The Regular Monthly Meeting of the Lenape Valley Regional High School Board of Education

Lenape Valley Regional High School February 16, 2016 Board of Education

The regular monthly meeting of the Lenape Valley Regional High School Board of Education was held on this date at 7:00 p.m. in the lower media center at the high school on 28 Sparta Road, Stanhope, New Jersey.

Mr. Kuncken called the meeting to order with the following statement:

In accordance with the provisions of the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1875, the Lenape Valley Regional High School Board of Education has caused notice of this regular monthly meeting to be posted in each of the three municipal buildings in the Regional District and the Lenape Valley Regional High School. Notice of this meeting has also been published in the New Jersey Herald and the Daily Record.

Announcement of Executive Session

An Executive Session may be held at the next regular monthly meeting for the purpose of discussing PERSONNEL/NEGOTIATIONS/LEGAL MATTERS. Action may or may not be taken. Mr. Kuncken led the flag salute.

Present: 8 Richard Kuncken, Gay Hotalen, Michael Bender, Steven McHugh, Carole Grube, Daniel, Rafferty, Robert Nunn, Karen Moros

Absent: 1 Sandra LaBell

Also Present: Paul M. DiRupo, Superintendent Robert G. Klinck, Assistant Superintendent for Business/Board Secretary

Acceptance and Review of the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 19, 2016

Motion by Michael Bender, seconded by Daniel Rafferty, that the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 19, 2016, be accepted.

Yes: 8 Richard, Kuncken, Gay Hotalen, Michael Bender, Steven McHugh, Carole Grube, Daniel Rafferty, Robert Nunn, Karen Moros

No: 0 Carried unanimously in a voice vote.

Acceptance and Review of the Executive Minutes of January 19, 2016

Motion by Michael Bender, seconded by Steven McHugh, that the Executive Minutes of January 19, 2106, be accepted.

Board President’s Report

1 Lenape Valley Regional High School February 16, 2016 Board of Education

Mr. Kuncken stated that he attended the NHS induction ceremony and congratulated the very large group of new members. He thanked the administration, Mr. Poggi, Coach Serra and all Board President’s Report – continued the members of the boys’ basketball team for their character and performance the evening of the Nick Wihlborg Foundation basketball game. He also stated that he attended the All Schools Concert and noted that the house was packed. Finally, he thanked everyone for their time and effort in working on the budget for the upcoming school year.

Open to the Public

There were twenty-five (25) members of the public present.

Aubrey Scala of Stanhope stated that she was looking for the truth regarding the possible closing of the planetarium. She asked for the reasons for its closing. She stated that all agree that closing the planetarium would be devastating. She stated that alumni have been reached on social media and ask that the planetarium be kept intact

Dr. Brian Cartwright of Green Township stated that he had two grandchildren who attended this school. He stated that it is difficult to teach astronomy without a planetarium. He asked that the Board not destroy this asset.

Peter Kerpiak of Hopatcong stated that his son is a student at LVR. He stated that a lot of honors classes are missing. He stated that students need to be challenged with more honors classes, rather than just AP classes.

Joe Novak of Byram stated that he had four children attend this school. He stated that one son was an astronomy major. He stated that he has 40 years as an educational professional – he is a retired principal. He stated that students are reached in different ways. He stated that the planetarium reaches students and is a tremendous asset. He stated that he advocates for the planetarium, that John Scala made it enjoyable, and that it is a great asset.

Glenn Kurtz of Stanhope stated that his son was five when he said he wanted to be an astronomer. He stated that his son took every class that Mr. Scala taught. His son is currently at East Stroudsburg and is graduating with a science teaching certification. The planetarium is a differentiator for Lenape, and we can’t give that up.

Donna McCloskey of Byram stated that her daughter wanted her to say that they love the planetarium. She stated that she did not go here but she stated that if you take away the planetarium, you take away a legacy from our children. She stated, please don’t take it away.

Kathleen Renegar of Netcong stated that her daughter is a future student coming to Lenape, and that she was looking forward to the planetarium. She stated that she heard about its possible closing a few weeks ago. She stated that the planetarium is a hook for the science program and an expectation for students. She also stated that she is a teacher of a STEM program.

Denise Magrini of Netcong stated that the public wants to be informed of what is going on with the planetarium.

