Minutes - Mount Olive Township School District

MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION 

MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING 

APRIL 8, 2013 

1. OPENING ACTIVITIES 

The Mount Olive Township Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, April 8, 

2013 at the Board/Administration Building, 89 Route 46, Budd Lake, N.J. In the absence of 

the Board President, the meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by the Board Vice- 

President, Mrs. Ouimet, with the following announcement: 

“The notice requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act of the State of New Jersey have 

been satisfied by the inclusion of the date, time and place of this meeting in the notice of 

regular meetings adopted by this Board on January 7, 2013. Such schedule and notice of 

meetings is posted at the Municipal Building, the Mount Olive Library, the Board of 

Education offices and the six schools, was submitted to the Daily Record for publication on 

January 8, 2013, and was filed with the Clerk of Mount Olive Township on January 8, 2013. 

I direct this announcement be entered into the minutes of this meeting.” 

Roll Call 

Present: 

Absent: 

Mr. Amianda 

Mrs. Cohen 

Mrs. Colligan (6:37 PM) 

Mr. Halbur 

Mrs. Ouimet 

Mr. Robinson 

Mr. Strillacci 

Mr. Werner 

Mr. Giordano 

Also in attendance: 

Dr. Reynolds, Superintendent 

Ms. Conroy, Business Administrator 

Mr. Zitomer, Board Attorney 

2. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS (BOARD/SUPERINTENDENT) 

Mrs. Ouimet read aloud a letter addressed to Mr. Iannucci, Director of Special Services, 

from a parent whose child was enrolled in the special education program. The parent 

commended the staff of the Special Services Department for the manner in which they dealt 

with her child, particularly acknowledging her son’s teachers, therapists, and IEP team for 

their unwavering commitment to act in the best interest of her child. 

3. REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS 

3.1 SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT 

Dr. Reynolds delivered his quarterly update for Year 4 of the Six-Year Plan, highlighting 

the following topics included in his quarterly report: 

The various activities and improvement initiatives that were implemented at each 

school during the 2 nd quarter. 

A listing of the peer schools for each Mt. Olive School and the peer rankings for 

each school in terms of academic achievement, college and career readiness, and 

student growth. 

An analysis of the various factors that are used to determine each ranking and an 

explanation of the state’s calculation for student growth. 

Student growth by grade, broken down into the following state defined categories: 

“high growth”, “expected growth”, and “low growth”. 

The number of “at risk” students for each school, broken down into the following 

state defined categories: partially proficient students, low growth students, over-age 

for grade level, chronic absenteeism, deficient in 1 area, deficient in 3 or more areas. 

SRI reading results by school and grade level. 

At the conclusion of his report, Dr. Reynolds entertained questions and comments from the 

Board. The Superintendent acknowledged that the existing Six-Year Plan will need to be 

revised to address the new state rankings. Accordingly, Dr. Reynolds indicated that he 

would like to develop a 3-Year transition plan this summer to get to the next strategic plan, 

which will be based on PARCC.

3.2 PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT 

Mr. Werner reported on the Personnel Committee meeting of Monday, April 8, 2013. 

(Summary attached) 

3.3 CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION COMMITTEE REPORT 

Mrs. Colligan reported that the Curriculum and Instruction Committee has not met formally 

since the last Board meeting, but updated the Board on the following topics. 

Mrs. Colligan reported that the internship program has now been instituted at Mt. Olive 

High School. To date, there have been five postings from businesses offering internships. 

Thirty-five students attended the informational session that was held at the High School. In 

addition, Mrs. Colligan relayed that Gregory Stewart, President of the Mount Olive Area 

Chamber of Commerce, is looking forward to working with Mr. Hughes and the high school 

staff to make the internship program a success and a role model for other school districts 

and Chambers of Commerce. 

In response to an inquiry from Mrs. Colligan, Mr. Hughes conveyed that the training for the 

Stronge Model evaluation system occurred during the recent professional development day. 

Mr. Hughes announced that there will be a second session on May 17 th , conveying that the 

teachers will receive the same training as the administrators so that they can experience 

firsthand how the process is done. On behalf of the teachers, Mrs. Colligan thanked Dr. 

Reynolds and Mr. Hughes for simulating the new evaluation system. 

