Work Session Meeting of the Tenafly Board of Education

Monday, January 9, 2023

Tenafly Board of Education Meeting

THS Media Center

19 Columbus Drive                                                                        

Tenafly, NJ 07670

Notice of Work Session Board Meeting– Please Take Notice that the Work Session Meeting of the Board of Education of January 9, 2023 will take place at the BOE Offices, Hegelein Building and will be conducted as both an in-person and virtual meeting. The meeting will directly go into a closed session at 7:15p.m. At the conclusion of the closed session, the meeting will immediately adjourn into open session at the regularly scheduled time of 8:00 p.m. Virtual attendees may raise their hand and they will be unmuted to present their comment or they may submit comments via Q&A, which will be read during the Public Comment period. Any shared comment (spoken or written) must include the person's name and address in order to be recognized. In person guests will give their name and address when recognized to speak at the podium.

Formal action may be taken.

The community may join the meeting in person or via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/99734826177

from a computer or mobile device.

Board of Education

Ms. Jocelyn Schwarz, President

Ms. Paula Newman, Vice President

Mr. Igor Frid

Ms. Michelle Harris

Ms. Inbal Israeli Miller

Ms. Michelle Merchant

Ms. Yelena Meytes

Mr. Edward J. Salaski

Dr. Michael Wilderman

Administration

Mr. Bruce Watson, Interim Superintendent

Dr. Jeff Gorman, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Victor Anaya, School Business Administrator/ Board Secretary

Ms. Danielle Diaz, Human Resources Manager                  

2022-2023 High School Students Representatives to the Board

Alexandria Yang, Senior

Ayla Uram, Junior  

Motion to Enter into Closed Session on January 9, 2023

Whereas, the Tenafly Board of Education has been formed pursuant to applicable New Jersey Statutes, and

            Whereas, the Board is charged with the responsibility of performing all acts and doing all things, consistent with law and the rules of the State Board of Education, necessary for the lawful and proper conduct, equipment and maintenance of the public schools and public school property of the Tenafly Public School District, and

            Whereas, Section 7 of the Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 10-4-12) permits the exclusion of the public (“Closed Session”) from a meeting of the Board in certain circumstances, and

            Whereas, the Board has determined that circumstances exist for such a Closed Session,

            Whereas, the Board has found the action described below to be necessary and proper,

            Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Board on the date indicated above that:

1. The public shall be excluded from discussion of and action on the Closed Session herein set forth.

2. The confidential subject matter to be discussed is as follows: 

• •  Legal Matters  
  •  Personnel Matters 
  •  Student Matters

3. The Board will return to Open Session at approximately 8:00 p.m.

Formal action may be taken.

The Superintendent of Schools recommends the following resolutions for approval at the BOE Regular Session Meeting scheduled for January 23, 2023:

Personnel

Administration

Curriculum

Special Services

Finance 

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Personnel  

Resolution P-1 Approval of Retirements

Be It Resolved that the Board accepts with regret the following:

Supporting Data

• Ms. Traudt, an employee since March 2002, has submitted her notice of retirement.
• Ms. McGovern, an employee since September 2006, has submitted her notice of retirement.

Resolution P-2 Approval of Substitutes

Be It Resolved that the substitutes listed below with a NJ Instructional, NJ Educational Services or NJ Substitute Credential or those to serve as substitute secretaries, substitute custodians or substitute paraprofessionals be approved by the Board of Education for the 2022-2023 school year in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:6-7.1b pertaining to criminal history background check and at the district-established per diem rate as noted:

Supporting Data

Ms. Russenberger has served the required 180 bona fide break in service to return to the district and serve as a substitute teacher.

Resolution P-3 Approval of Extra Compensation Positions

Be It Resolved that the Board approves the following individuals as extra-compensation appointments to the position indicated for the 2022-2023 school year:

TMS Math Enrichment

Juliana Newman (Start Date: xx/xx/xx – 06/30/23)

Paraprofessional Toileting Stipend

Risa Kandel (Start Date: xx/xx/xx – 06/30/23)

Paraprofessional After-School Sports Activity Stipend $50 per hour

Patrick Finn & Courtney Weissenborn (Start Date: xx/xx/xx – xx/xx/xx)

Sixth Period Stipend - (Gifted & Talented) – awaiting formal approval

Chelsea Corrado, Staff Developer for Gifted and Talented Start Date: xx/xx/xx – 06/30/23)