Principal Thomas Claeys responded to all comments regarding the planetarium with the following statement: 2 Lenape Valley Regional High School February 16, 2016 Board of Education

Board President’s Report – continued

Mr. President, Members of the Board, Superintendent DiRupo, and friends and members of the community:

There has been some curiosity about the fate of the Planetarium. I will be the first to say it has been a part of our uniqueness. Under the direction of the irreplaceable John Scala, who has inspired many Lenape students, the Planetarium has been a well-run part of our science program and has hosted more than 50,000 visitors. The facility itself has been dutifully maintained by the Board of Education.

Having worked with John for twenty years, I know he is a stellar teacher and a true Patriot, who will be missed by all of us as he begins his well-deserved retirement at the end of this school- year. I have been a part of the administrative team since 2003, and long before Mr. DiRupo became the superintendent, the life of the Planetarium has been under administrative review for many years. The foremost reason the Planetarium has existed as long as it has is because the real treasure of the program was John Scala himself. Multitalented, for much of his career, operating the Planetarium has been only part of his workday. As a teacher of science, Mr. Scala has touched the lives of many more children in other classes. Out of respect for him, we were happy to keep the program alive.

The choice we are now faced with has nothing to do with Mr. Scala or the students who were educated here; it does have much to do with the students whom we are educating now and in years to come. At no time was this ever taken lightly. We were well-aware that those who experienced the Planetarium would have fond remembrances of their time at Lenape Valley and would begin to contact the school and undertake a social media campaign. Our first responsibility is not to the graduates, but to our students, and therefore, with these compelling reasons, the administration feels this is the opportune time to make changes.

Such changes are not new to Lenape Valley. For the last several years, we have had six classes a day instead of eight; we no longer teach Russian, Stenography, Shakespeare, Mechanical Drawing, Anthropology, Principles of Chemistry, shop classes of all sorts, as well as many other courses. Change is an inevitable part of our history as a school. Being a comprehensive public high school, it is our duty to provide for our students a contemporary education.

Having moved into the twenty-first century, our biggest problem is laboratory space. Currently, there are four science labs, which many years ago was well-suited to the curriculum; children entered Lenape taking science courses that did not require lab hours. As we elevated our academic standing, we have a much greater need for laboratory rooms due to our three-year science requirement, multiple Advanced Placement offerings, all freshmen taking Biology, and now with Robotics gaining traction, our facilities are sorely lacking. All Lenape students deserve no less than a state-of-the-art science facility, and without this change, we cannot provide them with the lab-based classes they need.

For many years, subscriptions to courses tied to the Planetarium have represented less than half of the Planetarium Director’s duties. Were we to hire a teacher, that person would not only need to know how to operate and maintain a forty-year-old, analog machine, that person would also need to possess an instructional certificate in another science. Though not impossible, that person would be difficult to find as the Department of Education has not issued comprehensive 3 Lenape Valley Regional High School February 16, 2016 Board of Education science certificates in decades. This becomes particularly problematic when we look at the declining enrollment forecast. Over the next several years our population will decline; a future Board President’s Report – continued reduction-in-force (RIF) is inevitable. Having a teacher with less seniority tied to the Planetarium with teaching duties in other sciences would not only insure them of a position over more senior staff, but also those younger teachers who would be affected by a RIF have proven thus far to be very talented with great potential, who give a lot to our kids in and outside of the classroom as coaches, advisors, and supporters.

Board Secretary’s Report

Motion by Robert Nunn, seconded by Carole Grube, that resolutions numbered 1 through 3 be adopted as presented:

1. Board Secretary Certification

RESOLVED, That the Board Secretary certifies that as of January 31, 2016, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-16.10(c)3, the total of encumbrances and expenditures for each line item account does not exceed the line item appropriation in the 2015-2016 school district budget.

January 31, 2016 Assistant Superintendent for Business Date Board Secretary

2. Board Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Reports

RESOLVED, That the following reports prepared by the Board Secretary dated January 31, 2016, be accepted:

Secretary’s Report to the Board of Education Attachment A Bond & Coupon Checking Account Attachment B Unemployment Compensation Insurance Attachment C Cafeteria Account Attachment D Feder Scholarship Attachment E

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the following Treasurer’s reports dated January 31, 2016, be accepted:

General/Special Revenue Attachment F Payroll Agency Attachment G Payroll Net Attachment H Capital Reserve Attachment I

3. Student Activity General Account and Department of Athletics Account

RESOLVED, That the following bank reconciliation reports and the reports of receipts and disbursements dated January 31, 2016, be accepted:

Student Activity General Account Attachment J Department of Athletics Account Attachment K 4 Lenape Valley Regional High School February 16, 2016 Board of Education

The current interest report for January 2016 is included herein as Attachment L. Board Secretary’s Report – continued

No: 0 Carried unanimously in a roll call vote.

