All board members were present with the exception of Judi Laganga.
The BOE went into closed session at 6:30 p.m. to discuss agenda item #1.
Public Portion
Jacob Magiera
- Mr. Magiera asked for details on the contract for the Anthony Signorelli Youth Center that was signed between the BOE and the Borough on May 7, 2009.
- Mr. Spagnoletti explained that the BOE signed two (2) leases with the Borough. The first handles the academic portion and addresses liability issues. The BOE will provide custodial services, will pay $500/month, as it has been doing for the past four (4) years. The second contract is to run the recreational program. The BOE will, at minimum, provide the same services at the same cost at the same level for the same number of children. The Borough will pay the BOE $100,000 and waive the lease fee. The BOE will maintain insurance and cleanliness. If the BOE cannot continue the recreational program, the Borough can terminate the lease with 60-days’ notice. The BOE will pay for utilities. Mr. Magiera asked for a figure on the costs. He was notified that the figure is not yet available. The BOE anticipates to sun the program at the sme level or better. They will interview the current personnel to give an opportunity for them to stay on. There will be construction on the building during the summer so this year’s summer program will be at the middle school. The cost for renovations will come from $150,000 that was previously budgeted for the Spirit building project which had to be terminated. The Youth Center will be able to house up to 40 students and it will be able to bring in students from other districts to offset cotsts. The Borough was paying $150,000 to the Boys & Girls Club to provide the current recreational program. There are some structural issues which need to be addressed. For example, the second floor and first floor offices do not have walls that go to the ceiling. Additional diffusers will need to be installed, water infiltration will need to be remedied, along with other issues. There will be four (4) classes on the second floor, a new exercise room, and security.
- Mr. magiera asked if the performance bond can be used for the water infiltraion. The BOE will check into it.
Superintendent’s Report
- The renegotiation of the Business Administrator contract was up for review. The meeting was opened up to the public for anyone wishing to speak on the contract for the Business Administrator. No one from the public spoke and the public portion for the contract was closed.
- Mr. Schwartz from the Roselle Park High School made a presentation in order to request permission to have a performance-based trip to Disney World for a music festival. The presentation and estimated cost included everything except airfare, which would come out to around $1,000. Mr. Iachio asked if the trip would take place during Easter break. Mr. Schwartz stated that it would start on the Thursday of Easter break and return on the following Monday. The students would miss one (1) day of school. Mr. iachio asked if the trip was not to be flown, would that add days to the trip. Mr. Schwartz stated that yes, it would add about one (1) day each going and returning. President Cindea asked how many chaperones would be on the trip. Mr. Schwartz stated that it would be 1:8 ratio. President Cindea asked if parents were interested in chaperoning; Mr. Schwartz stated that yes, they were. Mrs. Rinaldi asked if this trip was only for band parents. Mr. Schwartz stated that it would include choral and the color guard. When asked when would permission need to be given, Mr. Schwartz stated as soon as possible. With regard to new people entinerg the school or the relevant activities next year, Mr. Schwartz stated he will contact the middle school and will address any new students as soon as school starts. There will be fundraisers done in order to help offset the costs for students. Fundraisers were performed three (3) years earlier and miney will be raised through carnivals and other standard fundraisers. Mr. Schwartz stated that he was told that $10,000 from the band parent’s carnival would be set aside for the trip. The breakdown will be for each student interested in going to work 50 hours @ $5/hour. That plus about $200 that will be given to each student’s fund from the carnival will cost their costs in half. Mr. Genovese asked about parent’s with more than one child in the relevant programs. Mr. Schwartz stated that a solution would be worked out to make it as economical for the fmailies. Mr. Iachio suggested that Mr. Schwartz contact Orlando Travel in Roselle Park to see if they have a lower rate than has been given by other travel agents. Mr. Schwartz stated he will get three (3) quotes to get the best offer.
- Mr. Spangoletti stated he is in support of the trip and of having the students flown since a bus trip would mean there is more time which might become an issue with so many participants. It must be stressed that the students are to be in school on Tuesday, the day after they return. Mr. Spagnoletti asked what is the policy with regard to disciplinary issues before the trip and with fundraising. Mr. Schwartz stated that if an incident happens the week or so before the trip, there are no refunds but other than that, monies would be refunded except for the work time put into with carnival or other fundraising work. That $5/hour credit would go to the trip in general, not an individual.
- The proposal will be discussed among the board members and Mr. Schwartz will be back on June 9th to answer any other questions that might arise from review.
