Download Minutes - Ramapo Indian Hills High School District

RAMAPO INDIAN HILLS REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 

BOARD OF EDUCATION 

Oakland, New Jersey 

REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES 

January 26, 2009 

District Conference Room 

Roll Call 

Upon call at 7:03 P.M. the Board members responded as follows: Mmes. Castor, Petersen 

(ABSENT), Quinlan, and Scarpelli. Messrs. Belsky, Brown, Hogan, Madigan, and Peterson. 

Mr. August C. DePreker, Interim Superintendent of Schools; Mr. Frank C. Ceurvels, Business 

Administrator/Board Secretary, and Mr. Paul Green, Board Counsel; were also present. 

The meeting was called to order by the Board president at 7:03 P.M. Mrs. Quinlan 

announced that adequate notice of the meeting has been posted and published as required by 

law. A motion was made by Mrs. Scarpelli and seconded by Mr. Madigan and unanimously 

carried to move into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing personnel. Information 

from the Closed Session will be made public at the discretion of the Board or as otherwise 

authorized by law. 

Roll Call 

Upon call of roll at 8:07 P.M. Board members responded as follows: Mmes. Castor, Petersen 

(ABSENT), Quinlan, and Scarpelli. Messrs. Belsky, Brown, Hogan, Madigan, and Peterson. 

Mr. August C. DePreker, Interim Superintendent of Schools; Mr. Frank C. Ceurvels, Board 

Administrator/Board Secretary; Mr. Paul Green, Board Counsel; Mrs. Beverly MacKay, 

Director of Curriculum & Articulation; and Mr. Matt Scheff, RHS, Student Board 

Representative; were also present. 

PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS 

A. Moved by BELSKY Seconded PETERSON to open the meeting to public discussion. 

A member of the public addressed the Board about her concerns regarding the timeline 

for awarding a tenure contract. Mr. DePreker stated that the awarding of a tenure 

contract is dependent upon the hire date of the employee. 

A member of the public addressed the Board regarding his concerns about the 

replacement of the two athletic fields and the bidding for the IHHS Track project. Mr. 

Ceurvels stated that at this time the district has not developed a schedule for the 

replacement of the athletic fields, and stated that hopefully this project will be 

completed as soon as possible. He also stated that the IHHS Track project will begin 

after the end of school in June. 

Discussion followed regarding the impact of bad weather on the schedule to replace the 

athletic fields if the project begins in February and March. Mr. Ceurvels stated that the 

district will be seeking confirmation from the contractor that weather will not be an 

issue throughout the duration of this project. 

B. Moved by BROWN Seconded BELSKY to close public discussion of agenda items 

and to re-enter the Regular Public Meeting. 

BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT 

Mr. Scheff, RHS, Student Board Representative, reported that the RHS v IHHS Girls’ 

Basketball Game is scheduled on Tuesday, February 10, 7 P.M. This event will be a 

fundraiser and encouraged all to attend this event. 

Mrs. Quinlan reported that on Wednesday, January 21, the members of the Board of 

Education participated in a Board Retreat that focused on Board relations. Some of the 

recommendations for the Board to follow are: 1) limit the use of e-mail; 2) assume the best of 

your fellow Board member; 3) consider open committee meetings involving stake holders; 

and 4) develop trust in the Board’s committee system.

Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education – January 26, 2009 2 

INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT 

Mr. DePreker invited Mr. Todd Meyer, RHS, Director Student Activities & Athletics, and Mr. 

Bob Van Saders, IHHS, Director of Student Activities & Athletics, to provide an overview of 

the district’s policies and procedures for student fundraising activities. A question and 

answer session immediately followed their presentation. 

Board discussion followed regarding the accounting procedures followed for each district 

sport. 

Mr. DePreker discussed the recommendations received by the building principals regarding 

the re-instatement of the Stock Market Club. Mr. DePreker supports the principals’ 

recommendations and asked the Board to consider re-instating the club at both school for the 

remainder of the 2008-09 school year. He also advised the Board that the building principals 

will recommend advisors for each building at a pro-rated stipend. 

Board discussion followed and approved Mr. DePreker’s recommendation to re-instate the 

Stock Market Club in the 2008-09 school year. The special school advisors will be approved 

at the February 23 Regular Public Meeting. 

ACTION ITEMS - = Yes 

Mrs. Quinlan announced that the following resolution will be pulled from the agenda for further 

review. 

