MINUTES OF THE PATERSON BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
October 12, 2005 – 7:00 p.m. John F. Kennedy High School
Presiding: Comm. Chauncey I. Brown, III, MBM, President
Present: Dr. Michael Glascoe, State District Superintendent Mr. Agostino Rottino, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Operations Monica Peck, Esq., General Counsel
Comm. Joseph Atallo Comm. Andre Sayegh Comm. Jonathan Hodges Comm. Lawrence Spagnola Comm. Alonzo Moody Comm. Willa Mae Taylor Comm. Juan Santiago Comm. Daniel Vergara
The Salute to the Flag was led by Miss Luthfa Ali, 12th Grade, National Honor Society.
Comm. Vergara read the Open Public Meetings Act:
The New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act was enacted to insure the right of the public to have advance notice of, and to attend the meetings of the Paterson Public School District, as well as other public bodies at which any business affecting the interest of the public is discussed or acted upon.
In accordance with the provisions of this law, the Paterson Public School District has caused notice of this meeting:
Regular Meeting October 12, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. John F. Kennedy High School 61-127 Preakness Avenue Paterson, New Jersey
to be published by having the date, time and place posted in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Paterson, at the entrance of the Paterson Public School offices, and by sending notice of the meeting to Al-Zaman, El Diario, the Italian Voice, the New Jersey Forum, the North Jersey Herald & News, and The Record.
Ms. Michele VanHoven: Ladies and gentlemen of the Board and Superintendent Glascoe, my name is Michele VanHoven and I am one of the choir teachers over here at John F. Kennedy High School and lead teacher for BRAVO Academy. I am very pleased to present to you this evening JFK’s Concert Choir.
(Performance by John F. Kennedy High School Concert Choir)
Dr. Glascoe: On behalf of the School Board and the school district, we really appreciate starting our School Board meetings off with something centered around our children. This goes without saying – Children First. This will be a new part of our School Board
Page 1 10/12/05 meetings. At each and every Regular School Board Meeting, we will make every attempt to kick off our meetings with something centered around our children and this was our first time out. Stay tuned - more is to come.
REPORT OF STATE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT
Dr. Glascoe: I want to remind everyone that October 17th through October 21st is designated as School Violence Awareness Week. We know that our staff and students will be engaged in many different kinds of activities and we would like your support with all of those activities, which will include guest speakers, assembly programs, and a host of reading materials, all on awareness regarding school violence. Our school district received notification that we will receive honorable mention in the New Jersey School Boards Association Annual School Communications Competition. This is in the category of Audio Visual Media – A Whole New World Kindergarten at MLK. This is the handiwork of Mitch Izenberg and we really appreciate his efforts in putting us on the map. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Equity and Diversity Council will present a special cultural program featuring The “Rhythms of the Heart” Ensemble this Friday at John F. Kennedy High School. I believe the performance will be at 9:00 a.m. and then a repeat performance at 10:00 a.m. I hope those are the correct times. The school district also wants to acknowledge Ramadan, a month of prayer, fasting and renewal for our Muslim community and around the world. The time period for this is October 4th through November 2nd and 3rd. The staff at MJM Parent Resource Center is currently conducting their Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive for needy families of our community. I would urge all of us to support this effort, as you have in the past, with dry goods and can items, which will be collected at the Center. I think all of you know it is located at 133 Ellison Street and we are going to run this through the end of October. The collection time period will be from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Here is a telephone number that you can call if you need additional information – 973-321-0880. There have been numerous fundraising activities around the victims of Katrina and Rita, and we are proud to announce that our students in the district have really done an outstanding job. They have raised over $14,000, which was presented to the Red Cross. Congratulations to John F. Kennedy High School on celebrating their 40th Anniversary. There was a gala event this past week and it was held at the Brownstone. I think a lot of people out in the audience were at that celebration and I am sure you remember Dr. Atallo doing the electric slide. He didn’t know I was going to bring that up, but we do have film to prove it. It was a great occasion and one of the things that both Dr. Atallo and I mentioned was that it was such a legacy and connection. You had numbers and numbers of alumni of John F. Kennedy, but you also had the teachers and they weren’t necessarily alumni. They just came back because of the connection and that is what community is all about. I was privileged to have an opportunity to be involved. The John F. Kennedy High School Social Studies Department is holding its annual voter registration drive. I understand that to date Kennedy has registered 105 students and 5 teachers. So keep up the good work. Creative Writing and Piano students from Rosa Parks School of Fine and Performing Arts will appear on the television show, Classroom Close-Up. They did an appearance back in May ’05, as I understand it, and this is going to be aired on Monday, October 17th at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 22nd at 7:00 a.m., so you will have to get up early to watch it. It will be on NJN, so we certainly would like to watch that and cheer on our students. In conclusion, I would like to thank all of our principals and staffs for the work that they have done through the first month and a half of the school year. As I mentioned probably in my first remarks, because of certainly the lateness of my arrival and last minute details we worked very hard to get school off to a great start. I believe it is paying big dividends. I will be going back out into the schools interacting with the students and staff, making sure that we do all of the things that are necessary to make
Page 2 10/12/05 sure that our students achieve at a high level and above all to keep Children First. Thank you very much.
REPORT OF PRESIDENT
Comm. Brown: First, I want to start off by thanking my colleagues. Last month we had our first Board retreat and we spent all day discussing how we are going to function as a Board. I want to thank all of my Board members for vigorously being involved and participating. It was a very rewarding experience that we all engaged in along with the Superintendent. I just want to name a few things that we established as a result of that Board retreat. We established four committees to begin to not only provide assistance and oversight for the district, but to look at ways where we can assist the administration with improving district performance and function. The four areas at this time that we have identified are a policy committee, a facilities committee, a human resources committee, and a joint governance committee. The first three are pretty self- explanatory, but the main intent and purpose of the joint governance committee is so that we can begin dialogue and collaboration with the city on how we are going to provide the best facilities and services for students. Next, I want to also thank all of the hard work that the Long Range Facility Committee put into helping us to compile our Five-Year Facility Plan. It took a lot of work and time, and I personally and on behalf of the Board want to thank them for their efforts. Also, I would like to congratulate John F. Kennedy on their 40th Anniversary. I am an alumni of John F. Kennedy, but I apologize for not being there. Also, to wrap up my brief comments, I think we are very, very lucky here this year to have Dr. Glascoe as our Superintendent, who has begun not only to grasp and harness the sensitivity of the community, but understands the needs of the children. I want to not only thank Dr. Glascoe, but I want to thank my colleagues for their support in the work that we are doing here for children and the work of Dr. Glascoe. You will see significant changes with all of our leadership up here and I am very, very proud to be a member of the Board of Education. Thank you very much.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
It was moved by Comm. Sayegh, seconded by Comm. Santiago that the Public Comments on Agenda Items Only portion of the meeting be opened.
Comm. Brown: Last month I believe offline at the workshop meeting we talked about maybe redoing our public portion to allow, if possible, both agenda and non-agenda items to be discussed. I would like to know if that would be the pleasure of the Board this evening and we can begin moving in that direction.
Comm. Sayegh: Mr. President, I think it would be unfair to do it this evening because I think we haven’t published it and there are others that are going to be arriving a little bit later in anticipation. So with all due respect, I think that is something we should consider for the next meeting.
Comm. Santiago: I agree that the public should speak first, but I also support what Comm. Sayegh just said.
Comm. Hodges: Mr. President, as you know, I am a longstanding believer in that approach. I think that the parents should be given top priority and that the meeting is for them. So I certainly heartily endorse that and it’s long, long overdue.
Comm. Brown: Does that mean that I have the final decision? We will open up the public portion tonight and if it’s within the realm of the law we will allow parents to speak
Page 3 10/12/05 on non-agenda items and agenda items as well. I thank my colleagues for their comments.
Comm. Taylor: I don’t think that is what we said. We agree with Andre to put it off until our next meeting and to make a firm decision.
Comm. Hodges: That way you can notify the public about the change.
Comm. Taylor: So they can be here and speak.
On roll call all members voted in the affirmative. The motion carried.
Comm. Brown: Please state your name and address for the record.
Mr. Creighton Drury: Good evening, Mr. President, Dr. Glascoe and Commissioners. My name is Creighton Drury and I am Vice President for New Jersey Community Development Corporation based here in Paterson. I am also a Paterson resident. I have had the privilege over the past several months of serving as a member on the Long Range Facilities Plan Advisory Board, where I also served as the co-chair of the subcommittee which focused on recommendations for the educational programs component, which will be driving facilities planning and construction over the next five years. Prior to coming to NJCDC a little bit more than four years ago, I was a practicing attorney at the law firm of Lowenstein Sandler where I spent a substantial amount of my time working on the Abbott vs. Burke case. In particular, I was working on facilities issues surrounding Abbott vs. Burke. It was an extraordinary privilege for me personally to work on a constitutional case that many leading national commentators have referred to as perhaps the most significant education case besides the United States Supreme Court desegregation rulings nearly 50 years ago. The fact is that nowhere else in this country is a child’s constitutional right to an education more fiercely pronounced than here in New Jersey. That constitutional right to a quality education extends to the full cost of building new and improved facilities. This constitutional holding by the New Jersey Supreme Court was unprecedented, especially because the court specifically declared that it was the state, not the local taxpayers nor the local districts, that was responsible for coving all of the identified and necessary construction costs. I say identified and necessary construction costs because it is really important that we as a community and we as a school district do everything we can to show the state that we understand that this is a constitutional right, a constitutional right to which our 27,000+ students are entitled, and that we as a community and as a district are doing everything we can to ensure that it happens sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, right now it is sad to say that the vast majority of students in Paterson are still attending schools that are constitutionally inadequate. That is the reality. Construction is not happening fast enough and it’s our children who are paying the price. But construction of new and improved schools will happen. It must happen. It’s a constitutional imperative and directive. The only questions are when and how soon, or rather how long. Right now the biggest impediment to this happening are politics and bureaucracy in Trenton, and that is being politicians and bureaucrats in Trenton, at least most of them, do not possess the same genuine sense of responsibility for children in Paterson that all of us here tonight possess. The most important thing we as a community can do is to make it clear to folks in Trenton that we insist and that we demand that our children receive that to which they are entitled. It also means that we hold up our end of the bargain in preparing for the construction of these new and improved schools. One very simple and very important way we can do that is here tonight by sending the message by this Board of Education unanimously approving and adopting the Five Year Long Range Facilities Plan. This plan is the culmination of what has been a very broad and a very deep
Page 4 10/12/05 planning process. On the subcommittee I chaired, we had the very active involvement of a number of people and organizations, including the Paterson Public Schools, Mrs. Lyde, two different principals and several others, a number of community organizations with representatives from Passaic County Community College, NJCDC, ACORN, Legal Aid, and the Paterson Education Fund, just to name a few. A number of parents were involved and we also had Comm. Taylor who attended nearly every single of our very long and very many meetings. This was reflective of the kind of participate and broad representation that existed throughout the Advisory Board for the past several months. This Long Range Facilities Plan is excellent. In particular, our educational programs subcommittee provided recommendations that will ensure that all new and improved facilities will be consistent with and promote the kinds of educational principles that we all know are critical, such as small schools, student-focused strategies, such as personalization, and emphasis on the importance of professional and leadership development and establishing professional learning communities and community schools, just to name a few. So in short and in sum, I would just like to urge this Board, on behalf of my agency NJCDC and on behalf of my subcommittee, which was a part of this Advisory Board, to send a strong message to Trenton that we are serious about fulfilling our constitutional promise of Abbott for our children here in Paterson. Thank you very much.
Mr. William McDowell: Good evening to the Board of Education, Dr. Glascoe, and all educators and parents in the audience this evening. I, too, would like to talk about some of the wonderful things that I saw that occurred as a result of the Long Range Facilities Planning Committee. I would just like to happily say that the community did its part. As you know, being an Abbott school district, we are required to convene a community facilities planning group in the attempt to make recommendations and give some foresight from the perspective of the community. As stated by Creighton, in that community we had a variety of personalities and expertise. There was some participation from the Board, city government, and what have you. I am just happy and I think it was a very great effort. I just think the City of Paterson would be proud of that collaboration. I, too, like Creighton, sat on two subcommittees, one being the redistricting committee, and I must applaud the school district staff for their work and George Jones in helping that committee to its end, and also the community revitalization committee. What was interesting, especially with the community revitalization committee, is that we have always talked for years about some of the needs in Paterson as far as facilities are concerned with respect to senior daycare, with respect to clinics, with respect to recreation, and with respect to community libraries and technology centers. The Long Range Facilities Plan gave the community an opportunity to leverage those new schools in all of those ways. We sat down and we talked about areas of the town that had deficiencies. As you may know, the City of Paterson is medically and dentally underserved and has that status at the state and federal levels, which means we don’t have enough health services to accommodate the city as a whole. Just to give you a highlight of some of the good thinking that went into the strategies, we looked at the way the city was laid out. We looked at opportunities where there was foresight for new schools to be built and we said that in some areas there are no hospitals, no clinics, and very little doctors, but a lot of students, a lot of seniors, and a lot of residents. So we said let’s create a school in that area that has health clinic capabilities where a student can come into school and come down to get a dental screening. A student can come to school and possibly get a lead screening. Maybe their Mom or Dad, while they are in the area, can also get an exam. This helps the community. We also talked about recreation. As we know, gang violence and some of the problems of our youth are wrapped up in the lack of recreational facilities. Benji Wimberly, with the City of Paterson, does an excellent job but we all know that some of his efforts are stifled because of facilities. We looked at where we could leverage new
Page 5 10/12/05 swimming pools. As you know, we only have maybe one and a half in the City of Paterson. We looked at where we could leverage after school computer recreation, senior recreation and all these kinds of things. As you know, we have a large senior and elderly population in Paterson and you may hear about one or two senior daycare centers where the elderly can have an additional option instead of staying shut in all day. They can go to a community school and get some of those services that some of the suburban areas enjoy. So we looked at those things. We looked at where kids were coming from and, as you know, with all the problems of special permission and overcrowding in schools, we were actually able to utilize some cutting-edge technology, thanks to Lynn Kimbrough’s office and George Jones. We utilized GIS to actually see where kids were actually coming from and where they live. Do we need a school? Are there areas where kids are just going to other schools because there is no school there when there should be? Not to take up the time… I get flashbacks hearing that buzzer. Be kind to me, President. I just wanted to say that the Abbott regulations require that the community get together with a diverse group with a tight timeframe to pull on its expertise and get its input into the building of these schools. It’s not a perfect plan. We are talking about a five-year period. But I must say the community did come together to try to place some of those needs into the foresight of the Five Year Facilities Plan, and I think it’s a plan that hopefully we can agree we can be proud of. Thank you.
Ms. Ana Villalongo: Good evening, my name is Ana Villalongo and I am Operations Manager for the Paterson Education Fund. I do have several hats and I am going to speak a little bit on three of them. One is that I am part of the committee of the five-year planning. I am also the grandparent of a child in Dale Avenue and a child in pre- kindergarten. The third one is that I was part of the beginning of the process of the community outline that they are planning to have in the Paterson area. First of all, I would like to thank everyone for giving us time to speak on this tonight. I was there last week when Dr. Glascoe mentioned that this is an ongoing process and if it is an ongoing process others can join us to make this five-year plan ongoing. Also, I look at it as my grandchildren in the future having better schools, something more than I had and my children had. Thirdly, the City of Paterson is getting better and greater and this is a five-year plan that will make it happen if we vote for it. Thank you.