Finally, Mrs. Colligan announced that several parents have expressed an interest in the 

Kindergarten Excel program, conveying that she was glad to see this program going 

forward. 

3.4 BUSINESS SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT 

Mr. Halbur reported on the Business Committee meeting of Wednesday, April 3, 2013. 

(Summary attached) 

Mr. Robinson asked if there is any state funding available for capital projects for the 2013- 

2014 school year. Dr. Reynolds replied that there is presently no money in the 2013-2014 

state budget; however, he reported that funds may be reinstated in future years. 

Mr. Robinson questioned the savings on the installation of the new boilers at Mt. Olive High 

School. Mr. Halbur replied that it will take some time to properly analyze the cost savings; 

however, he indicated that there was a significant reduction in gas costs this past year. 

Additionally, Mr. Halbur emphasized that the cost could vary from year to year depending 

on the temperatures during the winter months, explaining that you would need several years 

of data to make a proper analysis. 

Mrs. Ouimet questioned the committee’s decision to install wood floors in the gym at Tinc 

Road School. Mr. Halbur replied that the synthetic floors require some additional upkeep 

and explained that the committee decided to install a wood floor since the insurance 

company will be paying for it. 

3.5 POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT 

Mr. Amianda reported that the Policy Committee did not meet this month; however, he 

pointed out that revised Policy #8220 is on tonight’s agenda for second reading. 

3.6 PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION LIAISON REPORTS - None 

3.7 BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT - None 

4. ACTION ITEMS 

Before proceeding with the action items, Mrs. Ouimet opened the meeting to the public for 

any comments and/or questions relating to the action items only. Seeing none, this segment 

of the meeting was promptly closed. 

Work Session Mtg. 4/8/13 2

4.1 APPROVAL OF MONTHLY EXPENDITURES 

Mr. Robinson moved to approve the following monthly expenditures: 

April 8, 2013 Bill List 

#4.1.1 

March 22, 2013 Payroll 

#4.1.2 

Motion to approve the April 8, 2013 Bill List in the amount of 

$505,066.02. 

Motion to approve the March 22, 2013 Payroll in the amount 

of $2,275,046.05. 

Seconded by Mr. Amianda. 

Board Discussion: 

None 

Roll Call: 

Ayes Noes Abstentions 

Mr. Amianda None None 

Mrs. Cohen 

Mrs. Colligan 

Mr. Halbur 

Mrs. Ouimet 

Mr. Robinson 


Mr. Werner 

4.2 PERSONNEL ACTION ITEMS 

Mr. Werner made a motion to approve, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, the 

following Personnel action items: 

Retirement of 

Instructional Supervisor 

#4.2.1 

Retirement of 

Reading Specialist 

#4.2.2 

Approval of Unpaid 

Family Medical Leave 

#4.2.3 

Approval of Revised 

Job Descriptions 

#4.2.4 

Appointment of 

Supervisor of Extended 

School Year Program 

#4.2.5 


Supervisor of Summer 

School #4.2.6 

Approve the retirement of Annette Czeterko, Elementary 

Instructional Supervisor at CMS Elementary School effective 

July 1, 2013 with appreciation for twenty years of service to the 

Mount Olive Township School District. 

Approve the retirement of Mary Lou Brady, Reading Specialist 

at Tinc Road School effective July 1, 2013 with appreciation for 

thirty-seven years of service to the Mount Olive Township 

School District. 

Approve an unpaid family medical leave of absence for Lisa 

Paar-Worobetz, Teacher of Science at Mount Olive Middle 

School effective April 15, 2013 through June 25, 2013 or until 

released by physician. Dental/Medical benefits will be provided 

by the Board without interruption. 

Approve the following revised job descriptions effective April 9, 

2013 for the 2012-2013 school year, as attached: 

Bus Driver 

Maintenance Foreman 

Grounds/Maintenance Foreman 

Approve the appointment of Sharon Staszak to the position of 

Supervisor of Extended School Year Program at the salary of 

$5,373 for the 2013 Special Education Summer Program. 

(Budgeted) 

Approve the appointment of Mark Fiedorczyk to the position of 

Supervisor - Summer School at the salary of $5,382 for the 2013 

Summer Session, pending approval of Summer School. 