To approve Closed and Work Session/Regular Public Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2008. 

The following motions were approved by roll call: P1 – P8 and P 10 – P12 

Moved by: BELSKY Seconded: SCARPELLI 

PERSONNEL 

P1. That as recommended by the superintendent of schools, the following person be 

appointed to fill the positions for the length of time and with the compensation noted, 

subject to all federal, state, county and local regulations, governing said employment; 

and further that the president and secretary, as proper officers of the Board of 

Education, be authorized and directed to issue the proper contracts for the 2008-09 

school year; and move to approve application for emergency hiring and applicant’s 

attestation that she has not been convicted of any disqualifying crime pursuant to the 

provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:6-7.1 et seq., N.J.S.A. 18A:39-17 et seq., or N.J.S.A. 18A:6-4.13 et 

seq., as applicable. 

Name Position Degree 

Barbara .4 Science/ MA 

McGuirk IHHS 

1 

Family Leave Replacement 

Basis of Employment 

Employment Date 

Long-term 01/26/09 – 

Substitute 1 3/13/09 

Salary 

$192.58/ 

diem 

P2. To award a tenure contract to Courtney Daly, IHHS, Science, MA, Step 3, $49,142, plus 

longevity $1,300, effective for the period January 30 – June 30, 2009. 

P3. To approve the salary adjustments for achieving a higher degree level for district staff 

for the effective dates indicated as follows: 

Name Degree Salary Effective Date 

Pat Wehran BA+15 to MA $54,952 to $57,103 September 1, 2008 

Laura Lennox- 

Cavaugh 

MA+15 to 

MA+30 

$53,123 to $55,274 February 1, 2009 

P4. To approve the placement of practicum candidates for the 2008-09 school year as 

follows: 

Name Institution Location Department Effective Date 

James Kulinski Ramapo College IHHS Science February – May 

2009 

Janine Casciello Ramapo College IHHS World 

Languages 

February – May 

2009


P4. Continued 

Name Institution Location Department Effective Date 

Katherine 

Levering 

Ramapo College IHHS English February – May 

2009 

Melissa Adamo Ramapo College IHHS English February – May 

2009 

P5. To approve the following individual as a substitute teacher for the 2008-09 school year; 

and move to approve application for emergency hiring and applicant’s attestation that 

he has not been convicted of any disqualifying crime pursuant to the provisions of 

N.J.S.A. 18A:6-7.1 et seq., N.J.S.A. 18A:39-17 et seq., or N.J.S.A. 18A:6-4.13 et seq., as 

applicable: 

Name 

Don Piercy 

Location 

District 

P6. To approve the request for a maternity leave of absence for Gina Huerta-Caro, IHHS, 

Administrative Assistant, effective on or about March 20, 2009, utilizing unused sick 

leave as allowed by law and further move to approve the request for a family leave of 

absence effective on or about May 13 – August 5, 2009 and a childrearing leave of 

absence on or about August 5 – September 8, 2009. 

P7. That as recommended by the superintendent of schools, the following person be 

appointed as special school advisors, with the compensation noted, subject to all federal, 

state, county and local regulations, governing said employment; and further that the 

president and secretary, as proper officers of the Board of Education, be authorized and 

directed to issue the proper contracts for the 2008-09 school year; and move to approve 

application for emergency hiring and applicant’s attestation that he has not been 

convicted of any disqualifying crime pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:6-7.1 et 

seq., N.J.S.A. 18A:39-17 et seq., or N.J.S.A. 18A:6-4.13 et seq. 

Indian Hills High School 

Advisor Position Step Stipend Certification 

Mike Michels Environmental Club 1 $674.50 1 Standard 

1 

Effective January – June 30, 2009 

P8. That as recommended by the superintendent of schools, the following persons be 

appointed as athletic coaches, with the compensation noted, subject to all federal, state, 

county and local regulations, governing said employment; and further that the 

president and secretary, as proper officers of the Board of Education, be authorized and 

directed to issue the proper contracts for the 2008-09 school year; and move to approve 

application for emergency hiring and applicant’s attestation that he/she has not been 

convicted of any disqualifying crime pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:6-7.1 et 

seq., N.J.S.A. 18A:39-17 et seq., or N.J.S.A. 18A:6-4.13 et seq., as applicable. 