Ms. Irene Sterling: Good evening, my name is Irene Sterling and I am Executive Director of the Paterson Education Fund. I was one of the co-chairs of committees for the Five Year Long Range Facilities Plan, the community revitalization committee. As we have talked about this with the Board, there have been issues that the Board has raised around the money to support the schools. I want to show you something because I think for both the Board and the community this graphically represents the situation for us. When I went and spoke in front of the property tax convention planning folks, lots of us got up to talk about how to work at getting better school funding that would lower property taxes. I want to remind you that Paterson is an Abbott community and we are an Abbott community because our property wealth is low. Our property wealth is low in part because this community houses not only our local government, but we house our county government, our county court system, our county jail, and two hospitals. It means that more than 50% of our property is tax exempt. If the State of New Jersey, as some Neanderthal legislators have said, was to require Paterson to have only the schools that it could pay for, this is what would happen. We would have Kennedy and Eastside High Schools serving about 5,000 kids, costing us about $36 million, and we would be forced to close every elementary school and every preschool program in the City of Paterson. That is what this picture shows. We could afford, if we were forced to, only our high schools. We could not afford our elementary or preschool program. What does that mean to the five-year facility planning process? It means that we need not think about the cost of those schools as ours alone. The cost of our
Page 6 10/12/05 schools is a burden for the entire State of New Jersey because Paterson plays a special role as the seat of government and the seat of services to thousands of people across this city and across this region. You should vote for this Five Year Facility Plan because it will give us additional buildings here, it will uncrowd our high schools, it will reduce the populations in these two high schools from over 2,500 students each to 1,800 students each, it will give us the elementary schools that will permit class sizes of under 25 at Schools 9 and 18, just to pick on two, and it will give us schools that have more than one bathroom, which is the situation at School #16 where 300 kids use one first floor bathroom. There are countless examples in this city of things that we have put up with for so long that we do not recognize that we are in a bad situation. I talked with a school administrator at our conference Graduating Every Paterson Child and she talked about eating in the cafeteria at School #5. I had to remind her that the cafeteria in School #5, like the cafeteria in School #2 and numerous others, is not a separate building at all. It is a large hallway in the bottom of the building. Our kids deserve better than that and we call upon you, the School Board, to take the first step in the next round of work that needs to be done to make it happen for our kids. Thank you very much.
Ms. Mendez: Hi, my name is ? Mendez and I am a 12th grader at Eastside High School.
Ms. Crystal Rosario: Hi, my name is Crystal Rosario and I am a 12th grader at Eastside High School.
Ms. Mendez: We would like to address the Board President, Vice President, Board Commissioners, and Superintendent Dr. Glascoe.
Ms. Rosario: As many of you know, we left Tuesday, October 4, 2005 on an educational class trip to Paris. During our stay, we visited many museums, one in particular the Louvre, which holds Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous painting, the Mona Lisa.
Ms. Mendez: Also, we visited the Eiffel Tower and it was really nice. I went all the way to the top and it was scary.
Ms. Rosario: I stayed at the bottom because I am afraid of heights.
Ms. Mendez: We also visited the Arc de Triomphe.
Ms. Rosario: Which holds the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier that died in two world wars. My favorite part in particular in Paris was the Notre Dame because it’s a church and I am religious. I am Catholic. It holds three-row stained glass, which one holds the Virgin Mary and the second one hold Jesus Christ.
Ms. Mendez: We also visited the Castle of Versailles, which is one of the largest castles in the world. The last king and queen to live there were Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI.
Ms. Rosario: Marie Antoinette gave birth in public to many crowds.
Ms. Mendez: We would like to thank the Board for letting us have this once-in-a-lifetime trip like this. Therefore, we would like to present this to Dr. Glascoe to show our thanks.
Mr. Quincy Battis: Good evening, my name is Quincy Battis and I, too, wear many hats here in this Paterson Public School District, advocating on a volunteer basis with the Marilyn J. Morheuser Parent Resource Center and other faith-based community groups.
Page 7 10/12/05 One of the things that I would like to say before speaking on facilities tonight is that I would be remiss if I did not recognize and give homage to a person that has taught me a lot with the Education Law Center and the No Child Left Behind Act. That person, respectfully so being, is Anna Taliaferro and I would like to say publicly tonight that I wish her a healthy and speedy recovery. Also, very quickly, I received some information that Senator Ronald Rice and Assemblyman Craig Stanley, both being on the Education Committee, are pressing for a bill with reference to public education and facilities in the amount of $3 billion. It’s not enough for our state legislators to vote yes on this, but it is also for our state legislators, our stakeholders, and our community leaders to support this bill for our children by Senator Ronald Rice and the Education Committee that he chairs, along with the Assembly side, not only in the Paterson Public School District, but in the Abbott districts and public education. Hopefully, it will not go over into lame duck season, so hopefully we can say to the listening audience that you need to reach out to your Assemblywoman Nellie Pou. I believe it’s 973-247-1521. No, that’s Assemblyman Steele. It escapes me right now, but I am quite sure they will be more than happy… 973-247-1555 is Assemblywoman Pou’s number. In speaking with her, we want Abbott to be fully funded in the area of facilities. I was also impressed to learn that Senator Girgenti, along with Assemblyman Alfred Steele, had done the educational walk-through here in Paterson to see the needs of our schools with Dr. Glascoe, the State Superintendent, the first two weeks, along with some of the Commissioners. But it concerns me that I have learned that School #16, which has an enrollment of 286 students, has one bathroom for faculty, one bathroom for boys, and one bathroom for girls. To look at School #6, which had asbestos in it, and to look at a school like Eastside High School with 2,000 students, I think that our district needs to continue, as far as the Commissioners and respectfully so Dr. Glascoe, to fight for small learning centers. I believe that when we look at the Education Law Center Abbott history, I do know fully that in the Abbott vs. Burke case we were awarded to have 21st Century schools. I believe that with decrepit schools in our school district we need to continue as parents and community advocates and elected officials on the Board to not let the children in the Paterson Public School System down. I just want to leave you with this thought. The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children. Thank you.
Ms. Barbara Dunn: Good evening, my name is Barbara Dunn and I am the Executive Director of Paterson Habitat for Humanity. We have built 170 homes for Paterson residents and their families over the past 20 years and the majority of our Habitat homeowners send their children to Paterson Public Schools. That is why the issue of the five-year facility plan is so important to Paterson Habitat. Tonight I am speaking to you as a member of the Paterson Coalition for our Children’s Schools. The Coalition is a group of Paterson not-for-profit organizations and individuals who are concerned about the school facilities in Paterson. The organizations in the Coalition serve the same families and children who attend the Paterson Public Schools and each year since 2001 we have sponsored a conference in January to help Paterson citizens participate in the school construction process. Many of the Habitat homeowners have attended that conference and it has been an important vehicle for them to participate in the civic process of their public school education. Tonight I am here on behalf of the Coalition to express our support for the five-year facility plan. A number of members of our organizations have served on this board and we want to thank all the volunteers who have worked so hard to make this plan a reality. They have kept us abreast of developments throughout the year and we fully support the recommendations of the Five Year Facility Plan Advisory Board. Furthermore, we plan to organize and participate in the mobilization that is underway to ensure that the New Jersey State Legislature approves the money to complete the schools that Paterson children so desperately need. Our 4th Annual Planning and Building Community Schools
Page 8 10/12/05 Conference will take place on Saturday, January 28th. I hope you will mark your calendars right now. That’s Saturday, January 28, 2006 and we look forward to seeing each and every one of you at that conference. Thank you very much.
Mr. Bilal Hakeem: Good evening, I am requesting organization time. First of all, I would like to thank the Superintendent Dr. Glascoe for the effort that he is demonstrating in his leadership, reaching out and going out and meeting the community and trying to seriously make a difference. Also, I would like to thank those Board Commissioners who ran for office, not having a background in education but committed themselves and continue to develop themselves to become truly educators as we deal with policy to bring this district up. I was really disturbed last night when I was at a home school council meeting and it was brought to our attention that several of our Board members had traveled to Syracuse University and they were speaking with some of our students who had graduated. They were asked the question had we prepared them in this district and there was a resounding no. What they found out was that an A here in Paterson was considered a C there. I really think that we need to look at that, as Comm. Sayegh and Dr. Hodges mentioned, and find ways to raise the bar. I agree with you, Dr. Hodges, in terms of trying to reverse these negative cultural trends that seem to influence our children. It is also very disturbing to constantly hear about the deaths that are taking place in the community. Many of the young men who have been shot down and murdered over the last several months I knew. I watched them walk through many of the public school buildings and it is very painful. It is very disturbing to just think that another human being would do that and that somebody wounded like that is still walking around. You can just go and take another human being’s life and have no remorse. So we do acknowledge and appreciate the effort that you are doing on that front and I do know that each and every one of you cannot get out to a lot of different forums that are in the community, but we do appreciate those who do attend. We appreciate the work that you are doing from the standpoint where you stand. It often comes to my mind about something Dr. Hodges mentioned about three years ago. It was Father’s Day, so we were doing a Stop the Violence rally. It constantly rings in my mind some words that he mentioned that there will be more memorials and more and more and more as long as we continue to approach it the way we are approaching it, and I agree. We have to find other ways and we are working with different people in the community to try to go out and educate these angry youth. I listen to much in the media about former Secretary of Education Bennett and I just had to put that on the record. It’s a shame that he would say something like that, to equate abortion with bringing down the crime rate with Black human life, although he tried to come back and clean that up. I do think that it is a systemic problem and I mention it here because we have to be very, very vigilant because we know not who is of this mindset. I work as a security guard in the district and I remember coming past a teacher and a teacher referring to a student as an animal. I took issue with that because I never considered myself just where I was restricted as a guard. Lastly, this is the sacred month of Ramadan. We say the Blessed Ramadan on all Muslims in this area and throughout the world, especially those students in our district who are trying to perform and at the same time trying to uphold a religious principle. We would really implore that some of you would even visit the schools and make some type of acknowledgement. Christmas comes around and other holidays and we also extend the blessings on the Jewish community. Yom Kippur is on its way, I believe the setting of the sun, and they will be doing a day of fasting, atoning for their yearly sins. We send greetings to the Hispanic community for Hispanic month. I don’t know enough Spanish to say it in Spanish, but we just say to them that we hope that they come out enriched during that month. As I step away from this microphone, I didn’t get a chance to mention this. They are going to Washington, D.C. and they are talking about the Millions More Movement. I just want to say this here. I do hope that all of those that do attend the Millions More
Page 9 10/12/05 Movement… I am not for parties so much. I will just put it like that. So we do hope that those who do attend the Millions More Movement in Washington, D.C. that was called together by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, particularly those individuals that work with the educational committee, will get this message from Bilal to you that you will get involved and not only attend the Board of Education meetings but also visit the schools and get involved with the home school councils and PTAs. We can make a change. As one person mentioned to me here a year ago, he said if your men would get involved you could begin to change the culture. There is violence in the streets, I have children, and we are deeply concerned about this killing because some of these children who have been killed were still students. They weren’t out of school and the next day the child was gone. Thank you. I didn’t get a chance to say the other things I wanted to say, but time won’t permit. Have a good evening.
Mr. Chris Coke: Good evening Board members. My name is Chris Coke and I am co- chair on the Long Range Facility Plan, Facilities and Land Acquisition. Before I get into my support of the Long Range Facility Plan and request you, the Board, to support the plan, I would like to build off of what Brother Bilal said in terms of mentioning the Millions More Movement. I want to make everyone aware that there will be buses leaving from Paterson to Washington, D.C. on Saturday and you can contact either the BROTHERS Organization or the Nation of Islam for more information on that. I totally agree with him in terms of getting our men straight in this city and letting our young boys understand what it does mean to be a man and that your manhood does not lie in how strong you are, how big you are, how much money you have, or how much material possessions you may have. Being a man basically is about the relationships that you encounter throughout your life and the ability to maintain meaningful relationships. I think that is something we all need to emphasize and understand. As we improve the lives of the young men and the students in Paterson, we will definitely improve the area and eventually the nation on a whole. In my capacity as co-chair on the Long Range Facility Plan, I would like to first thank all the volunteers who came out. Understand that all these volunteers did so on their own time and they put in the effort that I thought was commendable. We met over seven times during the course of six months and everyone put their best foot forward in terms of offering what they could. You heard the story in the Bible about the servants who brought their talents that were given to them by Jesus. He gave one servant five talents who turned it into ten talents. Another servant he gave two talents who turned it into four talents. He gave one servant one talent who buried the talent and didn’t do anything with it. Again, let’s not be those individuals. Let’s put our talents to the forefront and use the talents we have to not only improve ourselves, but to improve those around us. The Long Range Facility Plan, we are not just asking you to approve it today and send it to the State, but we are asking you to fight for what we put in the document so that when there does come a time to improve our schools and allocate this budget Paterson will get its fair share. We know about the deficiencies – there is no need for me to reiterate that. What we need to focus on is how we can improve the situation here in the city. Understand that by improving our facilities we improve the lives of students throughout the City of Paterson. Thank you for your time.
Mr. Frederick Mutooni: Frederick Mutooni, 197 North 7th Street, Paterson. I want to say that on September 30th I attended the orientation at Paterson Athletic League and Comm. Sayegh was there and spoke. It’s a great place and I remember there were people here who had doubts. I remember saying that anybody who wants to doubt that place can go and see. I was invited there, I went there, and I talked to the management for 30 minutes. I also drove around and I watched myself. It’s a great place. They have brochures and they can show you everything that they do. During the orientation I was there and Comm. Sayegh was there. He addressed the crowd and there were a lot of people. Therefore, those who doubt what is going on there should please try to be
Page 10 10/12/05 there for yourself. It’s a great place. I talked to a lot of parents and they only admitted 39 kids. There are 160 kids on the waiting list. I also talked to the director there and they need a lot of help. I am sure some of you have received mailings from them saying they need help. Therefore, anyone who doubts what is going on at Paterson Athletic League should give it a shot and go and try for yourself. Dr. Hodges, I think last time you volunteered to find out about the books that Dr. Sico wrote because I questioned how much they were paid and which Board authorized the sale. Do you have the answer yet?
Comm. Hodges: Not as yet, but we will move closer in that direction hopefully by tomorrow.
Comm. Atallo: Point of order, let me make it very clear. You keep raising this issue and I am going to give you a very clear answer. Any money was donated back to the high schools for scholarships. That is fully documented. You keep raising this issue every time there is a meeting and I am going to give you the answer. It’s donated back to the schools for scholarships for the children of Paterson.
Comm. Brown: Dr. Atallo. Please continue, Mr. Mutooni.
Mr. Mutooni: Dr. Hodges, for the record, did you try to find out what happened?
Comm. Brown: Excuse me. We are not going to have any dialogue. This is the public portion. They are going to speak and we are going to save our comments for Other Business. You may continue.
Mr. Mutooni: Thank you. Just to repeat my statement for the record, when I asked what happened about those books you volunteered and I remember Comm. Brown telling me that Dr. Hodges is going to investigate and he will give me the answer. All I want to know is when Dr. Sico wrote those books, which Board authorized the purchase of those books? How much Paterson Public Schools paid? We are talking about conflicts of interest or we are talking about a criminal case here.
Comm. Brown: Sir, you can ask the question and I will let the administration get back to you in writing with your answer.
Mr. Mutooni: Thank you very much, Mr. Brown.
Mr. Luis Velez: Good evening Board members. I want to request five minutes for organization – Willowbrook Mall.
Comm. Brown: What is the name of the organization?
Mr. Velez: General Growth Property, Retailers, Willowbrook Mall.