(Budgeted) 


Approval of Assistant 

Track Coach #4.2.7 

Approve the following coaching recommendation at Mount 

Olive High School for the Spring 2013 Season: (Budgeted) 

Sport Level Name Step Stipend 

Track Asst Sirajj Ziyad 2 $4,255 


Buildings and Grounds 

Secretary #4.2.8 


Lunchroom/Recess 

Aide #4.2.9 

Appointment of Bus 

Driver #4.2.10 

Addition to List of 

Homebound Instructors 

#4.2.11 

Additions to List of 

Substitute Teachers 

#4.2.12 

Employment of 

Substitute Bus Drivers 

#4.2.13 

Approve the appointment of Lisa Connell, twelve month 

Secretary, Category II to the Buildings and Grounds Supervisor 

at step one (1) - $37,627 on the Secretary Salary Guide 

(prorated) eight (8) hours per day, five (5) days per week, 

effective May 8, 2013 for the remainder of the 2012-2013 school 

year, replacing Susan Reeder. (Budgeted) 

Approve the appointment of Sheryl Colin, Lunchroom/Recess 

Aide at Mt. View School at step one (1) - $12.13 per hour on the 

Aide Salary Guide, three (3) hours per day, five (5) days per 

week, effective April 9, 2013 for the remainder of the 2012-2013 

school year, replacing Angela Leonard. (Budgeted) 

Approve the appointment of William Overland, Bus Driver in 

the Transportation Department at step one (1) - $22.90 per hour 

on the Bus Driver’s Salary Guide, five (5) hours per day, five (5) 

days per week, effective April 22, 2013 for the remainder of the 

2012-2013 school year, replacing Barbara Christensen. 

(Budgeted) 

Approve the addition of Mahender Gaith to the list of 

Homebound Instructors for the 2012-2013 school year. 

Approve the following additions to the list of substitute teachers 

for the 2012-2013 school year: 

Name Crs/Degree Institution 

Jesus Barbosa B.A. New Jersey City University 

Brittany Dungan 160 crs William Paterson University 

Approve the employment of the following substitute bus drivers 

at the rate of $18.11 per hour effective April 9, 2013 for the 

remainder of the 2012-2013 school year: 

Patricia Schwippert 

Alice Nelson 

Adopt Stronge Teacher 

Evaluation System 

#4.2.14 

Appointment of Health 

and Physical Education 

Teacher #4.2.15 

Appointment of School 

Library Media Specialist 

#4.2.16 

Adopt the James H. Stronge model for a Teacher evaluation 

system effective September 1, 2013 for the 2013-2014 school 

year. 

Approve the appointment of Jared Luciani, Teacher of Health 

and Physical Education at Mount Olive High School at step one 

(1) BA - $50,968 (prorated) effective April 9, 2012 for the 

remainder of the 2012-2013 school year, replacing Roger 

Stephens. (Budgeted) 

Approve the appointment of David Eisenberg, School Library 

Media Specialist at Mount Olive Middle School at step one (1) 

MA+30 - $63,868 (prorated) effective date to be determined 

upon release from current district for the remainder of the 2012- 

2013 school year, replacing Cynthia Cassidy. (Budgeted) 

Seconded by Mr. Strillacci. 


Mr. Robinson commented on the retirement of Annette Czeterko and Mary Lou Brady, 

expressing his gratitude for their many years of service to the Mount Olive School District. 

Mr. Robinson speculated that they will be sorely missed. Mr. Strillacci echoed Mr. 

Robinson’s sentiments. 


Roll Call: 



Mrs. Cohen 

Mrs. Colligan 

Mr. Halbur 

Mrs. Ouimet 

Mr. Robinson 


Mr. Werner 

4.3 BUSINESS ACTION ITEMS 

Mr. Halbur made a motion to approve, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, the 

following Business action items: 

Approval of Professional 

Development Program 

#4.3.1 

BE IT RESOLVED that the Mount Olive Township Board of 

Education approve the following staff member to attend the 

following professional development program as deemed 

appropriate and approved by the Superintendent of Schools, 

subject to State Payment Guidelines as established by the 

Department of Treasury and guidelines as established by the 

Federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB): 

Name Conference Date Location 

Diane STS Course Codes, 4/24/13- Parsippany, 

Laracuente Statutes & Regulations 5/8/2013 NJ 

Estimated 

Expense 

$296 

registration 

and mileage 

Approval of Budget 

Transfers #4.3.2 

Approval of Joint 

Transportation Contract 

#4.3.3 

Accept Gift of 

Playground Equipment 

#4.3.4 

Approve the attached list of 2012-13 budget transfers. 