Ramapo High School 

Name Position Step Stipend Certification 

Christopher Horn Asst. Ice Hockey 4 $4,227 Substitute 

Suzanne Montegari Girls’ Lacrosse 4 8,078 Substitute 


Name Position Step Stipend Certification 

William Barry Track Coordinator 4 $9,170 Substitute 

Danielle Pernetti Asst. Girls’ Lacrosse 1 4,136 Substitute 

Bert Weg Asst. Boys’ Lacrosse 1 4,136 Substitute 

P10. To accept the resignation of Elizabeth DeMichino, IHHS, Long-term Substitute Teacher, 

effective immediately. 

P11. To accept, with regret, the resignation of Courtney Daly, IHHS, Fall Intramurals School 

Advisor, effective immediately. 

P12. To accept, with regret, the resignations of district athletic coaches, effective immediately, 

as follows:


Chris Blough, IHHS 

Pat Jackson, RHS 

Asst. Boys’ Lacrosse 

Girls’ Lacrossse 

P1 – P8 and P10 – P12 

RC): Belsky , Brown ABSENT, Castor , Hogan , Madigan , 

Petersen ABSENT, Peterson , Scarpelli , Quinlan 

The following motion was approved by roll call: P9 


P9. To accept the retirement, with regret, effective March 1, 2009 as follows: 

WHEREAS, Susan Evangelista has dedicated herself to the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High 

School District for 16 years and 6 months as a Physical Education Teacher, S.A.A.D. Advisor, 

Varsity Club Advisor, and TNT Co-Advisor; displaying an unselfish commitment to our 

children; exemplifying the ideals of professionalism and the standard of excellence, and 

WHEREAS, the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District Board of Education, 

together with its citizens, wishes to acknowledge exemplary service that Susan Evangelista has 

provided our children, 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High 

School District Board of Education does hereby extend its appreciation and gratitude to Susan 

Evangelista in recognition of her exemplary service to our school district. 

P9 



The following motions were approved by roll call: E1 – E5 

Moved by: SCARPELLI Seconded: HOGAN 

EDUCATION 

E1. To approve home instruction for district students, at the contracted hourly rate, as 

follows: 

Student No. School Grade 

411377 RHS 10 

411011 IHHS 10 

411560 RHS 10 

411314 RHS 10 

410801 IHHS 11 

410482 IHHS 11 

410677 RHS 11 

409447 IHHS 12 

400184 RHS 12 

E2. To approve in accordance with Chapter 46, Title 18A, New Jersey Statutes and on the 

recommendation of the superintendent of schools, school psychologist, and the district 

administrative liaison, tuition be paid for the students listed below to attend the schools 

indicated at the tuition cost indicated as follows: 

Student No. Placement Tuition 

122993 Holmstead School $30,000.00 

090192 Holmstead School 30,000.00 

102992 Willowglen Academy 42,000.00 

E3. To accept the IDEA Grant for Fiscal Year 2009 in the amount of $420,772. 

E4. To approve (for insurance purposes only and at no additional cost to the Board of 

Education) the student trip scheduled for the 2008-09 school year. Principals and 

sponsors are directed to send a letter to the parents of students involved, as soon as 

possible, advising them that this trip is not Board sponsored and any additional school 

day absences will be counted toward the 15 days permitted in a school year.


Location Group/Teacher Date(s) 

2009 American 

Masters National 

IHHS Varsity Cheerleading Team/ 

McMullan 

January 30 – 

February 1, 2009 

Cheerleading 

Competition 

Heritage Festival, 

Orlando, FL 

IHHS & RHS Choirs/Heerema March 5 – 8, 2009 

E5. To approve district student field trips and transportation costs for the 2008-09 school 

year as follows: 