All of the above reports are located in the Business Office, Book 23, Board Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Reports.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert G. Klinck Assistant Superintendent for Business/Board Secretary

Correspondence

There was no correspondence this month.

Superintendent’s Report

Mr. DiRupo reported on the following student activities:

- 66 Juniors (32.6% of the Junior Class) were inducted into the National Honor Society. - All Schools Concert was held on February 3, 2016. - Monday, February 29, 2016, will be Spring Sports Parents’ Night. - Wednesday, March 9, 2016, will be Senior Citizens’ Luncheon.

Student Representative Nick Ferrer stated that there is a sense of sadness and loss amongst the students regarding the planetarium. He stated that he now understands the reasons behind it: the need for lab space, the declining student population, and the difficulties in finding a teacher. He requested that the Board communicate with the student body so that they are better informed.

Mr. DiRupo also reviewed the following resolutions for adoption.

THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDS:

Motion by Michael Bender, seconded by Daniel Rafferty, that resolutions numbered 1 through 4 be adopted as presented:

1. SEMI Waiver

WHEREAS, A school district may seek a waiver of the requirements to maximize Special Education Medicaid Initiative (“SEMI”) if it can show that as per the October 15, 2015, Special Education student count, it had forty (40) or fewer 5 Lenape Valley Regional High School February 16, 2016 Board of Education

Special Education-Medicaid eligible students, or that efforts to participate in SEMI would not provide a cost benefit to the district; and Superintendent’s Report – continued

WHEREAS, The New Jersey Department of Education has projected that Lenape Valley Regional High School has twenty-four (24) Special Education- Medicaid eligible students;

BE IT RESOLVED, That the Lenape Valley Regional High School Board of Education hereby request that the Executive County Superintendent grant its request for a waiver of the requirement to participate in the SEMI program. (Attached)

2. NJSIAA Cooperative Swimming and Ice Hockey Petition

RESOLVED, That the Board of Education does hereby authorize and approve the submission of a petition to the NJSIAA for the continuation of a cooperative ice hockey program and a cooperative swimming program with the Newton Board of Education for the 2016-2017 school year.

3. Approval of Job Descriptions

RESOLVED, That the Board of Education approves and adopts the attached job descriptions listed below:

 Regional Curriculum/Professional Development Coordinator  Superintendent  Instructional Assistant/Transition Instructional Assistant  Accounting Specialist  Confidential Secretary  Administrative Assistant  Custodian  Network Administrator  Supervisor of Technology  Extracurricular Activity Advisor

4. DECA National Competition Field Trip

RESOLVED, That the Board of Education does hereby approve the attendance of eight qualifying students and two staff chaperones to attend the DECA National Competition in Nashville, Tennessee. The National Competition will be held from April 22, 2016, through April 27, 2016. As per Board of Education policy, the Board of Education will subsidize 75% of the student cost and 100% of the faculty chaperones for registrations, lodging and meals. The total cost of the trip is not to exceed $11,460.00. (Attached)

Finance and Physical Plant (Robert Nunn, Chairperson)

Mr. Nunn reviewed the committee meeting minutes from February 9, 2016, and the resolutions proposed for adoption.

Motion by Steven McHugh, seconded by Carole Grube, that resolutions numbered 1 through 6 and 8 be adopted as presented:

1. Board of Education Certification

RESOLVED, That the Board of Education hereby certifies in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-16.10(c)4, that after review of the Board Secretary’s and Treasurer’s financial reports for the month of January 2016, and upon consultation with the appropriate district officials, no major account or fund has been over-expended and sufficient funds are available to meet the Board’s financial obligations for the 2015-2016 fiscal year.

2. Approval of Bills

RESOLVED, That the following bills be approved for payment:

January 30, 2016 $249,455.50

February 12, 2016 $197,195.53

Total $446,651.03

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the following bill payments be ratified for the Lenape Valley Cafeteria Account:

Date Warrant Amount 1/21/16 #1647 – Maschio’s Food Svc/December School Lunch $17,063.27 2/2/16 #1648 – POS Solutions/Maint Agreement 2/15/16 - 2/15/17 $450.00

3. Transfers

WHEREAS, The funds appropriated to certain General Fund Accounts in the 2015-2016 budget of the Lenape Valley Regional High School District have been insufficient to meet the obligations which normally would be charged against them; and

