Verona Board of Education Meeting to be Conducted via Zoom Webinar 02/23/2021
CONFIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE SESSION – 5:30 pm
REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA – 7:00 pm
VIA ZOOM WEBINAR
February 23, 2021
Based on the recent attention with COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus, and the potential impact on our community, the Verona Public Schools will be conducting the Verona Board of Education meeting remotely via Zoom webinar. There will also be limited in person seating up to ten members of the public on a first come, first serve basis. This meeting is scheduled to occur with public access and participation availability to ensure the continued regular operation of government and the health, safety, and well-being of our community members. The next meeting of the Verona Board of Education will be held via zoom webinar. The public shall utilize the following instructions to call into the meeting:
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Passcode: 030772
Or iPhone one-tap :
US: +13126266799,,92068893242# or +16465189805,,92068893242#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 518 9805 or +1 213 338 8477
Webinar ID: 920 6889 3242
- Anyone from the public wishing to address the Verona Board of Education on any matter, when prompted by the Verona Board of Education will be able to raise their hand using the Raise Hand button on their device or dial *9 if you called in (please click here to determine how to raise your hand using your device). When you are advised it is your turn to address the Verona Board of Education, please state your name and address for the record. You will have time to address the Verona Board of Education. At the conclusion of your comments the Verona Board of Education and/or the Superintendent of Schools may address your comments and/or questions.
- Please make sure you have the current version of Zoom updated on your device in order to have the capability to use the Raise Hand function to make public comments or ask questions.
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs recently stated that “the Division of Local Government Services reminds local units that, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 10:4-6, et seq., (the “Open Public Meetings Act,” or “Act”), public meetings may be held in person or by means of communication equipment, N.J.S.A. 10:4-8(b), to include streaming services and other online meeting platforms. All meetings, including those held using communications equipment, must be noticed in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Act, unless the meeting is for emergent circumstances and held in a manner consistent with the requirements set forth at N.J.S.A. 10:4-9(b). Local units should also provide guidance to the public for remotely accessing and providing comment at a meeting. Local units should still have an advertised meeting place, which is connected to the meeting through communications equipment, unless otherwise directed by state or local emergency management or health officials, consistent with Executive Order 103 (Murphy 3/9/2020).”
CONFIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE SESSION – 5:30 pm
REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA – 7:00 pm
VIA ZOOM WEBINAR
February 23, 2021
- Call to order
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Reading of Meeting Notice
- Roll Call Attendance
- Superintendent Report - Dr. Rui Dionisio, Superintendent of Schools
- Presentations -
- Reopening Committee - Elementary Update
- Committee Reports -
- Finance
- 8. Public Comments on Agenda Action Items to be Approved
- Discussion Items
- Roll Call Vote on Resolutions
- Public Comments
NOTE: The next scheduled Public Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 beginning with a Confidential Session at 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm Public Session via ZOOM webinar pending the evolving nature of COVID-19.
- Call to Order
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Reading of Meeting Notice
This meeting is being conducted in compliance with the open meeting session that the Verona Board of Education passed a resolution at its annual reorganization meeting held on January 5, 2021. The meeting set forth the schedule of its regular meetings which resolution was within 7 days of passage. The schedule was sent to the Verona Cedar Grove Times, the Star Ledger, the Township of Verona and the VEA. Postings of this meeting setting forth the time location and agenda were posted at the Verona Board of Education Office and on the Verona Public Schools district website. The Verona Board of Education operates under a consent agenda format, any board member has the right to have an item pulled to be voted upon or discussed separately. Copies of tonight’s agenda and resolutions have been made available to the public and press.
- Roll Call Attendance
Mr. Alworth _____ Mr. Day _____
Mrs. Drappi _____ Mrs. Freschi _____
Mrs. Priscoe _____
- Superintendent Report - Dr. Rui Dionisio, Superintendent of Schools
- Presentations - Reopening Committee - Elementary Update
- Committee Reports
- Public Comments on Agenda Action Items to be Approved
- Discussion Items
- Roll Call Vote on Resolutions
- Public Comments
Motion by: ____________________
Seconded by: ____________________
Be it RESOLVED the approval of Resolutions #1 - 17.
Mr. Alworth _____ Mr. Day _____
Mrs. Drappi _____ Mrs. Freschi _____
Mrs. Priscoe _____
VERONA PUBLIC SCHOOLS – BOARD OF EDUCATION
RESOLUTIONS
February 23, 2021
The following resolutions have been recommended by the Superintendent to the Board of Education.
