Meeting was not attended. No independent notes available at this time.

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All board members were in attendance with the exception of Nancy Kinloch.

Presentation / Proclamation

• Certificates of Commendation were presented to Roselle Park High School principal Sarah Costa and superintendent Patrick Spagnoletti for their handling with the aftermath of the death of Anthony Casselli.
• Certificates of Recognition were awarded to the cast and crew of the high school musical “Pippin”.

Public Portion

Rick Matarante

• Mr. Matarante wanted to echo the sentiments of the Board of Education for their commendation of Mrs. Costa and Mr. Spagnoletti. He stated that even though it was a tragic incident, the way in which the community came together made him proud. The Board of Education thought of everything and everyone in how the grieving process was handled.
• Mr. Matarante wanted to congratulate the BOE and the high school on the success of the musical.

Jennifer Gescula

• Mrs. Gescula received a phone call notifying her that the pre-school half-day program was being canceled.  She came before the board to ask why. Superintendent Patrick Spagnoletti stated that the people in the half-day program can stay in the program. The state has not made a decision regarding pre-school. Mrs. Gescula asked why the phone call was not specific with regard to the status of the pre-school. The superintendent apologized for the miscommunication but wanted to clarify that presently, the half-day program will be guaranteed for the coming year. The governor does not support half-day programs so there might not be a guarantee that the program will remain the year after that.

Jorge Valdez

• Mr. Valdez also received a phone call regarding the half-day program. He was also notified that full-day care will increase to $600 which is a large jump from the current $400 fee. The superintendent stated that the pre-school program which was housed in Aldene will now be held at the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) and those already enrolled will be allowed to continue at the same rate.
• Mr. Balaban asked regarding the capacity of the ECDC program. The program was designed for 60 students but, per the governor, the capacity limit is no more than 15 per class. The BOE has designed the classes larger than the state presently requires.

THe public portion was closed with no one else from the public coming before the BOE.

President Cindea wanted to honor Lyman Thompson, who found a wallet and turned it in. The wallet, belonging to Alex Balaban had his employee ID kit which is vital and security sensitive. Mr. Balaban thanked Mr. Thompson again for finding the wallet and returning it without delay.

Agenda Items

Policy

• Item 1 was moved, seconded, voted on, and carried.

Personnel

• Items 2-8 were moved, seconded, voted on, and carried.
• Ken Iachio abstained on item #5

Education

• Items 9-12 were moved, seconded, voted on, and carried.
• Ken Iachio asked if the schedule for item 12 had been received. He was notified that it was.
• Mr. Balaban asked if the cost in item #11 was the cost for each student. He was notified that it was.

Business

• Items 13-19 were moved and seconded.
• Mr. Balaban stated that item #19 was penalizing the district to obligate future residents. Mr. Spagnoletti stated that if this was not deferred, it would have affected residents in the future. Mr. Balaban corrected his statement that the BOE did not take the state up on its offer to defer pensions. President Cindea wanted to clarify a matter. If deferred, what would the interest have been. The interest would have been 8.25% adjustable. Mr. Balaban asked if this will affect that 2009-2010 budget. It will not.

Committee/Liaisons Reports

• Mr. Genovese stated that with regard to personnekl, the board has met with the Educational State representatives and there are negotiations regarding the teacher’s contract. More information will be available at the next meeting on May 7th.
• Mr. Balaban attended the Aldena School PTA meeting last night.

Continuing Business

• None

New Business

• Mr. Balaban spoke of an art contest for grades 3 to 5 highlighting the dangers of smoking. The deadline for entries is July 31, 2009.

Public Portion

Saul Qersdyn

• Mr. Qersdyn inquired about the resignation of Mr. Balaban from the UCESC committee that was announced at the previous meeting. He was notified that the resignation was tabled since there was one more meeting before the annual restructuring. During that meeting the change would occur.

With no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m.

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