Location Group/Teacher Date(s) Cost 

Time Warner RHS Jazz Band/Friedman February 3, 2009 $550 

Studios, Staten Island 

Bergen County Mock Trial/Urdang February 4, 2009 500 

Courthouse 

Camp YDP, Paterson Interact/Funk February 4, 2009 200 

Keio Academy, NY UP ISB/Bitten February 4, 2009 0 

Ramsey High School Debate Team/Okin February 5, 2009 250 

Oakland Care Center Interact/Funk February 11, 2009 133.80 

Ramapo High School Orchestra Rehearsal/ February 12, 2009 200 

DeFreest 

Mahwah High School Science Team 

February 12, 2009 175 

Competition/Manzi 

Kean University 21st Century Issues February 13, 2009 $575 

Conference/Urdang 

Holiday Bowl, UP ISB/Bitten February 24, 2009 175 

Oakland & Macaroni 

Grill 

Paterson Falls & UP ISB/Bitten February 24, 2009 133.80 

Museum 

Camp YDP, Paterson Interact/Funk February 25, 2009 200 

Ridgewood Train Fed Challenge/Johnson February 25, 2009 267 

Station/Federal 

Reserve Bank, NYC 

Museum of Natural Anthropology/Timpson February 25, 2009 500 

History 

Ramapo High School IHHS Band/Friedman February 26, 2009 200 

Morris Knolls High Academic Decathlon/ February 28, 2009 800 

School 

Noah 

School No. 24, Student Council/Ferro March 2, 2009 400 

Paterson 

Morris Knolls High Academic Decathlon/ March 3, 2009 275 

School 

Noah 

Heritage Festival, IHHS & RHS Choirs/ March 5 – 8, 2009 650 

Orlando, FL 

Heerema 

NEP Studios, NYC Academic Decathlon/ March 7, 2009 875 

Noah 

Haddonfield Model UN/Sadowsky March 7, 2009 1,000 

School 1 

Memorial High 

White Plains Airport Girls’ Varsity Softball/ March 20 – 25, 2009 500 

Stephen 

Ice Vault, Wayne & UP ISB & Denmark March 23, 2009 400 

Garden State Plaza Students/Bitten 

NYC 

UP ISB & Denmark March 23, 2009 1,130 

Students/Bitten 

Princeton University Moot Court Team/ April 3 – 4, 2009 350 

Ramsey Train 

Station/Credit Suisse 

Bank, NYC 

Elmwood Park, NJ 

Urdang 

Euro Challenge/Bitten April 8, 2009 267 

Principles of 

April 14, 2009 325 

Engineering/Petherbridge 

Seton Hall Model UN/Laner April 18-19, 2009 0


E5. Continued 

Location Group/Teacher Date(s) Cost 

Ramsey Train Euro Challenge/Bitten April 29, 2009 267 

Station/NY Federal 

Reserve Bank 

Morris Museum, 

Morristown 

US History 2 CPE/Bitten May 1, 2009 450 

1 

Change in date of trip and location of trip. 

E1 – E5 



The following motions were approved by roll call: OP1 – OP8 


OPERATIONS 

OP1. To approve the use of the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District facilities 

for the date(s) indicated in accordance with the rules and regulations governing said 

use as follows: 


Educational Services Center SAT Prep, February 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25; April 1, 

22, 29, 2009; Classrooms 204, 206, 6:30 - 9:30 P.M. 

Wyckoff Recreation 

Basketball practices, dates and times as available 

and agreed upon by coaches and athletic director 

First Shot Soccer Soccer Camp, July 6 – 10, 2009; July 13 – 17, 2009; 

August 17 – 21, 2009, 9 A.M. – 2 P.M. 

Bergen’s Best Soccer Camp, Inc. Soccer Tournaments, Fundraiser, June 27, 2009, 3 – 

9 P.M., June 27, 28, 2009, 8 A.M. – 4 P.M. 

Bergen Track Association Season Opener Invitational Meet, April 4, 2009, 9 

A.M. – 3 P.M. 

Ramapo High School 

Meaningful Movements, Inc. Dance Recital, Auditorium, June 7, 2009, 12 – 6 

P.M. 

Franklin Lakes Board of 

Graduation, Auditorium, June 22, 2009, 6:30 – 9 

Education 

P.M. 

Bergen’s Best Soccer Camp, Inc. Soccer Tournaments, Fundraiser, June 27, 2009, 3 – 

9 P.M., June 27, 28, 2009, 8 A.M. - 4 P.M. 

OP2. To approve the resolution as follows: 

WHEREAS, the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District Board of Education 

in the County of Bergen, New Jersey (the “Board”), desires to proceed with a school 

facilities project consisting of: 

Replacement of the Artificial Turf Field at Ramapo High School 

WHEREAS, the Board now seeks to take the initial steps in order to proceed with the 

Project: 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High 

School District Board of Education in the County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, as 

follows: 

Section 1. In accordance with the requirements of Section 6A:26-3 of the New Jersey 

Administrative Code, the Board hereby approves the Educational Specifications 

prepared in connection with he project and Board further authorizes the submission of 

same to the Bergen County Superintendent of Schools and the New Jersey Department 

of Education for approval.