Approve a Joint Resolution for Participation of Transportation 

Services between the Mount Olive Township Board of Education 

and the Sussex County Regional Cooperative for the 2013-14 

school year. 

Approve acceptance of a gift of playground equipment for Tinc 

Road School from the Tinc Road School PTO and Tinc Road 

School Activities Account at a value of $16,790. 



Mr. Robinson thanked Mrs. Cohen and the Tinc Road PTO for their gift. The Board gave 

kudos to Mrs. Cohen with a round of applause. 

Roll Call: 



Mrs. Cohen 

Mrs. Colligan 

Mr. Halbur 

Mrs. Ouimet 

Mr. Robinson 


Mr. Werner 


4.4 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION ITEMS 

Mr. Robinson made a motion to approve, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, the 

following Administrative action item: 

Approval of Revised 

Policy #4.4.1 

Approve revised Policy #8220 “School Day”, as attached, on 

second reading. 



None 

Roll Call: 



Mrs. Cohen 

Mrs. Colligan 

Mr. Halbur 

Mrs. Ouimet 

Mr. Robinson 


Mr. Werner 

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS 

Mrs. Ouimet again opened the meeting to the public for any comments and/or questions 

relating to the Mt. Olive School District. Seeing none, this segment of the meeting was 

promptly closed. 

6. OLD BUSINESS - None 

7. NEW BUSINESS 

Mr. Halbur inquired if the parents have been notified that the Middle School sports program 

has been reinstated. Dr. Reynolds replied, stating that he will provide the Board with an 

update on this issue. In response to a comment from Mr. Robinson, Dr. Reynolds conveyed 

that the administration is working on securing coaches. Mr. Strillacci suggested that the 

administration might want to consider reinstating the stipend position at Mt. Olive Middle 

School to assist the High School Athletic Director. Mr. Werner conveyed that Mr. 

Stansberry and Mr. Falleni will be attending the next Personnel Committee meeting to 

discuss the needs of the program. 

Mrs. Colligan conveyed that the Mount Olive Clergy Association met a few months ago in 

response to the recent tragedies that have befallen the community. The Association would 

like to develop a drop-in center at Mt. Olive High School for those students who have 

questions or concerns of a spiritual nature. The various clergy would attend the center on a 

rotating basis. However, if a student has a request for clergy of a specific faith, they would 

be directed to the appropriate clergy. Mrs. Colligan expressed her enthusiasm for this idea, 

speculating that the center will be a tremendous resource for the students. 

8. BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS 

Mr. Halbur reported that some of the wood from the Mount Olive tree that was displayed at 

Rockefeller Center will be used by Habitat for Humanity to construct a house on Lozier 

Road in Budd Lake. The project will be completed in a single weekend by an estimated 700 

volunteers. Mr. Halbur asked Dr. Reynolds if the school district was notified of this 

undertaking. Dr. Reynolds replied that he had been notified by Mr. Lozier and reported that 

he has offered a free ticket to the upcoming Beatles concert to anyone from the community 

who helps in this endeavor. 

Mrs. Colligan thanked the parents of Tinc Road School for their donation of money towards 

the new playground equipment. 


Mrs. Colligan welcomed the teachers and students back from vacation, expressing her hope 

that they are refreshed and that they have the direction and support they need to successfully 

complete the year. 

Mr. Robinson informed the Board that he attended the Robotics Competition in Bridgewater 

this past week, announcing that the Alpha Team #11 came in fourth place and received the 

highest award, the Chairman’s Award. The Beta Team, which consists of 8 th graders, 

freshmen and sophomores, came in second place which qualifies them for the Lehigh 

competition. If they do well in the Lehigh competition, they may be eligible to compete in 

the nationals in St. Louis. 