WHEREAS, It appears that there will be unexpended appropriations in certain General Fund Accounts at the close of the 2015-2016 school year;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the following transfers be approved by the Board of Education:

FROM TO AMOUNT FOR

11-000-262-420 11-000262-800 $240 Mileage/Travel Cust Cleaning/Repair Custodial Other Objects

Finance and Physical Plant Committee (Robert Nunn, Chairperson) – continued

11-000-291-290 11-000-291-299 $30,000 Accounting Change Unused Sick Leave Unused Term/Retirement

11-140-101-100-0B 11-000-100-566 $25,000 Auditied Tuit/New O-O-D Salaries Supv Inst Private School Tuit

11-140-101-100-0A 11-000-100-566 $15,000 Auditied Tuit/New O-O-D Salaries Reg Teachers Private School Tuit

11-000-262-624 11-000-270-514 $60,000 Spec Ed Transp Oil Spec Ed Transportation

11-000-216-320 11-000-270-514 $15,000 Spec Ed Transp Related Services Spec Ed Transportation

11-000-213-300 11-000-213-600 $100 Toner Health Purch Services Health Supplies

11-000-262-490 11-000-262-300 $250 AHERA Inspection Cust Other Purch Svs Cust Pur Prof/Tech Svs

4. Travel Reimbursement Policy

WHEREAS, The Lenape Valley Regional High School Board of Education has recognized school staff and Board members will incur travel and related expenses related to and within the scope of their current responsibilities and for travel that promotes the delivery of instruction or furthers the efficient operation of the school district. The Board of Education shall comply with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 23B-1.1 et seq. and Board Policy 6471 for the reimbursement of school district employee and Board member travel and related expense reimbursements; and

WHEREAS, N.J.A.C. 23B-1.1 et seq. and Board policies require Board member travel and related expense reimbursements to receive prior approval by a majority of the full voting membership of the Board, and require staff member travel and related expense reimbursements to receive prior approval of the Superintendent of Schools and prior approval by a majority of the full voting membership of the Board; and

WHEREAS, The Board has concluded that the travel and expense reimbursements listed in this resolution are in compliance with State travel and reimbursement guidelines as established by the Department of Treasury and incorporated herein;

BE IT RESOLVED, The Board of Education approves the travel and related expense reimbursements as set forth below:

Event Date Cost Employee NJMEA State Music Conference 2/18 – 2/19/16 $213.98 Lynda Veech

Use Mobile Dvcs to Strengthen Math Instruction 2/26/16 $261.01 Susan Whitt School Law – Discrimination 3/3/16 $167.48 Thomas Claeys Rutgers Pre-Calculus Conference 3/18/16 $22.88 Angelique Bender Good Ideas in Teaching Pre-Calculus 3/18/16 $186.70 Michael Serra Social Media for School Professionals 2/26/16 $75.00 Jennifer Cautero

5. AHERA Inspection Report

WHEREAS, RAMM Environmental Services, Inc. of Fair Lawn, New Jersey, completed the AHERA mandated six-month facility re-inspection for asbestos containing materials;

BE IT RESOLVED, That the Lenape Valley Regional Board of Education accept the AHERA six-month facility re-inspection report as presented by RAMM Environmental Services, Inc. The Assistant Superintendent for Business is hereby directed to extend an invitation to the public, staff, parents and other interested parties to review the report in its entirety. The report is available in the Business Office.

6. Capital Project List

WHEREAS, The Lenape Valley Regional High School Board of Education has capital projects that must be completed in order to maintain the condition of its building and grounds;

BE IT RESOLVED, That the Lenape Valley Regional High School Board of Education approves the following Capital Project List:

1. Science classrooms/lab renovations

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That said project will be included as an amendment to its Long Range Facility Plan (LRFP) as soon as the New Jersey Department of Education’s LRFP software is available for data entry.

8. Disposal of Textbooks

RESOLVED, That the Board of Education authorize the Assistant Superintendent for Business to dispose of the textbooks on the attached list, which are obsolete, in a state of disrepair, and are not worth repairing. (Attached) Discussion: Mr. Bender suggested the resolution #6 be removed because it is connected to resolution #7. Dr. McHugh responded that #6 is a general resolution for a LRFP and to add science class renovations to our capital project list, which doesn’t commit the Board to a time frame to complete the project. Dr. McHugh suggested we proceed with the vote on this resolution. Mr. Kuncken agreed with Dr. McHugh.

