48 p.m.

The motion was unanimously approved by a voice vote.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dennis M. Oblack
Board Secretary

* Indicates motion is part of a consent agenda. Unless motion is removed, all asterisked
motions will be voted on with one vote.