Administrative Code, the Board hereby approves the Schematic Plans prepared in 

connection with the Project and the Board further authorizes the submission of same to 

the Bergen County Superintendent of Schools and the New Jersey Department of 

Education for approval. 

Section 3. The School Administration and such other officers and agents of the Board as 

are necessary, including the Board attorney, bond counsel and architect, are herby 

authorized to perform such other acts, to execute such other documents and to do such 

other things as are necessary to implement the determinations of the Board set forth in 

this resolution. 

Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately. 




facilities project consisting of: 

Replacement of the Artificial Turf Field at Indian Hills High School 


Project: 



follows: 



prepared in connection with he project and Board further authorizes the submission of 


of Education for approval. 






Section 3. The School Administration and such other officers and agents of the Board as 




this resolution. 





facilities project consisting generally of: 

Handicap Accessibility Improvements at Indian Hills High School 


Project: 



follows: 



prepared in connection with he project and Board further authorizes the submission of



of Education for approval. 






Section 3. The school administration and such other officers and agents of the Board as 




this resolution. Including the submission of Information to the New Jersey Department 

of Education for the First Regular Operating District grand funding allocation allowed 

under the Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act revision under P.L. 

2008, Chapter 39, due January 31, 2009 in connection with receipt of a grant with respect 

to the proposed Project. 



WHEREAS, The Board of Education has submitted an application to the New Jersey 

Department of Education for approval of capital improvement project 

consisting of Replacement of the Artificial Turf Field at Indian Hills High School, and 

WHEREAS, This project is not included in the 2005 Long Range Facilities Plan list of 

capital projects to be completed, and therefore, the Long Range Facilities Plan 

needs to be amended, and 

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves amending 

the School District's Long Range Facilities Plan to include this project. 




consisting of Replacement of the Artificial Turf Field at Ramapo High School, and 









consisting of Handicap Accessibility Improvements at Indian Hills High School, and 







WHEREAS, on October 20, 2008 the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District 

Board of Education rejected bids received for Outdoor Track Improvements at Indian Hills 

High School on the basis that the Board would not pursue the Project at that time, and 

WHEREAS, the Board now desires to go forward with the Project,


NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the business administrator/board secretary 

is authorized to seek sealed bids, county contract and/or state contract for the Project. 

Date, time and advertisement of bids to be determined by the business administrator/ 

board secretary. 

OP1 – OP8 

RC): Belsky , Brown , Castor , Hogan , Madigan , 


The following motions were approved by roll call: F1 – F3 and F6 – F12 


FINANCE 

F1. That the financial reports of the business administrator and the treasurer of school 

monies for the month of November 2008 including a cash report for that period, be 

approved and ordered filed. 

F2. To authorize approval of the Committed Purchase Order Report for the month of 

December 2008 and further move that the following bills drawn on the current account 

in the total amount of $2,860,137.63 (includes 1/15/09 payroll) for materials received 

and/or services rendered, having been duly audited by the business administrator and 

the chairperson of the Finance Committee, be approved by the Board. 

F3. That the following bills paid on December 23, 2008 and drawn on the current account in 

the total amount of $528,703.76 for materials received and/or services rendered, having 

been duly audited by the business administrator and the chairperson of the Finance 

Committee, be ratified by the Board. 

F6. To ratify the December 15, 2008 payroll in the amount of $1,448,985.15 and the 

December 31, 2008 payroll in the amount of $1,134,706.38 having been duly audited, and 

previously paid. (Amounts were not available for the December 8, 2008 Regular Public 

Meeting.) 

F7. That bills in the District Cafeteria Fund in the total amount of $179,295.40 having been 

duly audited and approved by the business administrator/board secretary, and 

previously paid, be approved by the Board as follows: 

ARAMARK 

ARAMARK 

ARAMARK 

ARAMARK 

$93,574.34 November Operations 

659.75 November Student Lunches 

85,469.81 December Operations 

591.50 December Student Lunches 

Moved by 

Seconded 

RC): Belsky Brown Castor Hogan Madigan 

Petersen Peterson Scarpelli Quinlan 

F8. Move to approve transfers and to authorize the superintendent and business 

administrator/board secretary to make additional transfers that would be ratified at the 

next Board meeting as necessary to comply with State requirements in accordance with 

Policy 3160 as per the attached Expense Account Adjustment Analysis for the month of 

December 2008. 