Comm. Sayegh: Excuse me, Mr. President. Can the speaker state his name for the record?
Mr. Velez: For those people who don’t know me, my name is Luis Velez, resident of Paterson, New Jersey. I work for Willowbrook Mall. I am a new father of a nice baby, Jeremy Jacob Velez, three weeks old.
Comm. Sayegh: Congratulations.
Page 11 10/12/05 Mr. Velez: Thank you. Board members, the reason I am requesting five minutes is because, as I stated yesterday at one of the council meetings at Eastside High School, I have been noticing a struggle sending our children to the after school programs. If they don’t want to go to after school programs, I have to go up to the management office to ask what we can do for our children in Paterson. They came up with an idea in April to make up the high school incentive program. Looking at all the boroughs around Paterson that were participating in this kind of program, I decided to bring it to Paterson. Principals were sent the letters that you guys are reading now, but our administration, the Willowbrook Mall Management Office, hasn’t received back that pre-registration form. Yesterday I gave a copy to Mrs. Lyde to share with the high school principals. This is so easy and accommodating for our children. We have to motivate our children if we want them to hit the Honor Roll list. So this is a program that helps them save money and at the same time encourage them to move on in education. It’s easy to read and they will receive a discount card for up to 30% on all their purchases. After they receive the five punches on their card they will receive a gift from the Willowbrook Mall Management and this is going to be consecutive until they fill up cards. The cards will be filled with punches and they will receive a gift from Willowbrook Mall. This is good for our children. We have to motivate them and I believe this is a step for our kids in Paterson. We cannot be behind in this kind of program that benefits them. We know that parents struggle with gas prices and a lot of things that go high, and sometimes they have $10 but they don’t have the discount. If they get on the Honor Roll of the school, they are going to get a card and get the discount. As a parent, sometimes it’s not easy to get what they need. I know this is good for them. The other part that I want to share with you is that if after school they cannot go into one of those programs because they don’t want to go, they can spend their time working, too. I believe it helps. Willowbrook Mall is giving out every month a classified letter with all the positions inside the retail stores for them to apply and get hired and after school they can go. If any parent coordinator needs this list, please get in contact with me at 973-417-7135. I will get you this list of employment with all the positions every month. That will be great for the parents and for the students and for every one of us. We keep them out of the streets and we keep them working. Dr. Glascoe, I didn’t have the chance to welcome you to the district. I hope you are the best and I see that you are doing a good job. You are communicating with the community and the Board, and the Board is getting together. To Mr. Mitch Santiago and Mr. Vergara and the people who supported me in that little meeting, Mr. Spagnola, when they were going to appoint four people to the Board and you mentioned my name, I appreciate your support, and the same thing to you, Mr. President. God bless you guys. For the record, Dr. Sico did a good job with that book and I know he donated to the school.
Comm. Spagnola: This is a very good program and I want to thank you for bringing it forward. I wonder if we can expand it to the grammar schools.
Mr. Velez: We can expand it to the grammar schools, but we have to start with the high schools first.
Comm. Spagnola: But I think it would be a good step in the right direction to expand it to the grammar schools and this will build it right up.
Mr. Velez: Willowbrook Mall has these kinds of meetings and they are looking towards what is the critical moment now. The critical moment now is that they notice in the high school students a lot of dropouts. They are not getting the encouragement to move on. So they are starting with the high schools. I know this program is going to be expanded to a greater capability.
Page 12 10/12/05 Comm. Spagnola: Okay, thank you.
Mr. Velez: Thank you and Happy Birthday, Mr. Spagnola.
Comm. Spagnola: Thank you.
Mr. McDowell: I have a question. Did you say this session was for public portion and agenda items?
Comm. Brown: No, I was corrected by my colleagues. The agenda today is going to be the same. It is going to be agenda items in the beginning and the second public portion will be later. Hopefully by next month we are going to combine both parts together at the beginning for parents.
Mr. McDowell: Then I will wait and save my remarks for the appropriate time.
It was moved by Comm. Sayegh, seconded by Comm. Santiago that the Public Comments on Agenda Items Only portion of the meeting be closed. On roll call all members voted in the affirmative. The motion carried.
Dr. Glascoe: Tonight our School Board is going to take a vote on the five-year facilities plan and before we start that process, and I apologize because I should have mentioned this in my remarks, I also want to thank the Long Range Facility Plan Advisory Council for their hard and dedicated work on this plan. I also want to recognize Mr. George Jones who certainly has been the man behind all of the charts and papers, and has led and facilitated our committee through long and arduous meetings. He really did an outstanding job in moving us closer to having a plan that we can all be proud of.
It was moved by Comm. Sayegh, seconded by Comm. Santiago that Resolution No. C-7 be adopted.
Comm. Atallo: Mr. President, are we taking it out of order?
Comm. Sayegh: I think we should amend the agenda.
Comm. Brown: We have to amend the agenda because it’s on the agenda. We are doing that now.
Comm. Atallo: So we are taking the Resolution C-7 and moving it to the forefront at this point? Is that what is being proposed, Mr. President?
Comm. Brown: Yes, that is correct.
Comm. Atallo: Is it on the floor for discussion at this time?
Comm. Brown: That is correct.
Comm. Atallo: May I speak?
Comm. Brown: Yes you may, sir.
Comm. Atallo: First of all, I would like to thank the advisory committee, the facility planning committee, for their advice and hard work. As the School Board volunteers
Page 13 10/12/05 their time, we appreciate your hard work and your volunteering your time in working on this project. I had the opportunity and the pleasure of sitting in on two of your meetings and I agree with the members that there was a lot of hard work and many long hours put into it. No one takes the building of new schools and refurbishing of existing schools in Paterson more seriously than I do. For the last six years that I have sat on this Board, I have spoken out when others have been silent, when others in the audience sat and smiled and supported the current administration when they knew they were doing wrong, and others just sat quietly by because they were either apathetic or afraid to speak out. But I, and some others in this room, spoke out about the waste, the criminal fraud, the inefficiencies, and the corruption that went on in our facilities. Everything I said has turned out to be true. Now, thanks to the efforts of the FBI and the US Attorney’s Office, people who were allowed to rape and pillage this school district in facilities are now being prosecuted and put in jail. There are more indictments and guilty pleas anticipated very shortly.
Comm. Brown: Excuse me, Dr. Atallo. With all due respect, I believe the current facilities plan is on the table for discussion.
Comm. Atallo: That is what I am talking about.
Comm. Sayegh: Mr. President, we have to move to amend the agenda as well.
Comm. Atallo: Well, let me talk about the plan and you can move the agenda. That is why tonight I am asking for everyone’s understanding and support in being responsible about moving forward. The plan that was presented to this Board of Education was only presented to this Board of Education last week at the workshop. It was placed on our desks. We have had less than a week really to review and discuss, and this is the first time the Board of Education has been together since last week’s workshop meeting to have any type of review or discussion regarding the plan of where we are going and what we are going to send and recommend to the Department of Education officials in Trenton. That is why we need to be prudent. In the past the district was not prudent. The district was not responsible. The facility plan and the actions that have gone on in facilities in the past has been a disgrace in this city and this school district. We need to meet, discuss, and dialogue where we are going. I looked at the plan and I truly support the overall plan. I commend the committee members for their hard work. I want the district to move forward, but I want it to move forward responsibly. One member of the committee talked about the fact that we need to be serious and I agree. To be serious, we need to take time. We can’t just have it dropped in our laps and then vote on something we haven’t had a chance to read, review and discuss. We need to work cooperatively and we need teamwork to get this done. Another member talked about the costs. We need to review the costs because it’s very important as to where we are going to go. We have been an Abbott district, that’s true, and we have had facility plans promised to us in the past. And of all the buildings that were supposed to be done, the 12 or 13 schools, only two are built. If it weren’t for the efforts of individuals like Dr. Sico, we only would have had one. He was the father and proponent of the PANTHER Academy, which I believe is the only high school in the State of New Jersey with a planetarium and one of the few in the United States. So we have to look at cost factors. One of the major proponents in this plan includes a building that the proposed or current owner wants the district to lease long term. Well, the majority of us have agreed, I think all of us have agreed, that we don’t want to lease anymore. It’s not the way to go. We want to purchase. I think one of the ways to go is to have the state invoke the power of eminent domain and acquire these properties. We need to get these properties appraised with fair market value in conjunction with the SCC and the Department of Education. That is not going to be done tonight or this week. So do we need to move in
Page 14 10/12/05 a swift manner? Yes, we do. I propose that we dialogue on this plan, discuss it, and decide where we are going to go. I cannot vote tonight on a plan that was only given to me last week and we have not had the time to discuss and dialogue. That is how this district has gotten into trouble in the past and that is why we have had the facility predicaments we are in. The Board did not demand accountability and the Board did not demand that we have dialogue. That is my statement.
It was moved by Comm. Sayegh, seconded by Comm. Brown that this evening’s agenda be amended regarding Resolution No. C-7.
Comm. Hodges: Are we discussing Mr. Sayegh’s motion to amend the agenda?
Comm. Brown: Yes, that is correct.
Comm. Sayegh: Then we should vote.
Comm. Hodges: Then we can go back to complete the discussion on the facility plan.
Comm. Brown: That is correct. If there is no discussion, we can vote on the amendment and then we can go back to discussion.
On roll call all members voted in the affirmative to amend the agenda regarding Resolution No. C-7. The motion carried.
Comm. Atallo: Mr. President, I basically said what I wanted to say. I think we need to be responsible and prudent. I don’t see that we have to move on it tonight. I know the state wants it down there, but we should meet and discuss it. We should meet with the committee members and have dialogue. That needs to be done. We just can’t vote on something that we haven’t had a chance to review in depth and a chance to discuss. It’s not fair to the school system and it’s not fair to the children.
Comm. Sayegh: Mr. President, we need a motion to accept the facilities plan as well.
Comm. Brown: After discussion, right?
Comm. Sayegh: No, you have to have a motion first.
Resolution No. C-7
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public Schools, as one of the Abbott districts, is required to submit a five-year plan; and
WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey Department of Education provided all the framework, formula and reporting requirements for said five-year plan; and
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public Schools retained the services of Johnson Jones Architect Planners of Princeton, New Jersey to prepare the five-year plan; and
WHEREAS, the completion of that process has resulted in the five-year plan being submitted to the State of New Jersey Department of Education for review and approval; and now therefore
Page 15 10/12/05 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the “Plan Overview” of the Five Year Long Range Facility Management Plan for the 2005- 2010 school years; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the State District Superintendent and Board of Education shall review and provide for updates and adjustments to the Five Year Long Range Facility Management Plan as may be deemed appropriate.
It was moved by Comm. Sayegh, seconded by Comm. Taylor that Resolution No. C-7 be adopted.
Comm. Hodges: What’s different from the very first amendment, between this one and…
Comm. Sayegh: We amended the agenda and now we are looking to accept the amendment to the agenda.
Comm. Hodges: That’s the original discussion, right? We can get too caught up in these procedures. Here’s the important thing. Dr. Atallo is absolutely right on a few points. There has been waste, mismanagement, criminal corruption, and somewhat poor management by this Board in the past. He is absolutely right when he said that we have only had two schools built in seven years since the Abbott decision. There is no question about that. The problem is the reason we have had only two schools built is because when we had the opportunity to put projects on the table we didn’t do it. When we had the opportunity to pursue projects, they weren’t pursued. When we had the opportunity to push and advocate for our school buildings that never happened. So we sat last. Meanwhile, there were school districts and Trenton is one that I mentioned to you last year. Trenton had 10 buildings with shovels in the ground and three more by January, while we had two. They didn’t sit around and have major happy discussions. They moved expeditiously to put their projects together, and then worked out the details in an appropriate time frame. None of these buildings are going to be built tomorrow – trust me. The money doesn’t exist. So we are still at the discussion stage. What you have to do is put yourself in a position to be reviewed and to have your projects at least considered. The fine details that Dr. Atallo is so concerned about, he is absolutely right that they have to be touched on and I also agree with him when it comes to any thought of a long-term lease to own a building. That is absurd. We have gone down that road. But the problem is we have to put our projects… And these are just proposals. We are not talking about where the windows and where the doors are going. We are just talking about the concepts, the ideas, and what kinds of things we want to see in Paterson. Those have to be put on the table. Then we iron out, as a community, the very important details down the road. That is very important and he is absolutely right. This community has to roll up its sleeves and get busy in that conversation, but tonight this Board has got to tell the State that we have some projects to be considered and we want you to take the time to put them in that queue to make sure that if the money does show up we have an opportunity to have our projects considered. On the down side, down stream we have to then come together and make sure that these projects are what they are supposed to be and that they suit the needs of the city, the community, and most of all the educational system in Paterson. Thank you.
Comm. Sayegh: I can’t dispute a great deal of what Dr. Atallo said. We are watchdogs and a great deal of corruption and graft occurred in this district. However, it wasn’t only mismanagement that led to the current situation we are in. It’s also a lack of vision. This plan was put in place by this facilities committee and I commend each and every one of them. We heard from Irene Sterling, Creighton Drury, Chris Coke, former
Page 16 10/12/05 colleague William Kemper McDowell, and current colleague Willa Mae Taylor. I respect what they have said and I respect what they have done. We are obligated to have a plan in place because that is what put us in this precarious position that we are in at the present moment. George Jones has been a part of this process and it has been a transparent one because he has attended regular meetings. He was here in June and he has attended workshops. As Chris Coke stated, they met over seven times over the course of six months. So we have to submit something to Trenton because, as Dr. Hodges was saying, in essence the more time we waste the more money we lose. We are behind the 8-ball here and we have to get ahead of the game at this time. Fifty percent of Paterson is tax exempt, like Irene Sterling was saying.
Comm. Atallo: That’s not true. It’s about 33%.
Comm. Sayegh: Well, we are not here to dispute figures, but it’s a large number. Whether it’s 33% or 50%, a great portion of Paterson is tax exempt. I feel as if we don’t act now, we are not only going to waste additional time, but we are going to lose out on money. Thank you.
Comm. Brown: I concur with what all of my colleagues said, but I want to use a comment that Dr. Atallo used last month. He said our legacy is going to be based by the facilities that we build and that is so true because schools should last for over 100 years. He is very accurate in his depiction of history. But the crossroads that we are at now is our children need facilities. We can no longer wait to have conversation. We need to act now. We need to move forward and we have to put a plan on the table so that we can begin to have discussions with the state. At that time, once we come to the table with them, then we can call on Dr. Atallo to make sure that all of the things are in the best interest of the children and of the district.
Comm. Atallo: Mr. Chairman, I will not act after the horses are out of the barn, as has happened in this district. The majority of the Board members, if not all of the Board members, have not had a chance to read this plan and have not had an opportunity to discuss with anybody because we haven’t met. I don’t see how anybody can intelligently vote on a plan that is going to commit this district for hundreds of millions of dollars without having had a chance to dialogue. I am not saying I don’t support it. I am not saying it’s not a good plan. I am not saying we shouldn’t move forward and progress and have a facility plan. All I am saying is that it was dropped in our laps last Wednesday and we have only gotten together again tonight. If we haven’t had a chance to dialogue and discuss the plan intelligently, how can we vote and commit to something that is going to lock this district in for the next 100 years as you say, Mr. President? All I am saying is why can’t we have a workshop and sit down and dialogue amongst the Board members? We can invite the advisory committee members who I applaud and support for their hard work and time. Let’s have an intelligent dialogue and discussion, and then let’s move forward as a community. I just think it’s jumping the gun to have it dropped in our laps and then to vote on this. I think that’s wrong.