Supporting Data

• Ms. Kandel provides toileting to a student in the PAWS Program.
• Mr. Finn and Ms. Weissenborn have accompanied a classified student to after-school sports activities.
• Ms. Corrado…

Resolution P-4 Approval of Staff/Position Reclassifications

Be It Resolved that the Board approves the following reclassifications:

¹Extension of substitute service pending approval by the Executive County Superintendent

Supporting Data

• Ms. Roncallo served as a long-term substitute for Anne-Marie Quine (bonding leave of absence) as noted.
• Ms. Kinoian is eligible for movement across the salary guide as per the CBA. The receipt of her transcripts were delayed by her university.
• Mr. MacGregor will serve as long-term substitute Brian Cook (medical leave of absence) as noted.

Resolution P-5 Approval of Leave of Absence for Employee #3125

Be It Resolved that the Board, in accordance with Article VI., B. and C. of the Teachers' contract, grants Employee #3125, a paid maternity/disability leave of absence, using accumulated sick days, effective, on or about, March 1, 2023, to be followed by a paid disability leave of absence, using accumulated sick days, followed by an unpaid child-rearing leave of absence, inclusive of FMLA/NJFLA through December 8, 2023.

Supporting Data

Cristina Pallone, an employee of the district since September 2019, will be welcoming an addition to her family.

Resolution P-6 Approval of Leave of Absence Employee #1032

Be It Resolved that the Board, in accordance with BOE Policy #1643 Family Leave, grants Employee #1032, an unpaid Family Leave of Absence, inclusive of NJFLA and FMLA, effective, March 27, 2023 through June 30, 2023.

Supporting Data

Gregory Rosko, an employee of the district since September 2012, will take this leave for bonding purposes with his son.

Resolution P-7 Approval of Extended Leave of Absence Employee #2810

Be It Resolved that the Board, in accordance with BOE Policy #1643 Family Leave, grants Employee #2810, an unpaid Family Leave of Absence, inclusive of NJFLA and FMLA, effective, January 17, 2023 through February 24, 2023.

Supporting Data

Kathleen Bracero, an employee of the district since September 2017, will remain under the care of her physician for the time period as noted.

Resolution P-8 Approval of Extended Leave of Absence Employee #3138

Be It Resolved that the Board, in accordance with BOE Policy #1643 Family Leave, grants Employee #3138, an unpaid Family Leave of Absence, inclusive of NJFLA and FMLA, effective, October 24, 2022 through January 20, 2023; to be followed by an unpaid Personal Leave of Absence through June 30, 2023.

Supporting Data

Tetyana Fedak, an employee of the district since September 2019, is continues to support her father who is under the care of his physician.

Resolution P-9 Approval of Extended Leave of Absence Employee #2859

Be It Resolved that the Board, in accordance with BOE Policy #1643 Family Leave, grants Employee #2859, an unpaid Family Leave of Absence, inclusive of NJFLA and FMLA, effective, October 31, 2022 through January 27, 2023; followed by an unpaid Personal Leave of Absence through February 28, 2023.

Supporting Data

Samara Avanzato, an employee of the district since September 2017, will continue to support her son who is under the care of his physician.

Resolution P-10 Approval of Home Instructor

Be It Resolved that the Board approves [placeholder] as a Home Instructor for the 2022-2023 academic year, at a rate of $50.00 per hour.

Supporting Data

As recommended by Monica Heinze, this individual is eligible to serve as a Home Instructor in their respective area of certification.

Resolution P-11 Approval of Job Description

Be It Resolved that the Board approves the following job description:

District Webmaster & Public Relations Coordinator

Be It Further Resolved that the Board eliminate the position of District Webmaster/ Communications Coordinator, effective January 23, 2023.

Supporting Data

With the resignation of the District Webmaster/Communications Coordinator, this job description includes the additional duties that the position has evolved to.

Administration

Resolution A-1 Approval to Affirm the Superintendent’s Decision in HIB Investigations

Be It Resolved that the Tenafly Board of Education (hereinafter referred to as the “Board”) hereby affirms the Superintendent’s decision in HIB Investigations 2022-23/7,THS-5N; 2022-23/8, THS-6N; 2022-23/9,THS-7N  and 2022-23/4,THS-3N for the reasons set forth in the Superintendent’s decision to the students’ parents’ and directs the Business Administrator/Board Secretary to transmit a copy of the Board’s decision to the affected students’ parents forthwith.