F9. That pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11(c), we certify that as of December 31, 2008 after 

review of the 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 overexpended in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11 (a) and 

that sufficient funds are available to meet the District's financial obligations for the 

remainder of the fiscal year. 

F10. To adopt the following resolution: 

Receipt of Certification from Board Secretary 

Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11 (c), I, Frank C. Ceurvels, certify that as of December 31, 

2008, no budgetary line item account has obligations or payments (contractual orders)


which in total exceeds the amount appropriated by the District Board of Education 

pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:22-8 and N.J.S.A. 18A22-8.1. 

F11. To approve the resolution as follows: 

WHEREAS, district employees and members of the Board of Education are attending 

conferences, conventions, staff training, seminars, or workshops; and 

WHEREAS, the attendance at stated functions were previously approved by the chief 

school administrator and school business administrator as work related and within the 

scope of the work responsibilities of the attendees; and 

WHEREAS, the attendance at the functions were approved as promoting delivery of 

instruction or furthering efficient operation of the district; and fiscally prudent, and 

WHEREAS, the travel and related expenses particular to attendance at these functions 

are within state travel guidelines established by the Department of Treasury in NJOMB 

circular letter; 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education finds the travel and related expense 

particular to attendance at these previously approved functions; 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the expenses are justified and therefore reimbursable. 

F12. To approve the resolution as follows: 

WHEREAS, the district employees listed on Attachment Number 1 have submitted 

requests for reimbursement for work-related travel that is directly related to and within 

the scope of each employee’s current work responsibilities; and 

WHEREAS, the Board has previously authorized such work-related travel, and the 

district’s school business administrator or designee has reviewed the documentation 

submitted by each employee and found same to be in compliance with the Board’s 

policy provisions and approval requirements; and 

WHEREAS, the attachment specifies for each item of reimbursement the specific 

promotion of delivery of instruction or furtherance of the efficient operation of the 

school district, and the amount of each listed reimbursement does not exceed State 

travel reimbursement guidelines; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in accordance with the provisions of Board 

policy and N.J.A.C. 6A:23B-1.1 et. seq., that the Board of Education hereby approves 

work-related travel reimbursement to its employees as set forth on Attachment Number 

1. 

F1 – F3 and F6 – F12 

RC): Belsky , Brown , Castor , Hogan , Madigan , 


The following motions were approved by roll call: F4 – F5 


F4. That invoices in the total amount of $3,465.27 to Cooperative Communications, drawn on 

the current account on December 23, 2008 for services rendered, having been duly 

audited and previously paid, be approved by the Board. (Amounts were not available 

for the December 8, 2008 Regular Public Meeting.) 

F5. That the following bills drawn on the current account in January in the total amount of 

$3,467.05 to Cooperative Communications for services rendered, having been duly audited 

by the business administrator and the chairperson of the Finance Committee, be 

approved by the Board. 

F4 – F5 

RC): Belsky , Brown , Castor , Hogan ABSTAIN, Madigan , 

Petersen ABSENT, Peterson , Scarpelli , Quinlan


COMMITTEE REPORTS 

Mr. Brown reported that the members of the Policy Committee met on January 8 to continue 

its discussions of district policies and regulations 5131 and 5131.1. He stated that he remains 

hopeful that these policies and regulations will be brought forward shortly for a Board vote. 

After fielding questions from Board members, Mr. Brown stated that these policies will be 

placed on the February 9 Work Session for further public discussion. 

Mrs. Scarpelli reported that at the January 26 Crisis Management Meeting the FLOW-Area 

Police representatives provided a report on the recent burglaries in the three communities of 

the FLOW-area. She encouraged all residents to report anything suspicious to the local police 

departments. 

Mr. Madigan reported that the members of the Facilities & Technology Committee met on 

January 21 and discussed agenda items as follows: Long-Range Facility Plan projects; RHS 

Technology Classrooms 802 and 803; and the athletic fields. He stated that the RHS 

classrooms should be online shortly so that students can resume their curriculum. He also 

reported that members of the Finance Committee met to discuss the 2009-10 preliminary 

budget. The committee will meet again in February to continue its discussion on the 2009-10 

budget. 