Comm. Brown: With all due respect, Dr. Atallo, your comments have been duly noted and recognized by all of the Board members. I would like to give the opportunity for Comm. Taylor to speak.
Comm. Taylor: Mr. President, if I look at the cover of our booklet that we have for the plan it says Long Range Facility Plan 2005 Overview. It is a recommendation by the facility advisory board and we are taking it as a recommendation that there are some things that we need to do now. But it’s an overview of what is needed perhaps now and in the future and we will be given an opportunity. It’s not written in stone. It’s my
Page 17 10/12/05 understanding that it’s not written in stone. We can go back to the table and say no we don’t want that part because we find we have something else wrong here. If people in the audience get a copy that’s on the table, you will see that there are a lot of question marks on the map for schools. There are a lot of questions here and we want you to take a copy of it. The public will have an opportunity to ask the questions and then tell us some revisions that they would like to have. When we were doing the committee meetings, the people from the community told us things and we listened to them. That is how we arrived at this, but we need to do this. We were told over a year ago that it was coming and then we were told six months ago to get it written and in order. We worked hard on it. All the people who talked about it, they worked hard. So I think that we should move and go forward with it. There are many things that Dr. Atallo talks about that I agree with, but this is something we have to do now. I don’t want to be left in the barn.
Comm. Santiago: I must agree with one thing. Comm. Atallo, a lot of things you have spoken in the past you have been correct about. But I must say this to the public and to the children of the City of Paterson. I am just sick and tired, and so are the children and parents, of us staying behind. We should be moving forward. We have serious problems here. I don’t have hair and I can feel this air conditioner. It’s outrageous how in the summer we were here and it was hot, and right now it’s freezing cold and we have the air conditioner on right now. You have people shivering out there. Maybe I should have let the rain hit me a little bit and like a Chia Pet I would have grown my hair back. Nevertheless, we need to move forward. We need more gyms, recreation, books, science labs, libraries, classrooms, etc. We are so much backed up that it is totally outrageous. It’s not fair to the children. We should be able to compete with other districts. We should have had more schools built by now and maybe we wouldn’t be in this predicament. To the facilities committee, I applaud you. It is time for us to move forward and I am glad that this committee was formed because sometimes they say three heads are better than one. When you leave it to the Board for us to decide on doing things, it is always good to get the public involved and the public’s input. You are taxpayers and citizens of this city. You have a right and you have a say. So let’s move forward. I’m sick of it. The children are sick of it. These children in the City of Paterson deserve better.
Comm. Vergara: Mr. President and fellow colleagues, I agree with Mr. Atallo. I agree with him that we need to take out the microscope and dot every “i”. But when you look at the facility advisory board and the subcommittee members, and you see names on here of present Board members, former Board members, people in the community, and professional educators, it comes to my understanding that we don’t need to continue having any workshops or any more discussions. Nothing from nothing leads to nothing. This is something. They have something here and they worked hard on it. The bottom line is that our children come first. When all these professionals get together to try to do something that is going to help the district and be for our children, then let’s move forward on it and let’s end the conversation. Thank you, Mr. President.
Comm. Spagnola: I feel that at this point we had it just for a week and it’s not really going to do it much justice by us just reviewing it for a week. The way I understand it and the way I see it, it is a living entity onto itself. It could be changed. We can have our input. Things do change rather drastically in Paterson, so we will be able to work with everyone to address any problems or changes that we see fit. I asked for two changes at the workshop meeting and I see they were done. I appreciate that. If we are going to do anything, we are going to purchase and not lease. There was also the change of the projected school in the Eastside area. Thank you. It’s a living entity and I feel that we should go forward. I agree with Dr. Atallo. He has been here before. Dr.
Page 18 10/12/05 Atallo, Dr. Hodges and a number of other Commissioners on this Board have talked about what happened and now everything is coming to fruition as far as indictments go. So I can understand being a little gun shy. But I feel that we should go forward and put it in place.
Comm. Hodges: The concern that I continue to have is that the community should not think that this is over. They have a responsibility to make sure that what the committee has put together and what the Board is voting for suits your needs and addresses the issues and concerns of this entire community, which means that you have to come to the table. This is just a preliminary step to meet the state’s deadline. That is all this is. We still have a lot more work to do and more importantly you, the people, have a lot more work to do in making sure that these schools and this plan works for you and for your children for many years to come. We have had a number of presentations. Even the public had a presentation about this issue and there is still plenty of time to put your concerns in. I think that has to be done, but tonight we have to meet a state imposed deadline so that we can at least sit at the table to argue about additional changes.
On roll call all members voted as follows:
Comm. Atallo: As I stated, I thank and applaud those who worked on this, but it’s not fair to this Board to drop it in our laps a few days before we are supposed to vote on it.
Comm. Brown: Please vote, sir. Your comments are already duly noted, Dr. Atallo.
Comm. Atallo: Based upon what I said, my vote at this time is no.
Comm. Hodges: My vote is yes.
Comm. Moody: Yes.
Comm. Santiago: Yes.
Comm. Sayegh: Yes.
Comm. Spagnola: Yes.
Comm. Taylor: Yes.
Comm. Vergara: Yes.
Comm. Brown: Yes.
The motion carried.
GENERAL BUSINESS
Items Requiring a Vote
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES
Comm. Brown presented the minutes of the August 29, 2005 Special Meeting, the September 7, 2005 Workshop Meeting and the September 14, 2005 Regular Meeting, and asked if there were any questions or comments on the minutes.
Page 19 10/12/05 It was moved by Comm. Sayegh, seconded by Comm. Santiago that the minutes be accepted with any necessary corrections. On roll call all members voted in the affirmative. The motion carried.
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION COMMITTEE
Comm. Sayegh reported that the Curriculum and Instruction Committee met, reviewed and recommends approval for Resolution Nos. A-1 through A-33:
Resolution No. A-1
WHEREAS, Youth Consultation Services will serve as the lead agency in the School- Based Youth Services Program at Eastside High School; and
WHEREAS, the program at Eastside High School follows the state model for School- Based Youth Services; and
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Human Services grant is contingent upon the district’s contribution to the program; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Board of Education approves $74,245 to support the School-Based Youth Services Program at Eastside High School from July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006, in accordance with an agreement to be executed by the parties.
Resolution No. A-2
WHEREAS, the sum of $176,494 has been granted to the District as financial aid for implementing Chapter 226; and
WHEREAS, the Commission has been approved by the Commissioner of Education for the provision of such nursing services and the District may negotiate or award at the public meeting without public advertising for bids; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Board of Education approves the agreement in the form attached with the Commission to provide nursing services to the 14 non-public schools listed during the 2005-2006 school year in the amount of $176,494:
Al-Huda School Paterson Catholic Regional High School Blessed Sacrament School Dr. Frederick H. LaGarde Sr. Academy Dawn Treader School St. Anthony School Gilmore Memorial Christian Academy St. George School Great Commission Christian Academy St. Gerard School Harvest Christian Academy St. Mary School Loving Care Center St. Therese School
Resolution No. A-3
WHEREAS, in accordance with Abbott district regulations the following schools shall implement Coalition of Essential Schools as their Whole School Reform model:
1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, MLK, EWK, Dale, B.U.I.L.D., Academy of Performing Arts; and
Page 20 10/12/05 WHEREAS, the above named schools will contract annually with CES to provide necessary development fees, staff development and implementation visits as required in WSR; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the above named schools enter into contract with Coalition of Essential Schools in the amount of $628,850.00.
Resolution No. A-4
WHEREAS, in accordance with Abbott regulations, Eastside High School, John F. Kennedy High School and Rosa Parks High School of Fine and Performing Arts shall implement Coalition of Essential Schools as their Whole School Reform model; and
WHEREAS, the above named schools will contract annually with CES to provide necessary development fees, staff development and implementation visits as required in WSR; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the above named schools enter into contract with Coalition of Essential Schools in the amount of $115,000.00.
Resolution No. A-5
WHEREAS, in accordance with Abbott regulations, Garrett Morgan, H.A.R.P., M.P.A.C.T., International, P.A.N.T.H.E.R., Pre-Collegiate, Sports and Public Safety Academies shall implement Coalition of Essential Schools as their Whole School Reform model; and
WHEREAS, the above named schools will contract annually with CES to provide necessary development fees, staff development and implementation visits as required in WSR; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the above named schools enter into contract with Coalition of Essential Schools in the amount of $84,175.00.
Resolution No. A-6
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District will be working with Coalition of Essential Schools to provide services; and
WHEREAS, the services will begin September 2005 through July 2006, the objective will be to focus on Coalition facilitation to guide and support continuous school improvement plans; and
WHEREAS, the services will be funded by the District in the amount of $78,975.00; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson School District approves the Coalition of Essential Schools non-school based administration services.
Resolution No. A-7
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District wishes to provide after-school programs that encompass an array of inclusive and supervised services that will assist
Page 21 10/12/05 students to meet state and local standards in core academic subjects, as well as provide recreational, health and technology activities; and
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District has planned collaboratively with a wide array of community based partners with proven records in providing services to youth in our community; and
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District has proposed a comprehensive program to serve our community by providing safe, drug-free, supervised, after-school and Saturday programs for children, youth and their families; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Board of Education approves the contract with “Hope Worldwide” as a consultant to provide at School #10 (20) sessions on Saturdays character education, recreational activities, parent seminars, Art and Performing Arts instruction for students in grades 4 through 8, for the PCLC After-School Program for an amount not to exceed $12,000 from the period beginning October 13, 2005 through June 30, 2006.
Resolution No. A-8
WHEREAS, Paterson Public Schools will administer the Federal Funds for A-Step- Ahead Tutoring & Learning Center as a Title I Supplemental Education Service Provider; and
WHEREAS, Providers have been identified and will carry out the responsibilities providing Supplemental Education to all eligible students identified by the district; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District will enter into agreement with A-Step-Ahead Tutoring & Learning Center which has completed the contract applicant process. No Child Left Behind provides a maximum amount of $1,683.00 per student for services.
Resolution No. A-9
WHEREAS, Paterson Public Schools will administer the Federal Funds for Vacamas Programs for Youth as a Title I Supplemental Education Service Provider; and
WHEREAS, Providers have been identified and will carry out the responsibilities providing Supplemental Education to all eligible students identified by the district; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District will enter into agreement with Vacamas Programs for Youth which has completed the contract applicant process. No Child Left Behind provides a maximum amount of $1,683.00 per student for services.
Resolution No. A-10
WHEREAS, the Paterson School District, as a member of The History Consortium at the Hermitage, has been invited to participate with 19 other districts from northern New Jersey in a three-year program designed to improve the instruction of American History, with funding provided by the US Department of Education grant of approximately $996,000.00; and
Page 22 10/12/05
WHEREAS, The History Consortium has partnered with history departments at Columbia, Rutgers and Ramapo College to develop a program for schools and teachers wherein selected “teacher-scholars” will create “best practices” lessons using primary documents, technology and recent historical scholarship; and
WHEREAS, the selected teacher-scholar (Renee Ruth from Rosa Parks High School) will attend four two-day lectures/discussions with historians October 21-22, November 11-12, January 6-7, and March 17-18; a two-day seminar featuring one day of seminars and one day of lesson presentations on May 13-14; a five-day workshop beginning July 11, 2005; as well as a five-day summer institute in the Summer of 2006; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Board of Education approves the participation with The History Consortium to participate in the Teaching American History Grant to enhance the instruction of American History in the Paterson Public School District; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Paterson Board of Education approves the acceptance of $75.00 per day (4 days) to defray the cost of a substitute teacher on conference days.
Resolution No. A-11
WHEREAS, according to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the Paterson Public School District is required to place District students in an appropriate educational facility as per their I.E.P.; and
WHEREAS, the District wishes to remain compliant with State & Federal requirements; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves contracts with All Can Excel (A.C.E.) Academy as well as payment for providing educational services during the 2005-2006 school year (For Contract Signature Only):
Student Initials R.W., J.H., S.S.
Resolution No. A-12
WHEREAS, according to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the Paterson Public School District is required to place District students in an appropriate educational facility as per their I.E.P.; and
WHEREAS, the District wishes to remain compliant with State & Federal requirements; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves contracts with Bergen County Special Services as well as payment for providing educational services during the 2005-2006 school year:
Placement: Venture/Transition Center/Visions (Emerson)/Hip-Godwin/Ship/Washington Cliffside Park/Washington New Bridges/Washington South
Student Initials Tuition
Page 23 10/12/05 A.F., R.R., J.R., K.T., K.M., S.T., D.W., A.A., J.M-E., Y.S., R.G., J.B., O.F., C.F., M.G., K.McD., S.M., A.C., C.(J.)F. $944,300.00
Resolution No. A-13
WHEREAS, according to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the Paterson Public School District is required to place District students in an appropriate educational facility as per their I.E.P.; and
WHEREAS, the District wishes to remain compliant with State & Federal requirements; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves contracts with Bergen County Special Services as well as payment for providing educational services during the 2005-2006 school year:
Placement: Venture/Transition Center/Visions (Emerson)/Hip-Godwin/Ship/Washington Cliffside Park/Washington New Bridges/Washington South
Student Initials Tuition A.F., R.R., J.R., K.T., K.M., S.T., D.W., A.A., J.M-E., Y.S., R.G., J.B., O.F., C.F., M.G., K.McD., S.M., A.C., C.(J.)F. $108,300.00
Resolution No. A-14
WHEREAS, according to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the Paterson Public School District is required to place District students in an appropriate educational facility as per their I.E.P.; and
WHEREAS, the District wishes to remain compliant with State & Federal requirements; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves payment and contracts with Bonnie Brae for providing educational services to students during the 2005-2006 regular school year:
Student Initials Tuition K.McPh., A.M., A.W. $180,900.00
Resolution No. A-15
WHEREAS, according to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the Paterson Public School District is required to place District students in an appropriate educational facility as per their I.E.P.; and
Page 24 10/12/05 WHEREAS, the District wishes to remain compliant with State & Federal requirements; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves payment and contracts with Catholic Community Services/Mt. Carmel Guild High School, Middle School for providing educational services to students during the 2005-2006 regular school year:
Student Initials Tuition A.N. $43,620.00
Resolution No. A-16
WHEREAS, according to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the Paterson Public School District is required to place District students in an appropriate educational facility as per their I.E.P.; and
WHEREAS, the District wishes to remain compliant with State & Federal requirements; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves payment and contracts with Clearview School for providing educational services to students during the 2005-2006 regular school year (For Contract Signature Only):
Student Initials S.S.
Resolution No. A-17
WHEREAS, according to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the Paterson Public School District is required to place District students in an appropriate educational facility as per their I.E.P.; and
WHEREAS, the District wishes to remain compliant with State & Federal requirements; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves payment and contracts with East Mountain Youth Services for providing educational services to students during the 2005-2006 regular school year:
Student Initials Tuition M.D. $41,743.80
Resolution No. A-18
WHEREAS, according to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the Paterson Public School District is required to place District students in an appropriate educational facility as per their I.E.P.; and
WHEREAS, the District wishes to remain compliant with State & Federal requirements; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves payment and contracts with Emerald Health Care Services, Inc. for providing nursing services to
Page 25 10/12/05 student K.T. who will be attending the Cerebral Palsy Center during the 2005-2006 school year:
Student Initials Tuition K.T. $44,100.00
Resolution No. A-19
WHEREAS, according to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the Paterson Public School District is required to place District students in an appropriate educational facility as per their I.E.P.; and
WHEREAS, the District wishes to remain compliant with State & Federal requirements; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves payment and contracts with Lakeview Learning Center for providing educational services to students during the 2005-2006 school year (For Contract Signature Only):
Student Initials T.G.