Supporting Data

The Superintendent reported these investigations to the Board of Education on December 12, 2022. Please note that the remanded HIB 2022-23/4,THS-3 is included in this listing to be affirmed as noted in Mr. Watson’s Board Memo dated 12.23.22.

Resolution A-2 Membership in Bergen County Region V 2023-2024

Be It Resolved that the Board of Education continue its membership in the Bergen County

Region V Council for Special Education, does hereby accept, adopt and agree to comply with the Region V by-laws; designates the District Superintendent as its representative to Region V; and empowers him/her to cast all votes and take all other actions necessary to represent its interest in Region V; until the next organization meeting and

Further, approve the Joint Transportation Agreement for all River Edge students who are transported through Region V.

Resolution A-3 First Reading of Policy 0152, Policy 0161, Policy 0162, Policy 2423, Regulation 2423,Policy 2425, Regulation 2425,  Policy 5200, Regulation 5200, Policy 5512, Policy 8140, Regulation 8140, Policy 8330, Regulation 8330, Regulation 8420_2, Regulation 8420_7, Regulation 8420_10

Be It Resolved that the Tenafly Board of Education will have the first reading of the following policies and regulations:

Policy 0152    Board Officers  (Revised)

Policy 0161     Call, Adjournment, and Cancellation  (Revised)

Policy 0162    Notice of Board Meetings  (Revised)

Policy 2423    Bilingual and ESL Education (M)  (Revised)

Regulation 2423     Bilingual and ESL Education (M)  (Revised)      

Policy 2425    Emergency Virtual or Remote Instruction Program (M)  (Revised)

Regulation 2425    Emergency Virtual or Remote Instruction Program (M)  (New)

Policy 5200    Attendance (M)  (Revised)

Regulation 5200    Attendance (M)  (Revised)

Policy 5512    Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying (M)  (Revised)

Policy 8140    Student Enrollments (M)  (Revised)

Regulation 8140    Enrollment Accounting (M)  (Revised)

Policy 8330     Student Records (M)  (Revised)

Regulation 8330     Student Records (M)  (Revised)

Regulation 8420_2    Bomb Threats (M)  (Revised)

Regulation 8420_7    Lockdown Procedures (M)  (Revised)

Regulation 8420_10    Active Shooter (M)  (Revised)

Supporting Data

These policies and regulations have been reviewed and recommended by the Board of Education, the administration and/or the board attorney. The (M) denotes that the policy/regulation is mandatory.

Resolution A-4 Approval of the 2023-2024 School Calendar

Be It Resolved that the Tenafly Board of Education approve the school calendar for the 2023-2024 school year.

Supporting Data

This calendar offers the traditional student start time on the day after Labor Day as well an extended February Break new to Tenafly.

The calendar has two consecutive professional days beginning August 30 with students returning to school September 5. Schools will be closed November 9 and 10 for the NJEA Convention. Winter Break is February 19-23 that includes Presidents’ Day. The calendar has schools closed April 1-5 for April Break with school ending on Thursday, June 20.  The calendar includes 183 days for students, 186 for teachers and 189 for new teachers.

This calendar includes the standard 3 snow days built-in as there is no suggestion that a district’s current ability to go fully virtual on inclement weather days will continue beyond the pandemic.

Curriculum

Resolution C-1 Approval of Professional Development Requests      

Be It Resolved that the Tenafly Board of Education approve the Professional Development Requests, as per the attached report.

Resolution C-2 Adopt the High School Program of Studies

Be It Resolved that the Board of Education adopt the High School Program of Studies for the 2022-2023 school year.

Resolution C-3 Adopt the Middle School Program of Studies

Be It Resolved that the Board of Education adopt the Middle School Program of Studies for the 2022-2023 school year.

Resolution C-4 Adopt the Elementary School Program of Studies

Be It Resolved that the Board of Education adopt the Elementary School Program of Studies for the 2022-2023 school year.

Special Services

Resolution S-1 Approval of Settlement Agreement and Release

Be It Resolved by the Tenafly Board of Education (hereinafter referred to as the “Board”) that the terms, stipulations and conditions as established in the Settlement Agreement and Release (hereinafter referred to as “Agreement”) between the Board and the Parents of a student (#901) whose name is on file in the Superintendent’s office, and which Agreement is located in the student’s file, are hereby adopted and approved by the Board. The Board President and Business Administrator/Board Secretary are hereby authorized and directed to execute the Settlement Agreement and Release, and any other documents necessary to effectuate the settlement. 