Agenda Items
Personnel
- Items 1-6b were moved, seconded, voted on, and approved.
Education
- Items 7-9 were moved, seconded, voted on, and carried.
Business
- Items 10-22, with the exception of item 11 (removed from consensus by Nancy Kinloch) were moved, seconded, voted on, and carried.
- The resignation of Judi Laganga, due to illness in her family, was annouced. The board members offered words of support and praise for the work done by Mrs. Laganga.
- Mrs. Kinloch read a statement into the record regarding one point in item #11 regarding fireworks:
I will be voting no for the use of fireworks at Herm Shaw Field for July 4th and the rain date of August 4th for National Night Out. I have no objection to the field being used for games on July 4th but the request includes fireworks. As far as National Night Out, it was originally held at Mike Mauri Park and I feel had a better turnout since it was centrally located in town. Ironically, National Night Out is celebrated nationwide as a “safety information night” and, in our case, fireworks at the field concerns me as a safety issue. I have voted no for the past 5 years. Incidentally, I love fireworks but feel that the safety of the people and property where they are displayed should be our first concern and 10 to 20 minutes of this display is not worth the possible consequences. For the record and for those who do not know my reasoning, I will try to be brief. In recent years the Board of Education has received a request from the Borough for use of the Complex for the 4th of July celebration. In the past it was automatically approved. Approximately six years ago there was an incident involving the fireworks. At that time I felt it to necessary to research and see how many other incidents had occurred over the
years. There were at least five other incidents, such as, live shells being found on the grounds, live ashes on the roof of the high school, shells being shot into the crowd due to the tipping of the the firing containers, along with several other accidents. We are fortunate that the volunteer firemen and first aid personnel are present in the case of any emergencies. However, I have been, and still am, most uncomfortable with my findings. I also researched and found that fireworks are regulated by the State of New Jersey. Several of the requirements in the code make the location of the fireworks and the size of the shells questionable. I shared this information with the rest of the Board Members. At that time we voted, in the majority, to deny the Borough’s request. The Borough and the Board, over recent years, have worked cooperatively and well together. However, much was done to put pressure on the Board to get us to re-vote regarding the fireworks issue. The fireworks were held after a re-vote was taken and a non-majority vote passed for fireworks. Every year since then I have voted in the negative, however, it has passed
every year. Nothing has changed and neither has my opinion on the safety issue. Roselle Park is over 100 years old and only has had fireworks approximately 10 years, on and off. We managed 90% of the time without them and I’m sure we can continue to do so. As Board members we often have to make decisions that are not popular but are the right thing to do. I also feel that in today’s poor economic climate the taxpayer should not have an extra item in their budget, such as fireworks that affect their taxes. Thank you.
The vote was taken for item #11 and it was passed with Nancy Kinloch and Barney Leinberger voting ‘no’.
Committee/Liaisons Report
- Mr. Iachio wanted to remind everyone regarding the Dad’s Club outing on June 16th at the Somerset Patriots game. Tickets are $10/person and business who purchase 10 tickets will have their names displayed on the electronic banner throughout the game. Samantha Matarante will be singing the National Anthem and she and Zach infante will also be singing a duet. Roselle Park teams will be circling the field.
- The issue of replacing Mrs. Laganga was raised. After discussion it was agreed to replace Mrs. Laganga with Mr. Jeff Parrell, who ran twice for a board position and lost this election by two (2) votes. He will fulfill the remainder of Mrs. Laganga’s term and then ahve to run again next year for a three-year term. Mr. Parrell is scheduled to join the Board for the Jun 9, 2009 meeting.
New Business
- Mr. Balaban attended his last meeting for the UCESC but will not attend the next one unless the BOE makes its appointments.
- President Cindea asked members to contact her if there are to be any changes in committee membership.
Public Portion
Saul Qersdyn
- Mr. Qersdyn asked if the addendum on the last page was extra or if it was a reprint of the addendum already in the agenda. he was notified it was an erroneous re-print.
- Mr. Qersdyn asked if there a written policy on replacements for resigining or retiring board memebrs. he was told there was and that a copy would be provided to him.
- Mr. Qersdyn wanted to confirm the Dad’s Club outing date as June 16, 2009.
Jacob Magiera
- Mr. Magiera stated, with regard to the fireworks, that everyone should take precaution to keep people safe.
- Mr. Magiera stated that the BOE made the right decision by having Jeff Parrrell on the board.
With no other business, the meeting returned to closed session at 8:01 pm to discuss agenda item #8.
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