Resolution No. A-20
WHEREAS, according to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the Paterson Public School District is required to place District students in an appropriate educational facility as per their I.E.P.; and
WHEREAS, the District wishes to remain compliant with State & Federal requirements; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves payment and contracts with Loving Care Agency, Inc. for providing services during the 2005-2006 school year to student R.S. presently attending the Westlake School.
Student Initials Tuition R.S. $81,895.00
Resolution No. A-21
WHEREAS, according to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the Paterson Public School District is required to place District students in an appropriate educational facility as per their I.E.P.; and
WHEREAS, the District wishes to remain compliant with State & Federal requirements; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves payment and contracts with Morris-Union Jointure Commission for providing Occupational & Physical Therapy during the 2005-2006 school year to student R.F. presently attending the Calais School.
Student Initials Tuition R.F. $3,675.00
Page 26 10/12/05 Resolution No. A-22
WHEREAS, according to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the Paterson Public School District is required to place District students in an appropriate educational facility as per their I.E.P.; and
WHEREAS, the District wishes to remain compliant with State & Federal requirements; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves payment and contracts with Mountain Lakes Board of Education for providing educational services to students during the 2005-2006 school year (For Contract Signature Only):
Student Initials D.B., C.L., J.P., J.V.
Resolution No. A-23
WHEREAS, according to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the Paterson Public School District is required to place District students in an appropriate educational facility as per their I.E.P.; and
WHEREAS, the District wishes to remain compliant with State & Federal requirements; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves payment and contracts with Passaic County Elks Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center for providing educational services to students during the 2005-2006 regular and extended school year (For Contract Signature Only):
Student Initials K.A., Y.C., M.M., J.S., N.T.
Resolution No. A-24
WHEREAS, according to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the Paterson Public School District is required to place District students in an appropriate educational facility as per their I.E.P.; and
WHEREAS, the District wishes to remain compliant with State & Federal requirements; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves payment and contracts with The Phoenix Center for providing educational services to students during the 2005-2006 school year (For Contract Signature Only):
Student Initials R.R.
Resolution No. A-25
WHEREAS, according to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the Paterson Public School District is required to place District students in an appropriate educational facility as per their I.E.P.; and
Page 27 10/12/05
WHEREAS, the District wishes to remain compliant with State & Federal requirements; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves payment and contracts with Ridgefield Board of Education for providing educational services to students during the 2005-2006 regular school year:
Student Initials Tuition E.S. $50,365.00
Resolution No. A-26
WHEREAS, the approval for student as per IEP; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves payment to St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center for an evaluation as per the student’s IEP for the 2005-06 school year (Audiological Evaluation):
Student Initials Tuition K.F. $204.00
Resolution No. A-27
WHEREAS, according to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the Paterson Public School District is required to place District students in an appropriate educational facility as per their I.E.P.; and
WHEREAS, the District wishes to remain compliant with State & Federal requirements; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves payment and contracts with State of New Jersey, Department of Human Services Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired for providing educational services to students during the 2005-2006 school year:
Student Initials Tuition G.A., S.B., A.B., Y.C., S.C., T.C., C.E., E.E., W.F., J.H., W.H., E.J., S.J., T.K., J.K., B.K., A.L., J.L., N.L., J.M., S.Mc., K.M., W.M., K.M., K.M., N.P., J.P., G.R., R.R., E.R., M.S., K.S., ZG.S., J.S., D.S., K.S., C.T., K.T., N.T., M.W., M.C., ST.J., S.W., D.R. $78,750.00
Resolution No. A-28
WHEREAS, according to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the Paterson Public School District is required to place District students in an appropriate educational facility as per their I.E.P.; and
WHEREAS, the District wishes to remain compliant with State & Federal requirements; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves payment and contracts with Try Us Health Care Services, Inc. for providing nursing services to
Page 28 10/12/05 student M.N. presently attending the Bergen Center for Child Development during the 2005-2006 school year:
Student Initials Tuition M.N. $44,160.00
Resolution No. A-29
WHEREAS, according to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the Paterson Public School District is required to place District students in an appropriate educational facility as per their I.E.P.; and
WHEREAS, the District wishes to remain compliant with State & Federal requirements; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves payment and contracts with West Milford Public Schools for providing educational services to students during the 2005-2006 regular school year:
Student Initials Tuition L.B., C.B., O.M., X.M. $35,847.00
Resolution No. A-30
WHEREAS, according to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the Paterson Public School District is required to place District students in an appropriate educational facility as per their I.E.P.; and
WHEREAS, the District wishes to remain compliant with State & Federal requirements; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves payment and contracts with Windsor Academy for providing educational services to students during the 2005-2006 school year (For Contract Signature Only):
Student Initials M.E.
Resolution No. A-31
WHEREAS, according to New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the Paterson Public School District is required to place District students in an appropriate educational facility as per their I.E.P.; and
WHEREAS, the District wishes to remain compliant with State & Federal requirements; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District approves payment and contracts with Youth Consultation Services at George Washington for providing educational services to students during the 2005-2006 school year (For Contract Signature Only):
Student Initials T.S., J.V.
Page 29 10/12/05
Resolution No. A-32
WHEREAS, Eastside High School provides the Peer Leadership Course allowing students the opportunity to work cooperatively to form groups and challenge themselves in a supportive and caring environment; and
WHEREAS, Eastside High School is responsible for providing a myriad of educational methods to assist our students in developing relationships and learning healthy practices for communication, collaboration and problem-solving through engaging, hands-on activities; and
WHEREAS, our Peer Leaders shall receive the opportunity to discuss and acquire life skills necessary for self-growth and freshman outreach; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Board of Education approves the 3-day, 2-night retreat at Camp Vacamas, West Milford, NJ, at the cost of zero dollars.
Resolution No. A-33
WHEREAS, Paterson Pre-Collegiate Teaching Academy provides the Peer Leadership Course, allowing students the opportunity to work collaboratively and cohesively to form groups and challenge themselves in a supportive and caring environment; and
WHEREAS, Paterson Pre-Collegiate Teaching Academy is responsible to provide a myriad of educational methods to assist our students in developing relationships and learning healthy practices for communication, collaboration and problem-solving through engaging, hands-on activities and to promote skills necessary to be an effective teacher; and
WHEREAS, our Peer Leaders shall receive the opportunity to discuss and acquire skills necessary for self-growth and freshman outreach; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Board of Education approves the 2-night retreat at Camp Vacamas, West Milford, New Jersey, at a cost of zero dollars.
It was moved by Comm. Sayegh, seconded by Comm. Santiago that Resolution Nos. A-1 through A-33 be adopted.
Comm. Atallo: As I raised at the workshop and I will highlight them briefly here, on Resolution Nos. A-3, A-4, A-5 and A-6, all having to do with contracting with the Coalition of Essential Schools, if we add up all these contracts they come out to approximately $1 million. As I stated at the workshop, I haven’t found these models, whether they are research-based or not, to be effective. Whether the models are not effective or they are not being effectively implemented, that needs to be researched by the new Superintendent and his staff. However, if we look at all the money we spent on Whole School Reform models and if you look at our test scores and what is going on academically, the payback is not there for the money we have spent – the millions of dollars. I am not going to vote on these tonight. I would suggest, therefore, that we drop these models. Either they are not being effectively implemented or they are not effective. I also suggest that if we are going to have a model that we, as I stated at the workshop, create a Paterson model. Instead of copying and imitating others, we can then become a model for others. We can develop our own model and improve academically and become known for the Paterson model statewide and nationally. That
Page 30 10/12/05 is what we should look at. So I don’t support these resolutions. I am also very concerned that we received a folder with a form letter signed by an overwhelming majority of principals. The letter was exactly the same saying that after careful consideration they are dropping whatever model they had and they want to go with Coalition of Essential Schools. That is a concern to me because when I speak to principals they don’t support these models at all. In fact, they told me the only reason they go along with Coalition for Essential Schools is because it’s the least intrusive. If we are going to spend a million dollars on a model that is the least intrusive, then that is not an effective way to go. So I don’t support these models. I agree with Dr. Glascoe that we should be a data-driven school district. I look at the data and comparative analysis of the last few years that Whole School Reform models have been in place and I haven’t seen the positive results that we should be getting in return for the large amount of money, the millions of dollars, we have spent. In conclusion, if we took the money that we spent on Whole School Reform, and I believe Whole School Reform needs to be reformed, we could have built new schools, we could have hired new teachers, and we could have had smaller classrooms. Being a data-driven School Board member, the research shows that when you have smaller classes with a smaller ratio of teachers to students in state-of-the-art classrooms, as Comm. Santiago says, with proper heat and air conditioning at the appropriate times for our children, they will learn better. If they are cold, they can’t learn. If they are too hot, they can’t learn. We were all kids and we went to school, so we know that. You don’t need a Ph.D. to figure that out. That’s common sense. If we had spent those millions of dollars on proper classrooms, more teachers, and smaller classrooms for our students, test scores would have gone up. That is my position and that is why I don’t support spending millions of dollars on these models. It’s just not working for our kids.
Comm. Sayegh: We had an extensive discussion in both our curriculum committee and in our workshop meeting regarding items A-3 through A-6. In fact, a number of Board members along with administrators were informed that for the purpose of uniformity the move was towards one model, which is the Coalition of Essential Schools, citing the fact that we have a very transient population. If a child’s family decided to move and they were sending their children to School #24 and moved into the School #25 region, the student wouldn’t miss out because you would have consistency. So regarding items A- 3 through A-6, with the purpose of uniformity, taking into consideration we have a transient population, it was also explained to us that this would be a cost-cutting measure as well. As far as implementation is concerned, which was something that was raised earlier as well, Dr. Glascoe presented his organizational chart, which calls for an Office of Assessment and Accountability. We are also going to have four instructional assistant superintendents in the schools to make sure that this is not only implemented but the proper assessment is also taken as well. So for the consumption of the general public, that was the rationale we were given behind moving towards one model as opposed to several, that being Coalition of Essential Schools.
Comm. Atallo: Just for the record historically, I came on this Board six years ago and I questioned why we had eight or nine different models in a district with such a high transient rate of students. Students are moving from one part of the city to the other, and many of our students do, and some schools have a transient rate of 30% while some are as high as 70% and 80% during the course of an academic year. I raised this issue years ago. It wasn’t fair to our students when they went from one model and moved to another part of the city and went into a different model. So this should have been addressed long ago. I applaud the Superintendent for addressing this because in our city there is a high transient student population.
Page 31 10/12/05 Comm. Hodges: I am looking at this from an entirely different vantage point. Dr. Atallo and I never really agreed on the Whole School Reform issue, but only in this respect. He felt, I believe, that it was an extraordinary waste of resources on the various Whole School Reform models. It was my position that you had an opportunity to have a set of laboratories where you could try different approaches and look at the most successful approach for the populations that we have in this community. So the diversity wouldn’t be a long-term thing, but a short-term step where you can do the analysis and see what is the most effective approach for helping to achieve academic improvements in the district. The problem that I have had and where I definitely agree with Dr. Atallo is something that I have been screaming about for quite some time and that is the implementation. You can’t tell me that a model doesn’t work if you don’t take the time to properly assess how the models were individually implemented in the buildings. I am not certain that that has taken place. As a matter of fact, I am very concerned about how the administration, and I mean the staff, has approached many of the concerns that this Board has brought to the table. It appears that they wait us out. We yell and scream and go on and they let us get through talking and then they go back and do what they were doing before. That is of particular concern to me because I do a lot of yelling and screaming. But we are not seeing these concerns translated into action and that is particularly disturbing to me. I accompanied Mr. Sayegh and Mr. Moody to Syracuse University with the Operation Link-Up Program a couple of weeks ago. Operation Link-Up is a program that places our graduated students in Syracuse University, Penn State, and Ramapo College. That program has been very successful in following those students, making sure that they prepare themselves for certain testing that gets the child prepared to function in those higher education environments. But what we saw when we spoke to the students… Mr. Sayegh asked the students if Paterson prepared them to be a student at Syracuse University and overwhelmingly the students said no. They had not been prepared. Furthermore, they said that in Paterson when they complained to their teachers about the work they were getting in high school, the teachers would let up and make the work easier and wouldn’t push them. But there is no such letup in college. Nobody is letting up. They are pushing harder and harder. We aren’t doing those things and unfortunately our administration hasn’t heard that heretofore. Our staff hasn’t responded to that. Worst of all, they haven’t even looked to see what kinds of deficits we have had. I will go further. We went to the dean of the college of engineering and the director of Operation Link-Up said we had students there and we were concerned to make sure they were successful in his college because in 15 years we have only graduated one engineer out of Syracuse University. The dean of engineering was very concerned. He said they are willing to work with us and do everything they can to make sure our students are successful. The director of our program said he was going to ask for our students’ grades and call his staff to make sure our students are followed. The dean said not to call his staff, but to call him because he was going to be on top of what is happening with our students and chase down our students’ professors and see how their tests are. He said to call him and he would be able to tell us how our students are doing. We don’t get that here with students who are still in our own buildings. That is disturbing because over the course of 15 years, and this is what really bothered me, there has only been two staff members that have gone to Syracuse to see what is happening with their kids. Two in 15 years! Nobody has put that level of commitment in terms of following these kids and making sure they are prepared. Dr. Atallo is asking me to wrap it up, of all people. That is what we are here for, by the way. These are the important issues – the curriculum and how we get these kids prepared to be successful after they leave us. I asked the professor what we have to do to make sure that our kids are more successful in their school. Do we need to teach them calculus or pre-calculus? The man said no. He said if we would just teach our children algebra, when they get to him he would be able to teach them engineering. But our staff isn’t hearing that message. Our staff isn’t calling out to
Page 32 10/12/05 schools to see how our students do. Our staff isn’t showing that same level of commitment that the dean of engineering at Syracuse University, who hasn’t been to Paterson, is showing. We have not seen that here and that makes me angry. I am certain that Dr. Glascoe is going to change that, but the sad thing is that somebody has to come here to change that. We didn’t have the initiative and concern and drive to do that ourselves and that is a problem. As to the agenda, I am very dubious, doubtful or cynical about some of the statements I received about why we are having Coalition of Essential Schools. I say that in context of just what I said. If we were so terribly concerned about how these programs and models are performing, it would seem to me that we would be putting a lot of time and attention into looking into analyzing how our students are doing, both while they are here in school and afterwards. That is not taking place, so I can’t say that this is working to their benefit or this is the best possible model because of what people tell me. They tell me a lot of stuff here. I continue to be suspicious when I see the least restrictive, the least conforming, and the least productive of the models implemented and told this has to happen district-wide. It’s because of everything that I have said that I have my doubts as to the appropriateness of this being the model.
Comm. Spagnola: Excuse me. Can I get clarification on something? Are you advising us not to vote yes on this? Are you going to vote yes on this?
Comm. Hodges: I suspect that I will not be voting yes on at least…
Comm. Sayegh: Point of order, Dr. Hodges, have you finished your comments?
Comm. Hodges: I was addressing the question of the Board member.
Comm. Spagnola: Through the Chair to Dr. Hodges, are you going to vote yes on these?
Comm. Hodges: No, I will not.
Comm. Atallo: I asked at the workshop and I would like to get clarification. Is this the program that former Commissioner Librera is working with at Rutgers University? Do you know that for a fact?
Comm. Sayegh: Are you directing that comment to the administration?
Comm. Atallo: I am asking you. Do you know – yes or no?
Comm. Sayegh: I do believe that you had directed that to the administration.