Yes: 8 Richard, Kuncken, Gay Hotalen, Michael Bender (except #6), Steven McHugh, Carole Grube, Daniel Rafferty, Robert Nunn, Karen Moros

No: 1 Michael Bender for #6 only Carried in a roll call vote. 10 Lenape Valley Regional High School February 16, 2016 Board of Education

Motion by Steven McHugh, seconded by Robert Nunn, that resolution number 7 be adopted as presented:

7. Professional Architect Services

WHEREAS, There exists a need for professional architectural services for the renovation of science classrooms/labs; and

WHEREAS, The Lenape Valley Regional High School Board of Education has examined and compared hourly rates for architectural firms serving school districts in Sussex County, along with comparing qualifications and experience;

WHEREAS, The Board of Education has discussed and deliberated the advantages and disadvantages of several architects;

WHEREAS, Parette Somjen Architects, LLC has extensive experience as an architectural firm, is familiar with the policies and procedures of a high school district, and given this experience and competitive fee, it is advantageous to the Lenape Valley Regional High School District to retain the professional services of Parette Somjen Architects, LLC; and

WHEREAS, The Public School Contracts Law N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-5.a.1 requires that a resolution authorizing the engagement of professional architect services without pubic advertising and bidding therefor, must be publicly advertised;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the Lenape Valley Regional High School Board of Education as follows:

1. The Lenape Valley Regional High School Board of Education is herewith authorized to engage the services of Parette Somjen Architects, LLC, located at 439 Route 46 East, Rockaway, New Jersey 07866, at the fee of $43,000, plus reimbursables not to exceed $1,900, for the preparation of a state project application, bid specifications, design drawings, and the management and execution of the renovation of two science classrooms/labs (see attached agreement).

2. This appointment is made without pubic advertising and bidding therefor as a “Professional Service” under the provisions of the Public School Contracts Law, since N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-5.a.1 specifically permits the waiving of the public advertising and bidding therefor for service of this nature.

3. A copy of this resolution shall be published in the New Jersey Herald within ten (10) days of its passage.

Discussion: Mr. Nunn explained that resolution #7 is to renovate science classroom B224 and to change the planetarium into a general science lab. Mr. Bender said there are very few times that we have 11 Lenape Valley Regional High School February 16, 2016 Board of Education

Finance and Physical Plant Committee (Robert Nunn, Chairperson) – continued lots of people come to a Board meeting to express an opinion. He stated that they expressed numerous valid points for keeping the planetarium, and that Mr. Novak correctly represented the history of the planetarium. Mr. Bender stated that we should listen to our community and keep the planetarium.

Mr. Nunn stated that he is an alumnus of Lenape Valley and that he took planetarium classes with Mr. Hyme. He stated that he has a love for astronomy and that he owns a telescope that he uses frequently at home. He stated that this Board cares greatly for the planetarium but it is their job to find the best solution for all of our students. He stated that the Board has examined our science classrooms/labs and other spaces in the building. Almost all of our classes now require lab space and the current labs do not provide sufficient space to give the students the labs they should be taught. He said that we are trying to address the needs of all students in moving forward in creating new lab space. He stated that we have done our due diligence, and it is with a heavy heart that we should move forward to convert the planetarium into a science lab. This would be in the best interests of the school in moving forward with our science curriculum.

Dr. McHugh asked why more astronomy classes are not offered. Mr. Claeys responded that over the past 10 years, we are usually running only two classes per semester due to lack of enrollment by our students. Mr. Claeys stated further that we only use the planetarium once a month for shows which are open to members of the community and other schools. Mr. Kuncken also responded that based on current student enrollment for astronomy classes, we would not have a need for a full-time teacher.

Mr. Kuncken made the following statements:

Authorizing this resolution will begin the process of bringing our science programs and facilities into this century. The classrooms are original from 40 years ago.

Education is constantly evolving and we need to keep pace. We offer far more courses and classes than when this school was built, and our classroom space is inadequate for what we offer now and also in the future.

Our students require 3 laboratory sciences to graduate. Many courses are offered at 3 levels – college prep, honors, and AP – far too many classes for the current space.

We offer several programs that are very much in demand that are intended to be lab sciences for 6 credits, but unfortunately, we have to offer them without adequate lab time and for less credit because we do not have the lab space.

We offer Forensic Science, which is very in demand these days. However, the teacher has to take the show on the road with a cart to other rooms because we do not have available science rooms.