Supporting Data

This resolves all outstanding issues between the parties. The settlement agreement is for a student with significant mental health needs. The team was in agreement for an out of district placement. The settlement agreement is for the same cost but for a non-approved placement. The settlement agreement allows for reimbursement through extraordinary aid. 

Resolution S-2 Approval of Extended School Year 2022-2023 

Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approve the Extended School Year (ESY) programs for the following pupils.

Supporting Data

These students are being recommended for Special Education Programs outside the Tenafly Public School district which can better meet their educational and emotional needs.

Resolution S-3 Rescind The Following Ten Month Placement 2022-2023

Be It Resolved that the Board of Education rescind the placement for the following pupils.

Supporting Data

The student is pending a new placement.

Finance   

Resolution F-1 Approval of Board Secretary’s Report for December 2022

Be It Resolved that the Board Secretary’s report for the month of December 2022 be accepted as submitted (or amended if changes are made during the meeting) and filed in the official minutes of this meeting.  Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11, we certify that as the Board Secretary’s monthly financial report (appropriations section) did not reflect an over expenditure in any of the major accounts or funds, and based on the appropriation balances reflected in this report and the advice of district officials, we have no reason to doubt that the district has sufficient funds available to meet its financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Resolution F-2 Approval of Treasurer’s Report for December 2022

Be It Resolved that the Treasurer’s report for the month of December 2022 be accepted as submitted and filed in the official minutes of this meeting.

Resolution F-3 Approval of Transfers for December 2022

Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approves transfers for the 2022-2023 school budget in a report dated December, 2022, as submitted and filed in the Business Administrator/Board Secretary’s office.

Be It Further Resolved that the transfer list be attached to the official minutes of the Board.

Resolution F-4 Approval of Bills for December 9, 2022 through January 19, 2023

Be It Resolved that bills properly certified as to validated purchase orders and receiving documentation and approved in the total sum of $__________ for December 9 through January 19, 2023, as shown on the list of bills submitted to the Board of Education and which shall be made a part of the resolution be and hereby are approved for payment and are to be charged to the following fund accounts:

Resolution F-5 Approve Payroll for December 2022

Be It Resolved that the regular payroll for December 2022 be and hereby is approved for payment as follows: 

Payroll

Resolution F-6 To Rescind Resolution F-10 Approval of Local Government Energy Audit (LGEA) Program from the January 24, 2022 Agenda

Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approve the Local Government Energy Audit (LGEA) Program. The district is considering an Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP) and possibly applying for a grant School and Small Business Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program. In order to do so, our utility bills need to be reviewed by an authorized representative, DCO Energy, where an analysis is conducted for the energy usage and cost information provided for each facility. The goal of the Local Government Energy Audit (LGEA) program is to provide applicants with a report on how their facilities use energy, identify energy conservation measures (ECMs). The LGEA aims to help applicants position for next steps toward project implementation, guides applicants towards the appropriate rebate and incentive program(s) to help reduce the cost of implementing an energy efficiency project. There is no cost to the district for this analysis.

Resolution F-7 Approval of Local Government Energy Audit (LGEA) Program

Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approve the Local Government Energy Audit (LGEA) Program. The district is considering an Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP) and possibly applying for a grant School and Small Business Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program. In order to do so, our utility bills need to be reviewed by an authorized representative, TRC, where an analysis is conducted for the energy usage and cost information provided for each facility. The goal of the Local Government Energy Audit (LGEA) program is to provide applicants with a report on how their facilities use energy, identify energy conservation measures (ECMs). The LGEA aims to help applicants position for next steps toward project implementation, guides applicants towards the appropriate rebate and incentive program(s) to help reduce the cost of implementing an energy efficiency project. There is no cost to the district for this analysis.

Resolution F-8 Approve a Donation from Videndum Corporation for Teleprompter Parts

Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approve a donation from Videndum Corporation in an amount estimated to be between $1,500 and $2,000 for teleprompter prompts for the Library Media Center.

Resolution F-9 Approve a Donation from the Marcello and Graziano Roviaro Foundation

Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approve a donation from the Marcello and Graziano Roviaro Foundation in an amount of $20,000 toward any needs in the Tenafly High School Music Department.

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