Comm. Atallo: I haven’t received a response.
Dr. Glascoe: No, I don’t have that information for you.
Comm. Atallo: Can we get that information? I know that Commissioner Librera is working with Rutgers University. Is Coalition of Essential Schools coming out of Rutgers University? Through the administration, can I get that answer? Is that where they are based?
Dr. Glascoe: Yes.
Page 33 10/12/05 Comm. Atallo: So Coalition of Essential Schools is based out of Rutgers University and former Commissioner Librera just got appointed to be the director of a program at Rutgers University Graduate School of Education. Is that correct?
Dr. Glascoe: First of all, we were involved in looking into this model before the former Commissioner Librera even went to Rutgers University.
Comm. Atallo: But we knew he was going there. Everyone knew he was going there. It was in the media and he told me himself that he was going there in this very auditorium. I would like to get some answers to these questions. It seems that we are now steering $1 million in school funds to a program, Coalition of Essential Schools, which is based out of Rutgers University and coincidentally the former Commissioner of Education William Librera has now been appointed as an administrator at that university, heading up a program out of their School of Education. I have concerns. Isn’t it a coincidence? I haven’t gotten my answers yet.
Comm. Sayegh: If you look at the Board Meeting Requests and Inquiries, the response was actually given to you. If I may, I would like to read it into the record.
Comm. Atallo: Comm. Sayegh, this is the problem.
Comm. Sayegh: Excuse me, Dr. Atallo, point of order. In the response that was issued last Friday, it says as far as we are able to determine, Dr. Librera has no involvement in Coalition of Essential Schools. That is for the record.
Comm. Santiago: I would like to get that in writing.
Comm. Sayegh: We have actually gotten it in writing.
Comm. Atallo: No, we don’t. We don’t have anything in writing.
Comm. Sayegh: We received this on Friday – Board Requests and Inquiries.
Comm. Atallo: Well, it just seems very coincidental to me and it’s something that we call the smell test. This creates an issue. There are too many coincidences involved. Suddenly all the principals are told you will now use Coalition of Essential Schools. Everyone was told to sign a form letter. We got this folder last Wednesday, which was a joke. Everybody signed this form letter saying that after careful consideration. How much consideration did each principal give it? They are signing the same letter. It’s a form letter and it just doesn’t seem right. Too many things have gone on in this district and it’s been proven. Later on down the road there have been problems. I pointed them out month after month, year after year. Now it’s coming home to roost. You have seen the indictments. You have seen the guilty pleas. There are more coming down in the next couple of weeks. I am not going to mention the names, but they are very well known names. The point is simply this. This Board has to act responsibly. Don’t smile and style to the crowd because they applaud and say we are going to vote for the plan. I respect the people who worked on the plan. I know they did hard work, but we only got it last week. It’s not fair to the public to vote on something we haven’t seen.
Comm. Hodges: Which item are you talking about now, Dr. Atallo?
Comm. Atallo: Now I’m talking about Coalition of Essential Schools. In principle, as responsible, elected officials we need to review things in a timely way. Not smile and style to the crowd and pander, but to be responsible and sometimes stand up and say it
Page 34 10/12/05 may be a popular move right now, but we have to take a minute to assess and evaluate. That has not gone on in this school district. There has been no assessment and evaluation. I applaud the Superintendent for raising these issues and I want to see what comes administratively out of it, but we have the history of this district. We know what has happened. We have sat here. Comm. Santiago said the public is sick and tired. You are darned right they are sick and tired. They are sick and tired of the $50 million not accounted for and the corruption. I don’t know if there is a sweetheart deal going on. I am not saying that. All I am saying is that these things need to be investigated. All I know is that he sat here and was very adamant on certain things happening a certain way, and now certain things are happening a certain way. I am concerned about that.
Comm. Sayegh: You used the operative word history because we are going to leave everything in the past as far as the era of lack of accountability. We have a Superintendent who is focusing on not only implementing his vision, but also having it assessed. I have just explained to you that he has presented an organizational chart to the Board of Education, which calls for the creation of four instructional assistant superintendents who will deal with all of the schools. They will see to it that not only this model is implemented but that there is also an evaluation process, which we have lacked in the past. He is also going to have a deputy superintendent who will be the chief academic officer and will be evaluating and assessing everything that happens within the schools. In addition to that, we have an office solely created for the purpose of assessment and accountability. So everything you have called for is happening how. Let’s get behind the Superintendent, support the vision, and end this discussion.
Comm. Atallo: Comm. Sayegh, I support the Superintendent. What I don’t support is additional layers of bureaucracy and administration. That is what I don’t support. I really question…
Comm. Brown: Point of order.
Comm. Atallo: You are a history major, sir.
Comm. Sayegh: That’s correct.
Comm. Atallo: In summation, those who forget history are condemned to repeat it. So we are not going to forget what happened in Paterson. We are not going to say let’s put it in the past. No. Let’s remember it very well. Like Pearl Harbor and like 911 and like the Alamo, let’s remember. This district was taken advantage of by people because this Board smiled and styled and just looked at them. They sat there and got applause. That can’t go on anymore. That day is over. This is a new day in Paterson. It’s a new day and it’s a new way. We are going to hold the Superintendent accountable, too. I look at Coalition of Essential Schools, it comes out of Rutgers University, former Commissioner Librera just got appointed to a major position at Rutgers University, and that needs to be looked at. I haven’t accused anyone of anything. All I’m saying is let’s connect the dots and look at what is going on. Too much has gone on for too long and this district was taken advantage of. I am going to stand as a sentry at the gate and I advise you, young man, to do the same thing.
Comm. Sayegh: Thank you for that lesson, Dr. Atallo, but I must also say that you have cited Dr. Duroy in the past for not bad planning but for no planning whatsoever. Now we have a Superintendent with a plan and I would like for you to support this Superintendent and his plan for our children.
Page 35 10/12/05 Comm. Hodges: Let me just clarify my position a little bit. I firmly believe that there has been enough time and I recall that we were told there would be a model produced and that people were assigned to work on coming up with a district model. I do believe that there was adequate time for that to happen. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen like a lot of things don’t seem to happen here. I am not going to lay it at the feet of Dr. Glascoe because he wasn’t here for that and he wants us to move forward. I do want the people who were responsible for these things to understand that we are not going to forget them. Just like Dr. Atallo says, we are not going to forget them because they impacted on children and they continue to impact on children. Whatever they were doing or weren’t doing or things that didn’t happen impacted on children. The concern that I have is that this is just an excuse to get out of doing what we should be doing, which is coming together and developing what is in our overall district-wide best interest. If this district has no other option but to adopt Coalition of Essential Schools, then we will move forward that way. But if there are other options and people can do the job and haven’t done the job, then I don’t want to give them the ability to hide behind Coalition or anything else.
Comm. Moody: Dr. Glascoe, what would it mean if this Board voted down A-3 through A-6?
Dr. Glascoe: One of the things that will continue to happen is that the school district will continue its legacy of not paying its bills on time. We can continue to debate and discuss initiatives until the current kindergarteners are in 9th grade, or we can move forward as I am hearing. I am very much appreciative of having the history lesson, but I keep getting the same history lesson week in and week out. I have said privately and publicly that I hear your frustration and there are times when I am sorry that I wasn’t here during those times. For us as a Superintendent and a School Board, a governing body, to continue to repeat the same things month after month after month makes me wonder what we really want to do. Do we want to move forward? Do we want to move forward as a team? Or do we want to perpetuate situations where we can just keep repeating the same things and keep talking about the past? I have said many times that I just wish I could turn the clock forward so you can really hold me accountable by looking at the progress that we have made with our children. That won’t happen until the end of the school year. I am certainly putting my core values on the line, my processes, and my mission to provide the best chance for every student in this school district to achieve at high levels. Our staffs have worked very hard to move on these initiatives. They were doing that before I got here. They were struggling without an organization or an implementation plan, but they more or less were trying to move forward. I addressed Dr. Atallo’s statement last week about let’s create a Paterson way. We can pull back, roll up our sleeves and try to create a Paterson method. Do you know how long that is going to take us? So what happens to our children while we are trying to create something that is already here before us? You can take Coalition of Essential Schools or any model that is out there, but you do not take that model literally. You adjust it and you make it work for your school district. The successes of other school districts, as I mentioned last week, like Norfolk, Virginia, you can call it the Norfolk way but it was some of these same models adjusted to that particular school district. Again, I am very disheartened that we continue to do this. I would like to move forward.
Comm. Hodges: Dr. Glascoe, let me do something that is very rare for me. I am going to reverse my position. I am going to reverse my position because…(end of tape) (Beginning of new tape)…opportunity to get the best effort out of the staff that you have, so that this district can move forward. It is important that we give you every opportunity to be successful. But I am going to say it before Dr. Atallo says it. The past is hard to
Page 36 10/12/05 let go of, particularly when I see some of the things that are going on in the present. You and I have discussed some of that in part. So I am going to swallow hard and I am going to reverse my position at least on three of those and support your initiative and support giving you the opportunity to implement your programs and do what you have to do to move this district forward. But I will tell you that I will be breathing down the backs of people all year long because I have not seen the kind of activity, interest, and drive that I saw in Syracuse from somebody else on behalf of our children. I am going to give you an opportunity to help bring that to this district and try to remove every impediment we can from making that a hard road for you. So I am going to change my position.
Comm. Sayegh: This is indeed a history making night because you have never done that before. I just want to reiterate something I stated before. We have been talking about the past and it is important because that is what got us here and that is how we learned our lesson. But Dr. Glascoe is not a part of the past. He is a part of the present and he is a part of our future and our future is obviously the children of Paterson. So, as he stated earlier, it is time to move forward. Enough of the bickering. Yes, we certainly have to hold people accountable, but this Superintendent has committed to it. At this time Dr. Glascoe, do you have any comments you would like to make?
Dr. Glascoe: I just want to say that it is important to know about the past, understand it, and try to learn from it. Please don’t misunderstand me. That is very important. But we are the Paterson School District. We are the governing body. We have to convey to you our constituents a can-do attitude, a positive outlook moving forward. We don’t do that when we sit here and continue to talk about things that happened in the past and frighten our constituents out there. We have to convey that sense of confidence that we can do this. I hear you say week in and week out, every month, we support you Dr. Glascoe and I appreciate that. I really and truly do. But don’t appreciate Dr. Glascoe. Appreciate what is going to happen when we move forward as a team. That is what it is all about. We have to convey that to our constituents. We cannot convey to them that we are afraid or that we are looking around the corner for the next indictment to come. It does not help us. It does not convey that sense of confidence that we can do it.
Comm. Brown: I appreciate the intellectual discourse of my colleagues. However, looking at these four items it seems as though this is going to directly impact children. As a result, we talk about supporting Dr. Glascoe and I think we should move forward and let him put a model in place that he feels comfortable working with, with his staff and administration that is going to benefit children. Thank you very much.
Comm. Sayegh: Are there any further comments or questions regarding any items pertaining to this evening’s agenda?
Comm. Atallo: We just want to make the record very clear to the public. We are not here to frighten people. We are here to educate people and make them aware of what is going on with their public dollars and with the education or lack of education of their children. This is not a reflection on Dr. Glascoe. We support Dr. Glascoe. But it is very important that we understand what happened in the past so we can move forward positively. We are not afraid of anybody. We are not afraid of the next indictment. We are working very hard to make sure those indictments happen. We are going after the bad guys and we are going after them hard and fast. Mr. Chairman, you have to understand this. There are times when you have to look the devil in the eye and tell the devil he is the devil. That is what we have to do. So we are going to go after those guys who took advantage of Paterson kids. We are going after them and we are going after them hard and fast. We are going to put the bad guys in jail. So let that word go out. We are coming after them.
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Comm. Sayegh: Comm. Atallo, with all due respect we certainly want to see those that have done wrong by our children get indicted and summarily convicted. But our job is to make sure that our children get a quality education.
Comm. Taylor: Mr. Chairman, I looked at what our principals and teachers thought about as far as our children were concerned. As I worked in the schools when a child transferred into my building and my building had a different way of teaching and working with children individually, we saw that some children that came from different schools in our district were not prepared to be in our school. So we had to immediately engage in bringing them up to where our school was. So I think this is a move that if a child moves from one school to another we are using the same kind of scheduling and the same kind of approach to each child learning so that a mother or father does not feel that they can't take a child from one school to another in the City of Paterson. So now I think we are beginning to do it. It is hard to do. It is very difficult to try to do this movement. We do have a lot of children that move because of the housing in Paterson. We don’t have adequate, healthy housing in Paterson. So children move from place to place. The housing costs so much that parents can't afford to pay for it. So there is a lot of movement. I see a lot of transfers and a lot of people who bring their children to the school in a car from way across town. They are using other addresses. We are trying to address that. But families are trying to find a place for their children to go so that they will learn the most in the most efficient way so that they get everything they can as a child that is learning in school. I think this is a good move and I think it will help us. It is going to be hard for the staff. It is going to be hard for the people who are going to monitor it because I will ask at every meeting have they monitored it and where are our children now. I say the same thing for the people who have the contracts for the after school programs. I ask, where is the monitoring? Did they send in their report? Have the parents gotten a report? Are they really teaching our children after school? Or are they just playing? The enrichment is another piece, also. Many of those are in here as well. But I am saying to you this is a program that I think we are going to one particular model. We have tried a lot of models already in the 14 years we have had it. Now we are going to try just one model, and two or three other schools are going to have a model of their own that has been working and they are keeping it. But all the rest of the schools will have one model and it should work for us if we all roll up our sleeves and do it. Thank you.
Comm. Spagnola: Can we vote?
Comm. Sayegh: Are there any further questions or comments?
Comm. Hodges: I just want to make it very clear that it is okay to have discussions, particularly around curriculum. We did not fight over curriculum before. We fought, but we did not fight over curriculum. We didn’t fight over changes of the direction. We did not do these kinds of things. It may appear rough in the beginning, but at least we are throwing ideas around education and where this district is headed. You want the Board to do that. We don’t all have to agree, but we are having a discussion about an educational direction for this district. It could be heated, it could be loud, but it is the right conversation for a Board of Education. Thank you very much.
Comm. Sayegh: Now the general public sees why curriculum committees are so long, because of Dr. Hodges. Comm. Brown, did you have a comment?
Comm. Brown: Just a brief comment. I have not seen any factual information not to support this. That is the only comment I wanted to make. Thank you.
Page 38 10/12/05
Comm. Sayegh: Are there any further questions or comments regarding any items on this evening’s agenda pertaining to curriculum?
Comm. Hodges: I can address Mr. Brown, but we will move on.
Comm. Atallo: There is plenty of data that these models are not effective.
On roll call all members voted as follows:
Comm. Atallo: I vote yes on A-1 and A-2. I vote no on A-3, A-4, A-5, and A-6, and I vote yes on the remainder, A-7 through A-33.
Comm. Hodges: Pass.
Comm. Moody: Yes.
Comm. Santiago: I vote no on A-3, A-4, A-5, and A-6. Everything else is yes.
Comm. Sayegh: Yes.
Comm. Spagnola: I vote yes on A-1 and A-2. I vote no on A-3, A-4, A-5, and A-6. I vote yes on A-7, A-8, A-9, A-10 and the rest.
Comm. Taylor: Yes.
Comm. Vergara: I vote yes on A-1 and A-2. I vote no on A-3, A-4, A-5, and A-6. It is too much money. I vote yes on A-7 through A-33.
Comm. Hodges: I was going to vote no on A-4 but I think under the circumstances I am going to have to vote yes on all of them.
Comm. Brown: Yes.