Many of us sitting up here are alumni. All of us have children who have graduated from this school, or who currently attend. The decision to abandon the planetarium did not come up overnight. It has been talked about before we were all in these positions, and it has been talked about since. With the retirement of the current teacher, the time is now. Certainly, we have agonized over this in our committee discussions. It is an emotional decision for many. It’s unpleasant. 12 Lenape Valley Regional High School February 16, 2016 Board of Education

I remind everyone of the school Board member’s code of ethics. I will make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children, and will seek to develop and maintain a public school that meets the individual needs of all children.

This is not a cost saving measure as some have said in other forums. To the contrary, we are investing hundreds of thousands of dollars to expand and enhance the science education of every single student who passes through these doors.

We have an obligation to provide facilities and programs that best prepares all of our students for their future. Unfortunately, keeping the planetarium to offer a few elective programs to a handful of students does not fulfill our obligation.

There is a process to making this decision.

Yes: 7 Richard, Kuncken, Gay Hotalen, Steven McHugh, Carole Grube, Daniel Rafferty, Robert Nunn, Karen Moros

No: 1 Michael Bender Carried unanimously in a roll call vote.

Curriculum and Policy Committee (Carol Grube, Chairperson)

Mrs. Grube summarized the resolutions discussed at the committee meeting that was held on February 9, 2016. Mr. Kuncken noted that Elementary Calculus is a new course offering.

Motion by Daniel Rafferty, seconded by Michael Bender, that resolution number 1 be adopted as presented:

1. Approval of Curriculums

RESOLVED, That the Board of Education approves the following curriculums for the 2015-2016 school year (attached):

 Public Speaking  Journalism  ESL – English as a Second Language  Elementary Calculus

Personnel and Management Committee (Gay Hotalen, Chairperson)

Mr. Rafferty summarized the resolutions discussed at the committee meeting that was held on February 9, 2016.

Motion by Robert Nunn, seconded by Steven McHugh, that resolutions numbered 1 through 4 be adopted as presented:

Appointments

1. RESOLVED, That the Board of Education does hereby approve the emergent hiring of Mrs. Dawn Stackhouse, having attested that she has not been convicted of any disqualifying crime pursuant to applicable statute, as a 10-month Guidance Department Administrative Assistant, at the pro-rated salary of $30,583.33, Schedule D, 5/6 of Step 1, effective February 18, 2016, through June 30, 2016.

2. RESOLVED, That the Board of Education does hereby approve the emergent hiring of Ms. Stephanie Bitondo, as a part-time Instructional Aide, at a salary of $17 per hour, not to exceed 29 hours per week, with no benefits, effective February 18, 2016, through April 18, 2016.

3. RESOLVED, That the Board of Education approve Ms. Amanda Sowinski as a Volunteer Tennis Coach, effective March 4, 2016, through June 30, 2016.

4. Substitute Teacher

RESOLVED, That the Board of Education approves the following substitute teacher for the 2016-2017 school year at the rate of $80 per day and $85 per day after twenty (20) days in the district:

 Ruth Paez William Patterson University

New Business

There was no new business to discuss.

Old Business

Mr. Rafferty asked for an update on the chromebook policy. Mr. Kuncken said that the committee is in the process of evaluating other schools’ policies on going paperless. He stated that he hopes the Board will be able to put that course of action into effect next year. 14 Lenape Valley Regional High School February 16, 2016 Board of Education

Meeting Open to Public

Kathleen Renegar of Netcong asked if, with a declining population, all science classrooms needed to be near to each other. She asked further if other rooms were considered. Mr. Kuncken responded that the administration and science department believe that having all science rooms in the wing of the building above the portico is the safest and most efficient use of our science classrooms.

Dr. Cartwright of Green Township said that we could look at converting the home economics room into a lab, or we could look at adding another wing to the building. He also stated that he believes that people in the community would help financially with building a new wing.

Amanda Levy of Byram said that her daughter is thriving at Lenape Valley but she has a son that she has to put into a charter school because the Board is forgetting about other students. She stated that they are not all honors students. She stated further that the Board needs to look at doing a better job at hands on training for non-honors students.

Tammy Quasius of Byram stated that her son was here two years ago when she was advocating for Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry, and they were having difficulty finding an AP teacher. She stated that her son didn’t have one lab in his AP Chemistry class.

Motion for Adjournment

Motion by Michael Bender, seconded by Daniel Rafferty, that the meeting be adjourned at 8:18 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert G. Klinck Assistant Superintendent for Business/Board Secretary These minutes were prepared and typed by Thursday, February 18, 2016.