Mrs. Cohen expressed her enthusiasm for the internship program, explaining that a school in 

Massachusetts has made the internship program a part of the graduation requirements. Mrs. 

Cohen explained that the students in the senior class are required to work in a three-week 

internship program, beginning in April and ending on May 15 th . The students must then 

complete a project regarding the internship. 

Mr. Werner observed that the statistical sheet distributed by Dr. Reynolds indicates that 

enrollment is currently on a downward trend. Dr. Reynolds assured Mr. Werner that he 

tracks student enrollment on a regular basis and will reallocate staff based on the needs of 

each school. Dr. Reynolds complimented the work of the demographer, observing that the 

demographers’ report is very close to the actual counts. Mr. Werner suggested that the 

Board should look into the feasibility of restructuring the district into education centers 

where the elementary schools are set up by grades rather than geographical areas. 

Mrs. Ouimet noted that Mayor Greenbaum has a Facebook account and suggested that Dr. 

Reynolds contact him to see if the “Beatles and Bikes” event could be posted on the 

Mayor’s Facebook page. Dr. Reynolds replied that this has already been done. The 

Superintendent further conveyed that yard signs have been posted at various locations 

around the township and declared that he is trying to acquire free radio time to further 

publicize the event. The Superintendent announced that a number of the faculty may be 

performing in the back-up band. 

Mrs. Ouimet announced that she had attended the “Read Safari” program at the PAC for 

CMS School. In total, 605 students attended the program where students received rewards 

for achieving their reading goals. 

Finally, Mrs. Ouiment thanked Mrs. Pasqualone for establishing a program at Mt. Olive 

High School where students teach senior citizens how to use the computer. 

9. CONFIDENTIAL SESSION 

At 7:38 p.m. Mrs. Ouimet moved the following resolution to recess into confidential session: 

Resolved, at a public meeting of the Mount Olive Township Board of Education held 

on April 8, 2013, that, pursuant to Sections 7 and 8 of the “Open Public Meetings 

Act”, the following items be discussed in a session of the Board of Education closed 

to the public: 

Confidential Pupil Matters 

Be it further resolved, that the matters discussed in closed session be disclosed to 

the public when the reason for confidentiality no longer exists. Action may be taken. 

Seconded by Mr. Amianda and approved by a unanimous affirmative roll call vote of those 

members present. 

The meeting reconvened in open session at approximately 8:57 p.m. at which time Mr. 

Halbur moved the following resolution, which was read aloud by the Board attorney: 

Continue Student 

Suspension #4.4.2 

RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby continues the outof-school 

suspension of Student ID #212365 through the balance 

of the 2012-2013 school year; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the student shall receive home 

instruction, at Board expense, during the suspension period; and 


Seconded by Mr. Robinson. 


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the student is not permitted on 

Board property or to attend any school sponsored events or 

activities during the suspension period; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the student shall not be 

permitted to return to school for the 2013-2014 school year until 

the administration receives clearance from a psychiatrist, at Board 

expense, that the student is not a danger to self or others and that he 

may safely return to school; and 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Board hereby reserves the 

right to review the penalty imposed in this case based upon the 

outcome of his related criminal complaint. 

Mrs. Colligan suggested that this student should not receive the same final exams as the 

students in school since he is not receiving the same level of instruction as those students in 

a classroom environment. Dr. Reynolds assured Mrs. Colligan that students on homebound 

instruction are given a grade based on the work they perform in the homebound program. 

Roll Call: 



Mrs. Cohen 

Mrs. Colligan 

Mr. Halbur 

Mrs. Ouimet 

Mr. Robinson 


Mr. Werner 

Mr. Halber commented on the video that was shown during the closed session, questioning 

whether the administration should instruct students on what to do in the event of a fight. Dr. 

Reynolds stated that he is evaluating the situation to determine whether there is something 

that could be done. Several members of the Board expressed concern over the idea, 

speculating that younger students and female students would be reluctant to get involved in a 

fight involving two upperclassmen males. Mr. Stansberry reported that this was only the 

fourth altercation of the school year. 

10. ADJOURNMENT 

At 9:02 p.m. Mrs. Ouimet made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Amianda, 

and unanimously carried. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Lynn Jones, Board Secretary

Minutes - Mount Olive Township School District

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