The motion carried.
LEGAL COMMITTEE
Comm. Spagnola reported that the Legal Committee met, reviewed and recommends approval for Resolution Nos. B-1 through B-4:
Resolution No. B-1
WHEREAS, M.S., Petitioner, filed three (3) worker’s compensation claims and settlement of this matter is based on Section 20; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Education reviewed this case in executive session with the former Interim Superintendent and agreed with the settlement of the case; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the School District of Paterson approves the settlement of this matter for the amount of $42,737.55.
Page 39 10/12/05 Resolution No. B-2
WHEREAS, O.D., Petitioner, filed a worker’s compensation claim; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Education reviewed this case in executive session with the former Interim Superintendent and agreed with the settlement of the case; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the School District of Paterson approves the settlement of this matter for the amount of $25,845.00.
Resolution No. B-3
WHEREAS, F.J., Petitioner, filed two (2) worker’s compensation claims; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Education reviewed this case in executive session with the former Interim Superintendent and agreed with the settlement of the case; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the School District of Paterson approves the settlement of this matter for the amount of $23,710.00.
Resolution No. B-4
WHEREAS, F.L., Petitioner, filed a worker’s compensation claim and settlement of this matter is based on Section 20; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Education reviewed this case in executive session with the former Interim Superintendent and agreed with the settlement of the case; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the School District of Paterson approves the settlement of this matter for the amount of $22,394.00.
It was moved by Comm. Spagnola, seconded by Comm. Santiago that Resolution Nos. B-1 through B-4 be adopted.
Comm. Atallo: I think that not just in these individual cases, but in all cases there needs to be a comprehensive review and investigation. There are too many claims. I question the validity of many of these claims. Some are clearly valid. That is why this program is in place. On others I have concerns about the cost factor involved to our district. Every dollar that we spend on this is dollars that we don’t get to spend on the children for their education. That is my concern.
Comm. Spagnola: I concur. We spoke about this in length at our committee meeting. There is a policy in place and it is going to be adhered to. It is going to be reissued and it is going to be reviewed in regards to any injury while working or any injury with a student during a school period or any injury whatsoever on any of the facilities. There is a specific policy. It has to be reported in a timely fashion. This is going to be adhered to. We have to review the policy and make sure it is in effect and it is going to be broken down throughout the entire school. Every principal and every administrator will be aware of this.
On roll call all members voted as follows:
Page 40 10/12/05
Comm. Atallo: I abstain on B-1 through B-4.
Comm. Moody: Yes.
Comm. Santiago: No.
Comm. Sayegh: Yes.
Comm. Spagnola: Yes.
Comm. Taylor: Yes.
Comm. Hodges: Yes.
Comm. Vergara: Yes.
Comm. Brown: Yes.
The motion carried.
FISCAL COMMITTEE
Comm. Atallo reported that the Finance Committee met, reviewed and recommends approval for Resolution Nos. C-1 through C-31:
Resolution No. C-1
WHEREAS, it is necessary to pay vendors’ bills and claims against the Paterson Public School District; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Board of Education approves payment of October 2005 bills and claims, checks 126138 through 126975, 126976 through 126981 and wires in the amount of $15,331,403.89 as attached hereto and made a part of the minutes; and be it further
RESOLVED, that offline checks 126073 through 126077, 126078 through 126090 in the amount of $1,928,860.00 as attached hereto and made a part of the minutes; and be it further
RESOLVED, that voided check 125622 in the amount of $61,714.32 as attached hereto and made a part of the minutes; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that cafeteria checks 126091 through 126137 in the amount of $575,910.33 as attached hereto and made a part of the minutes.
Resolution No. C-2
WHEREAS, there is a need to request district taxes, exclusive of debt service requirements, to meet the needs of the School District for the month of October 2005; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Board of Education approves the request of District taxes, exclusive of debt service requirements, needed to meet the obligations of
Page 41 10/12/05 the School District, for the month of October 2005, in the amount of $3,032,414.75, and that the City of Paterson is hereby requested to place in the hands of the Custodian of School Moneys that amount within the next thirty (30) days, in accordance with the statutes relating thereto; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Paterson Board of Education approves the monthly certification of the State District Superintendent/Board of Education for the month of October 2005, attached hereto and made a part of the minutes.
Resolution No. C-3
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District is eligible to receive Federal IDEIA-B Basic and IDEIA-B Preschool Funds for students with disabilities (ages 3-21). The entitlement for fiscal year 2006 is $6,216,074.00 for IDEIA-B Basic and $203,905.00 for IDEIA-B Preschool; and
WHEREAS, the District wishes to receive these Federal IDEIA-B funds to facilitate educational programs and services for students with disabilities (ages 3-21); and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Board of Education approves and accepts the Combined IDEIA-B Basic ($6,216,074.00) and IDEIA-B Preschool ($203,905.00) application for FY06.
Resolution No. C-4
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District is committed through its career and technical education programs to provide a wide variety of options to students including:
Orientation to the world of work as part of their career exploration process, Instruction designed to improve academic achievement, Instruction designed to improve literacy skills, Preparing youth for succeeding in employment, Supporting youth through guidance and counseling; and
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District wishes to continue receiving funding to support career and technical education programs; and
WHEREAS, the Workforce Investment Act proposal for youth services has been submitted to the County of Passaic on May 31, 2005; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Board of Education approves the receipt of the Workforce Investment Act Youth Program funds. The total commitment to Paterson Public Schools shall not exceed $95,882.00.
Resolution No. C-5
WHEREAS, the grant allocated by NGO No. 05-EE03-H04, New Jersey Refugee Students Impact Grant Program, for $91,676.00 has been accepted by the Board of Education on its meeting on the 10th day of August, 2005; and
WHEREAS, the grant shall be used for the purpose described in the application filed with the New Jersey State Department of Education at Public School No. 18; and
Page 42 10/12/05 WHEREAS, the grant shall be used to continue, implement and enhance the New Jersey Refugee Students Impact Grant Program; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Board of Education approves the New Jersey Refugee Students Impact Grant Program for Public School No. 18 commencing September 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006.
Resolution No. C-6
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Education has made available to the Paterson Public School District a net allocation of $313,129.00 to spend on vocational technical programs for the 2006 fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, the district received the final allocation notice on May 24, 2005; and
WHEREAS, the current submission to the Board reflects the actual final allocation along with the NJDOE recommended revisions; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Board of Education approves the submission of a finalized Perkins 2006 Annual Spending Plan to the State for funding not to exceed $313,129.00.
Resolution No. C-8
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District and the Newark School District have developed a local assessment called Standards Proficiency Assessment, which is correlated to the NJCCCS for grades 9 and 10. This collaboration has proven to be beneficial for students, parents and administrators in both Districts; and
WHEREAS, Newark and Paterson jointly hold the copyright in this testing program in equal proportions; and
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District will enter into contract (2005-2006) with Hunterdon County Educational Services Commission for scoring and reporting of Grades 9 and 10 – Language Arts & Math Standard Proficiency Assessment in an amount equal to $14.50 per student plus Access to Report Website; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District authorizes the Superintendent to execute the attached contract upon the terms outlined for an amount not to exceed $90,000.00.
Resolution No. C-9
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District solicited proposals for HVAC System Installation @ 4 Locations, PPS-261-06; and
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District encourages open public bidding for goods and services; and
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District recognizes the need for obtaining the lowest responsible bid for goods and services; and now therefore
Page 43 10/12/05 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District awards a contract, as per the attached bid summary, for HVAC System Installation @ 4 Locations, PPS-261-06, for the 2005-2006 school year, as follows:
C. Dougherty Co., Inc. 7 Washington Avenue Paterson, NJ 07503 Not to exceed $94,500.00
Resolution No. C-10
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District acknowledges that the proper management of environmental issues involving asbestos, lead, radon, indoor air quality, and chemical safety is essential to the health and safety of the district’s population; and
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District is committed to responding to environmental issues in a timely and thorough manner whenever such issues arise; and
WHEREAS, many environmental issues will be responded to using only in-district staff, however, there will be situations in which it is necessary or desirable to use an independent, third party environmental consultant; and
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District has entered into a contract with the PMK Group to provide services as needed on a time and material basis for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005; and
WHEREAS, that contract has expired; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District extends the existing contract with the PMK Group, located at 65 Jackson Drive, Cranford, NJ. The contract shall be based on unit costs as described in PMK’s proposal #045795 dated July 29, 2004, and shall not exceed the balance of $43,807.62 remaining on the existing purchase order number 0504871.
Resolution No. C-11
WHEREAS, SchoolDude, a program dedicated to providing services and solutions built exclusively for educational institutions, will provide the Paterson Public School District with an online tool that will help Paterson Public Schools improve the efficiency of the maintenance program and improve the overall condition of the facilities:
Terms of service: Initial term; one year Automatic invoicing will occur at the end of each term. Training and startup assistance is available in an online format and through telephone support as indicated on our website. Technical support is available from 8am to 6pm Eastern Standard Time. No sales tax or usage fees included in this proposal. Daily tape backup of system, daily backup of data, and 24/7 server monitoring in a dedicated data center environment.
Item Term Amount MaintenanceDirect 1 year $7,750.00
Page 44 10/12/05 (annual) MaintenanceDirect QuickStart online training 1 time $2,000.00 PMDirect 1 year $3,100.00 (annual) PMDirect QuickStart online training 1 time $500.00 InventoryDirect 1 year $5,425.00 (annual) InventoryDirect QuickStart online training 1 time $650.00 CommunityDirect (over 50 online tools, includes SurveyDirect) 1 year 1 yr. free trial (annual)
Total Discount 1 year $1,627.00 (annual)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District hires SchoolDude of Raleigh, NC, pursuant to the terms of a Professional Service Agreement, for a period of one year at the rate of $17,798.00 for the first year, which includes the one time fee of $2,000.00 for the MaintenanceDirect QuickStart online training, a fee of $500.00 for PMDirect QuickStart online training, and $650.00 for InventoryDirect QuickStart online training, with the option to continue renting thereafter for an annual fee of $14,648.00 yearly for the life of the rental.
Resolution No. C-12
WHEREAS, the elevator at School #13 is not functional due to a scored piston; and
WHEREAS, a technical specification has been developed by the District Architect of Record, HACBM, for the replacement of the entire elevator jack assembly and casing, and that specification was made part of bid documents which were advertised for bids on two separate occasions by the Purchasing Department (PPS-258-05, May 24, 2005; and PPS-206, June 14, 2005); and
WHEREAS, no bids were received by the District on these two occasions for the required repairs; and
WHEREAS, as per N.J.S.A.18A:18A5(c), the District is authorized to negotiate a contract for the required repairs with a qualified vendor; and
WHEREAS, the District has received proposals from Schindler Elevator (August 17, 2005, in the amount of $54,023.00) and ThyssenKrupp Elevator (September 9, 2005, in the amount of $69,130.00) to install the required equipment. The variations from the advertised specifications in these proposals are as follows: Schindler and ThyssenKrupp have NOT INCLUDED: the use of Union Guard 160 to fill the void between the PVC liner and Jack Assembly, electrical work before the main disconnect, redirecting the outlet piping from the existing sump pump, the cost of a performance bond if required, an inspection orifice in the pit floor for inspection of underground piping or casing(s), or the cost of any re-drilling; and
WHEREAS, an independent, third party elevator consultant will be retained to oversee the removal and replacement of the required equipment, and attempt to identify any latent defects in the original equipment or installation; and now therefore
Page 45 10/12/05 BE IT RESOLVED, that the District awards a contract to Schindler Elevator as per their proposal number THEX-652GT5 dated August 17, 2005, for the repairs to the elevator at School #13, in the amount of $54,023.00.
Resolution No. C-13 was pulled.
Resolution No. C-14
WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation, as per attached letter, has determined that the vehicles listed below are property no longer needed for public use; and
WHEREAS, Public School Laws of the State of New Jersey permit the sale of surplus property no longer needed for public use through public sale (18A:18A-45); and
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District encourages open public bidding for goods and services; and
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District recognizes the need for obtaining the most competitive and responsive bid for goods and/or services; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, by the State Operated School District of the City of Paterson, County of Passaic, State of New Jersey, that the Department of Purchasing is hereby authorized to post an offer to sell the items listed below, pursuant to 18A:18A-45:
Ford, E350 Van, 1994 (1FTJE34H8RHB10574)
Resolution No. C-15
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District has identified a need to provide transportation for Paterson typical pupils to in-district schools; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District ratifies the action of the State Business Administrator in renewing the following contract with Jiggetts Transportation, 24 Washington Avenue, Paterson, NJ with an increase of 3.01% for the 2005-2006 school year as follows:
Route# Destination Total Cost BA7 BUILD Academy $19,497.66
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the State District Superintendent authorizes this action and the action is affirmed by the Paterson Board of Education.
Resolution No. C-16
WHEREAS, the following route listed below has been previously approved by the State Superintendent of Schools and affirmed by the Paterson Board of Education for the 2005-2006 school year; and
WHEREAS, Route GYM2 will run two days a week instead of one; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that GYM2 with D & M Tours, 131 Kingston Avenue, Hawthorne, NJ 07506 has an increase from 36 days to 71 days with an increased cost of $4,326.35; and
Page 46 10/12/05
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this action is authorized by the State District Superintendent of Schools and is ratified by the Paterson Board of Education.
Resolution No. C-17
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District has identified a need to provide school year, out-of-district transportation for special education pupils; and
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District has agreed to jointure with other districts through the Passaic County Educational Services Commission and the District agrees to the terms of the contract agreement; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District ratifies the action of the State District Superintendent in approving the contract for the 2005-2006 extended school year; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the total estimated cost of the jointure agreement is as follows:
Route# School Est. Cost Per Route Surcharge JFK1 John F. Kennedy 4805.00 144.15 LCTR Learning Center 2907.00 87.21 LKMS Lakeside Middle School 7225.00 289.00 MTST Mount St. Joseph 3483.00 104.49 SKPT Skylands 5750.00 172.50 9629 Katzenbach 9667.72 290.05 2032 St. Joseph/Blind 18024.96 540.74 4133 Ridgefield Memorial 17131.10 513.94 5013 Child Development 15804.57 474.15 5063 St. Anthony/St. Leo’s 47656.80 1429.70 6070 Union Street School 4984.56 149.54 6075 Washington Academy 29104.20 873.13 6085 Linda Mood Bell 34524.00 1035.72 6097 North Hudson Academy 10831.34 324.94 6108 Venture 45002.18 1350.07 7001 Banyan School 14518.52 435.56 7002 Benway School 22062.60 661.88 7009 Craig Upper School 22618.80 678.56 7015 Emerson High 22232.70 666.98 7060 Woodbridge Transition 7473.86 224.11 7067 Slokum School 40602.60 1218.08 8002 Bergen Co. Vo. HS 7273.64 218.21 8011 ECLC 30624.54 918.75 8016 Godwin School 15103.44 778.14 8022 Lakeside School 23310.00 699.30 8027 Mt. Carmel Guild 38610.00 1158.30 8028 Millburn Reg. Day 19751.43 592.54 8040 Palisades Learning 25560.00 766.80 8051 Washington South 15536.84 466.11 8053 Willowglen 25920.00 777.60 8069 Fort Lee Ed. 25380.00 761.40 8076 Memorial Hall 19782.00 593.46 8078 ECLC 1040.00 31.20
Page 47 10/12/05
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this action is authorized by the State District Superintendent of Schools and is affirmed by the Paterson Board of Education.