#1 RESOLVED that the Board approve the minutes of the following meetings:
Confidential & Regular Public Meeting February 9, 2021
PERSONNEL
#2 RESOLVED that the Board approve the following pending pre-employment paperwork:
2.1 New Hires
|
Name |
Location |
Position |
Salary |
Committee |
Term of Employment on or about |
|
Kaitlyn O'Neill |
VHS |
Permanent Substitute Teacher |
$120/per diem |
Education |
SY 20-21 |
|
John Irwin |
VHS |
Permanent Substitute Teacher |
$120/per diem |
Education |
SY 20-21 |
|
John Irwin |
District |
Substitute Teacher |
$90/per diem |
Education |
SY 20-21 |
|
Tayelor Barrett |
District |
Sub Secretary |
$90/per diem |
Education |
SY 20-21 |
2.2 Resignation
|
Name |
Location |
Position |
Reason |
Effective on or About |
|
Sopheavy Chhieng |
LAN |
Paraprofessional |
Resignation |
Feb. 26, 2021 |
2.3 Reallocation of Days
|
Employee # |
Explanation |
|
#105208 |
Reclassify 5 PI days to 5 Paternity Days |
2.4 Leave of Absence
|
Name |
Reason |
Begin Date |
Estimated Return Date on or about |
|
#102465 |
504 Accommodation |
Feb. 16, 2021 |
Feb. 22, 2021 |
EDUCATION
#3 RESOLVED that the Board approves the Superintendent’s presentation of
HIB report as follows:
|
HIB Case |
|
VHS 220502 |
#4 RESOLVED that the Board approve the attached District Statistical Report for the month
of January 2021.
#5 RESOLVED that the Board approve the following:
5.1 Movement on the Guide
|
NAME |
CURRENT LEVEL/STEP |
SALARY |
NEW LEVEL/STEP |
SALARY |
|
Lynn Schussel |
MA+30/Step 8 |
$65,801 |
MA+45/Step 8 |
$67,126 |
|
Dan Halpern |
MA/Step 17 |
$91,135 |
MA+30/Step 17 |
$98,818 |
#6 RESOLVED that the Board approve Creative Options for Progressive Educators, LLC
as consultant for the Verona Public Schools Diversity Task Force
at a cost of $2,500.
#7 RESOLVED that the Board approve the Affiliation Agreement for Clinical
Experience and/or Clinical Practice between Caldwell University and
Verona Board of Education for the 2020-2021 school year.
#8 RESOLVED that the Board approve the following:
8.1 Student Observer
|
Name |
School |
School/Teacher/ Grade |
Duration |
Assignment |
|
Stephanie Verdi |
HBW |
Caldwell Univ./ Stacy Smith, Mary Anne Halbert, Julia Albretsen, and Meredith Bielen |
Feb. 24 - May 15, 2021 |
60 hour Google Classroom observation |
SPECIAL EDUCATION
#9 RESOLVED that the Board approve the following:
10.1 Student Home Instruction
|
Student # |
School |
Grade |
Hrs./Week/Duration |
Beginning on or about |
|
#292196 |
LAN |
4 |
10 hrs. wk/4 weeks |
Feb. 10, 2021 |
ATHLETICS/CO-CURRICULAR
#11 RESOLVED that the Board approve the following pending pre-employment paperwork
for the 2020-2021 school year:
11.1 Coaches
|
Name |
Location |
Position |
Stipend |
Step |
|
Carter Kenny |
VHS |
Volunteer Boys Lacrosse |
NA |
|
|
Teddy Niziolek |
VHS |
Girls Head Soccer |
TBD contract negotiations |
3 |
FINANCE
#12 RESOLVED that the Board approve the enclosed checklist(s) in the following
amounts:
Amount Description Check Register Date
$3,628,278.34 Vendor Checks February 17, 2021
$1,099,715.84 Referendum Checks February 17, 2021
#13 RESOLVED that the Board accept the 2019-20 CAFR Report ending
June 30, 2020 as prepared by Nisivoccia LLP.
#14 RESOLVED that the Board approve the Corrective Action Plan for the audit year
ending June 30, 2020 as attached.
#15 RESOLVED that the Board approve the attached list of individual transfers
of line items in the 2020-2021 budget for:
January 2021
#16 RESOLVED that the Report of the Secretary for the period(s) as follows
be approved:
January 2021
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that pursuant to N.J.A.C.
6A:20-2.13(e), that as of July 31, 2020 after review of the Board
Secretary’s monthly financial report (appropriations section) and
upon consultation with the appropriate district officials, to the best of
our knowledge, no major account or fund, has been over-expended
in violation of N.J.A.C 6:20-2.13(b) and that sufficient funds are
available to meet the district’s financial obligations for the remainder
of the fiscal year.
#17 RESOLVED that the Board approve the Report of the Treasurer of
School Monies for the following month:
January 2021
#11 Public comments
CONFIDENTIAL SESSION IF NECESSARY
RESOLUTION TO ADJOURN
#18 RESOLVED that the Board meet in private session, from which the public shall
be excluded, to discuss the topics of negotiations and personnel or
potential litigation which private discussion is being held pursuant to
Section 7b and 8 of the Open Public Meeting Act. The matters
under discussion will be disclosed to the public as soon as final
decisions are made and voted upon.