Mr. Madigan made a recommendation not to discuss a personnel issue that was discussed 

during the January 21 Finance Committee Meeting, however, his recommendation was 

overruled by the Board. Mr. Madigan continued his Finance Committee report stating that 

members of the Finance Committee discussed the re-organization of the Business Office as 

proposed by Mr. Ceurvels. Mr. Madigan expressed his concerns about the timing of the reorganization 

and stated that, to date, he does not believe that he has received all of the 

necessary data. He further stated that other members of the Finance Committee agreed to 

bring this issue forward for discussion with the full Board, but Mr. Madigan continued to 

state his concerns about discussing this issue in public. He stated for the record that as 

chairman of the Finance Committee, he is not in favor of creating the position of assistant 

business administrator at this time given the economic situation we are all experiencing and 

is very concerned from a budgetary standpoint. He recommended that this issue be 

discussed further by the members of the Finance Committee and addressed after the April 

budget vote. 

Board discussion followed regarding the Business Office re-organization, and several Board 

members expressed their support for the position and for the efficiencies that would be 

achieved. Mr. Madigan thanked the members of the Finance Committee for their comments, 

but re-iterated that he is still waiting for additional information that will define how other 

districts structure their Business Offices for maximum efficiencies. 

At this time, Mrs. Quinlan asked for public comments on the proposed re-organization of the 

Business Office. A member of the public asked Mr. DePreker what the structure of the 

Business Office was in Midland Park. Mr. DePreker stated that in Midland Park, a structure 

very comparable to the one being proposed by Mr. Ceurvels was in place. Other members of 

the public asked if there were deficiencies in the Business Office that prompted the reorganization, 

if other positions will be eliminated, and what will be the cost savings realized 

from this re-organization. Mr. Ceurvels responded that this re-organization could result in a 

$30,000 - $50,000 savings to the district. 

Mr. Madigan thanked the public for their comments. 

BOARD COMMENTS 

Mrs. Scarpelli announced the February 10 RHS v IHHS Girls’ Basketball Game, 7 P.M. This 

event will be a fundraiser for cancer research. She will have pink tee shirts for sale for the 

members of the Board of Education prior to the event. 

Mrs. Castor thanked the directors of student activities and athletics for providing an 

overview the district’s procedures for fundraising activities. 

PUBLIC DISCUSSION 

A. Moved by MADIGAN Seconded PETERSEN to open the meeting to public 

discussion.


A member of the public asked for a status report of the superintendent’s search. Mrs. 

Quinlan reported that the position has been advertised and interested applicants should 

submit their applications to the superintendent’s office by Friday, February 27. 

A member of the public addressed the Board regarding his concern about the approval 

authority for the directors of student activities and athletics and the district’s liability for 

activities that are not related to district-supported activities. Mr. Hogan stated that the 

directors of student activities and athletics approve the requests for funds that are 

submitted to the Boosters Club (RHS) and the Parent Athletic Club (IHHS). These two 

parent groups then review and approve the requests received by the directors of student 

activities and athletics. 

A member of the public thanked the Board members for facilitating the completion of 

the RHS Technology Classrooms 802 and 803. 

B. Moved by SCARPELLI Seconded BROWN to close public discussion and to reenter 

the Regular Public Meeting. 

At this time, motions were moved and seconded as follows: 

PERSONNEL 


Moved by: HOGAN Seconded: BROWN 

P13. To approve the job description for the position of Assistant Business Administrator. 

P13 

RC): Belsky ABSENT, Brown , Castor , Hogan , Madigan NO, 


Mr. Madigan stated his reasons for voting “No” on this resolution are based upon the timing of the 

resolution and the fact that he does not have a picture of the re-organization. 


Moved by: HOGAN Seconded: BROWN 

P14. To approve the advertisement for the position of Assistant Business Administrator. 

P14 

RC): Belsky ABSENT, Brown , Castor , Hogan , Madigan NO, 


Mr. Madigan again stated his reasons for voting “No” on this resolution are based upon the timing of 

the resolution and the fact that he does not have a picture of the re-organization. 

ADJOURNMENT 

Moved by SCARPELLI Seconded: HOGAN to adjourn at 10 P.M. 

ANTICIPATED FUTURE MEETING DATES 

Mrs. Quinlan announced anticipated future meeting dates as follows: 

Monday, February 9, 2009, Work Session, District Conference Room, 8 P.M. 

Monday, February 23, 2009, Regular Public Meeting, District Conference Room, 8 P.M. 

Sadie Quinlan 

Board President 

Frank C. Ceurvels 

Business Administrator/Board Secretary

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