Resolution No. C-18
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District has identified a need to provide transportation for Paterson special education, regular, kindergarten and private non- profit pupils to in-district, out-of-district and private non-profit schools, and field trip programs; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District ratifies the action of the State Business Administrator in renewing the following contracts with Scholastic Bus Company, 93 Prospect Place, Hillsdale, NJ 07642 with an increase of 3.01% for the 2005-2006 school year as follows unless specified as other:
Route# Destination 05/06 Per Diem Cost JP1 Pope John Paul 76.14 JP2 Pope John Paul 76.14 JP3 Pope John Paul 161.33 JP4 Pope John Paul 170.69 JP5 Pope John Paul 76.14 JP6 Pope John Paul 171.62 JP7 Pope John Paul 165.43 JP8 Pope John Paul 161.33 JP9 Pope John Paul 90.27 JP10 Pope John Paul 167.31 JP11 Pope John Paul 171.33 JP12 Pope John Paul 170.40 JP14 Pope John Paul 104.99 JFK3 John F. Kennedy 148.11 CL2 Clearview 146.76 7J PS #7 217.60 9B PS #9 208.80 14J CP Center 234.56 14K CP Center 234.56 14L CP Center 236.72 21G PS #21 217.86 25L PS #25 216.97 14M CP Center 203.21 51A Eastside HS 87.77 14W CP Center 204.29 2KB PS #2 217.86 2L PS #2 217.86 RC2 RC 222.21 4E PS #4 210.78 20H PS #20 225.55 P20A Paramus Catholic 88.42 11B PS #11 222.80 11C PS #11 222.80 D12 Dale 233.14 D13 Dale 237.73 D14 Dale 237.73 28L PS #28 240.03
Page 48 10/12/05 28M PS #28 240.03 JFK7 John F. Kennedy 88.42 2P PS #2 162.14 2Q PS #2 174.37 2R PS #2 134.38 PS5B PS #5 223.24 7W PS #7 225.91 7X PS #7 223.14 28P PS #28 223.24 STR1 STARS 116.05 STR2 STARS 116.05 STR3 STARS 116.05 STR4 STARS 129.55 2B PS #2 133.94 GW4 George Washington 184.37 GW5 George Washington 215.27 CP7 CP Center 262.12 K29 MLK 80.97 K31 MLK 82.47 K32 MLK 89.60 K35 Dale 155.45 K36 MLK 82.47 K38 Dale 179.21 6D PS #6 221.31 15F PS #15 223.46 20M PS #20 228.87 21P PS #21 243.98 29Q PS #29 251.54 EWK8 EWK 251.54 EWK9 EWK 254.77 PRS5 Park School 283.92 PRS6 Park School 279.61 P6C Don Bosco/Alt. 96.48 K40 Martin Luther King 183.97 AC1 RP/JFK/Academies 85.54 AC2 RP/JFK/Academies 85.54 AC3 RP/JFK/Academies 85.54 AC4 JFK/Academies 85.54 STR7 STARS 99.38 CP8 CP Center 142.39 AHA5 Alexander Hamilton 238.98 P6A Don Bosco/Alt. 114.57 P6B Don Bosco/Alt. 114.70 P20 Paramus Catholic 107.46 2A1 PCTI 187.94 2A2 PCTI 187.94 2A3 PCTI 187.94 2A4 PCTI 187.94 2B1 PCTI 202.26 2B2 PCTI 202.26 2C1 PCTI 202.26 2C2 PCTI 202.26 2C3 PCTI 202.26 2D1 PCTI 202.26
Page 49 10/12/05 2D2 PCTI 202.26 2D3 PCTI 202.26 2D4 PCTI 202.26 2D5 PCTI 202.26 2D6 PCTI 202.26 2E1 PCTI 202.26 2E2 PCTI 202.26 2E3 PCTI 202.26 2E4 PCTI 202.26 2E5 PCTI 202.26 2F1 PCTI 202.26 2F2 PCTI 202.26 2F3 PCTI 202.26 2F4 PCTI 202.26 2F5 PCTI 202.26 2G1 PCTI 202.26 2G2 PCTI 202.26 2G3 PCTI 202.26 2G4 PCTI 202.26 2H1 PCTI 202.26 2H2 PCTI 202.26 2H3 PCTI 202.26 2H4 PCTI 202.26 JFK9 John F. Kennedy 149.08 CP13 CP Center 299.21 C14 CP Center 85.64 SWT1 Sawtelle 180.27 NMB2 Bleshman 330.66 CMS1 Community School 80.35 CP17 CP Center 147.30 STR9 STARS 126.10 K43 PS #2 79.32 K44 PS #2 79.32 P6D International 82.41 4G PS #4 243.10 4H PS #4 243.10 4I PS #4 242.07 PS5C PS #5 228.68 GYM3 Innovative 92.71 GYM4 Innovative 92.71 GYM1 Don Bosco/YMCA(Fri) 194.69 AC5 SB/Panther/RPHS 99.92 AC6 SB/Panther/RPHS 110.22 P1E PS #1 266.80 14A4 PS #4 to #14 186.45 14B4 PS #4 to #14 186.45 14C4 PS #4 to #14 197.78 K30 Martin Luther King 86.25 K47 Martin Luther King 76.23 FT98 Field Trips 150,856.02
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the State District Superintendent authorizes this action and the action is affirmed by the Paterson Board of Education.
Page 50 10/12/05 Resolution No. C-19
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District has identified a need to provide transportation for the school year 2005-2006 for regular, typical and special education pupils to in-district and out-of-district schools; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District ratifies the action of the State District Superintendent in renewing the following contracts with D & M Tours, 131 Kingston Avenue, Hawthorne, New Jersey at a 3.01% increase for the school year 2005-2006 as follows:
Route# Destination 05/06 Per Diem Cost MS1 Montclair State 84.40 PRS1 Park School 225.62 PRS2 Park School 225.62 PRS3 Park School 225.62 PRS4 Park School 225.62 CP15 CP Center 224.56 6F PS #6 228.68 6G PS #6 222.50 15H PS #15 231.77 GYM2 Innovative Academy 123.61 PP4 Passaic Prep 225.59 PP5 Passaic Prep 225.59 SC1 Science Liberty 211.93
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the State District Superintendent authorizes this action and the action is affirmed by the Paterson Board of Education.
Resolution No. C-20
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District has identified a need to provide transportation for special education pupils to in-district and out-of-district schools for the 2005-2006 school year; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District ratifies the action of the State District Superintendent in renewing the following contracts with Rudco Inc., 53 Carlton Place, Passaic, New Jersey at a 3.01% increase for the school year 2005-2006 as follows:
Route# Destination 05/06 Per Diem Cost NS7 Norman S. Weir 194.08 PX4 Phoenix School 221.76 NMB4 Norman Bleshman 183.62
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the State District Superintendent authorizes this action and the action is affirmed by the Paterson Board of Education.
Resolution No. C-21
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District has identified a need to provide out-of- district transportation for private non-profit school pupils; and
Page 51 10/12/05 WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District has agreed to jointure with other districts through the Passaic County Educational Services Commission and the District agrees to the terms of the contract agreement; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District ratifies the action of the State District Superintendent in approving the contract for the 2005-2006 school year; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the total estimated cost of the jointure agreement is as follows:
Route# School Est. Cost Per Route Surcharge P022 Our Lady Holy Angels 19224.00 576.72 P089 St. Brendan School 27360.00 820.80
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this action is authorized by the State District Superintendent of Schools and is affirmed by the Paterson Board of Education.
Resolution No. C-22
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District has identified a need to provide transportation for Paterson out-of-district and in-district schools for regular, private non- profit and special education pupils for the 2005-2006 school year; and
WHEREAS, at a bid opening held on August 4, 2005 sealed bids were received by the Transportation Department; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board of Education ratifies the action of the State Business Administrator in awarding the bid contracts to:
Route# Destination Contractor Total Per Diem P1F School #1 Laidlaw $226.00 P1G School #1 Murphy Bus $208.00 4K School #4 Murphy Bus $211.00 6H School #6 Murphy Bus $218.00 7BB School #7 Laidlaw $226.00 28T School #28 Laidlaw $226.00 28U School #28 Murphy Bus $223.00 28V School #28 Station Wagon $213.50 28W School #28 Trans Ed $177.00 NS10 Norman S. Weir Station Wagon $210.00 AHA6 Alexander Hamilton Murphy Bus $222.00 EHS3 Eastside HS Scholastic $115.70 NRC1 New Roberto Clemente Murphy Bus $213.00 D17 Dale Avenue Scholastic $142.79 KM42 Martin Luther King Trans Ed $88.00 KD47 Dale Avenue Jiggetts $95.00 KD30 Dale Avenue Jiggetts $95.00 KD49 Dale Avenue Trans Ed $148.00 KHS3 John F. Kennedy Trans Ed $148.00 KHS4 John F. Kennedy Trans Ed $148.00 ACA3 All Can Excel Murphy Bus $232.00 ACA4 All Can Excel Rudco $238.50 ACA5 All Can Excel Rudco $238.50
Page 52 10/12/05 DRN2 Deron II Murphy Bus $227.00 NBG3 New Beginnings Scholastic $90.70 LLC2 Lakeview Learning Center Scholastic $222.00 GLV1 Glenview Academy Murphy Bus $236.00 GRS1 Gramon School Scholastic $176.70 WST1 Washington South Murphy Bus $211.00 MLS1 Mountain Lakes HS Konner $218.36 NBS1 New Bridges Murphy Bus $232.00 FLS1 Felician School Murphy Bus $192.00 HPS1 High Point School Scholastic $160.70 6MP Midland Park HS Trans Ed $122.00 SKY1 Hilltop & Skylands Scholastic $201.00 WA6 Windsor Academy Trans Ed $164.00 WA7 Windsor Academy Scholastic $198.00 WA8 Windsor Academy Scholastic $208.00 WA9 Windsor Academy Murphy Bus $211.00 CAL1 Calais School Murphy Bus $266.00 PP6 Passaic Prep Murphy Bus $218.00 PP7 Passaic Prep D & M Tours $225.00 WPL1 Windsor School Station Wagon $178.00 BCD1 Bergen Ctr. for Child Dev. Scholastic $221.00
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this action is authorized by the State District Superintendent of Schools and is ratified by the Paterson Board of Education.
Resolution No. C-23
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District has identified a need to provide transportation for Paterson special education, private non-profit, typical and kindergarten pupils to in-district and out-of-district schools; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District ratifies the action of the State Business Administrator in renewing the following contract with Jiggetts Transportation, 24 Washington Avenue, Paterson, New Jersey with an increase of 3.01% for the 2005-2006 school year as follows unless specified with an *:
Route# Destination 05/06 Per Diem Cost P363 St. Mary’s School 132.02 P7A Paterson Catholic 195.75 DP2 DePaul HS 146.93 D11 St. Stevens/Dale 192.39 KG15 Dale 123.85 KG16 Dale 123.85 P59A St. George 143.42 KG26 Dale 105.08 DK5 Dale 132.06 9SH Schools 25, 8 & 3 142.17 PAM1 B & G Club/Alt. Middle 147.72 MHC2 Mary Help Christian 161.94 MHC3 Mary Help Christian 161.94 K39 Dale 121.58 PS1A PS #1 112.06 PS1B PS #1 112.06 PS1C PS #1 112.06
Page 53 10/12/05 UL1 Urban Leadership 83.52 UL2 Urban Leadership 83.52 K42 Martin Luther King 83.52 KH7 John F. Kennedy 83.52 KH8 John F. Kennedy 83.52 SLK1 Silk City 83.18
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the State District Superintendent authorizes this action and the action is affirmed by the Paterson Board of Education.
Resolution No. C-24
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District has identified a need to provide transportation for Paterson out-of-district and in-district schools for regular, private non- profit and special education pupils for the 2005-2006 school year; and
WHEREAS, at a bid opening held on August 29, 2005, sealed bids were received by the Transportation Department; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board of Education ratifies the action of the State Business Administrator in awarding the bid contracts to:
Route# Destination Contractor Total Per Diem STC4 Science & Technology Scholastic $74.00 STC5 Science & Technology Scholastic $82.00 STC6 Science & Technology Trans Ed $63.00 STC7 Science & Technology Trans Ed $63.00 STC8 Science & Technology Trans Ed $63.00 19Q School #19 Rudco $193.50 SSP3 Stop & Shop Scholastic $42.00 GPB1 Gina Bakery Scholastic $56.00 CP18 CP Center Rudco $193.50 CP19 CP Center Jordan $268.95 GWAP George Washington Trans Ed $69.00 NGB4 New Beginnings Station Wagon $129.00 Rejected 2J1 PCTI Laidlaw $200.00 2J2 PCTI Laidlaw $200.00 2J3 PCTI Wagner $196.00
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this action is authorized by the State District Superintendent of Schools and is ratified by the Paterson Board of Education.
Resolution No. C-25
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District has identified a need to provide temporary transportation for special education and typical pupils to in-district and out-of- district schools for the 2005-2006 school year; and
WHEREAS, informal telephone quotes were received by the Transportation Department; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board of Education ratifies the action of the State Business Administrator in awarding a temporary contract to:
Page 54 10/12/05 Route# Destination Contractor Total Per Diem EST9 Science & Technology Jiggetts $75.00 TLK2 Lake Drive Rudco $82.40 TSP1 Academies Scholastic $58.00 TSP2 Academies Scholastic $58.00 TM21 Martin Luther King Scholastic $78.00 ENB5 New Beginnings Station Wagon $140.00 ERP1 Rosa Parks Trans Ed $61.00 TJ11 John F. Kennedy Trans Ed $93.00 TJK9 John F. Kennedy Trans Ed $148.00
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the State District Superintendent authorizes this action and the action is affirmed by the Paterson Board of Education.
Resolution No. C-26
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District has identified a need to provide transportation for Paterson pupils to special education, private non-profit, and athletic programs for the 2005-2006 school year, to in-district and out-of-district schools; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District ratifies the action of the State Business Administrator in renewing the following contracts with Wagner Bus Services, 865 Belmont Avenue, Haledon, NJ 07538 with a 3.01% increase for the 2005- 2006 school year:
Route# Destination 05/06 Per Diem Cost 2KA School #2 215.11 2N School #2 219.91 STR6 STARS 70.17 GF2 Barnert/Great Falls 70.17 1AXL B & G Club 100.94 3HRP HARP GYM 70.17 4HRP HARP GYM 74.48
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the State District Superintendent authorizes this action and the action is affirmed by the Paterson Board of Education.
Resolution No. C-27
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District has identified a need to provide transportation for Paterson special education and kindergarten pupils to in-district and out-of-district schools; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District ratifies the action of the State Business Administrator in renewing the following contracts with Murphy Bus Company, 262 Goffle Road, Hawthorne, NJ 07506, with an increase of 3.01% for the 2005-2006 school year as follows:
Route# Destination 05/06 Per Diem Cost 7B Norman S. Weir 200.08 7F School #7 191.54 14F CP Center 214.82 14G CP Center 214.82
Page 55 10/12/05 61F School #7 196.05 80H School #18 196.63 80I School #18 196.63 14N CP Center 219.52 14R CP Center 151.11 NSW4 Norman S. Weir 193.95 WF1 Wayne Foundation 89.95 STR5 STARS (Tuesday Only) 45.33 EHS2 Eastside High School 91.68 JK10 John F. Kennedy 39.14 K45 Park School 100.95 K46 Park School 100.95 PP2 Passaic Prep 194.69 NMB3 Bleshman School 240.01 ST10 STARS (Tuesday Only) 46.35 BA4 BUILD Academy 91.68 BA5 BUILD Academy 100.95
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the State District Superintendent authorizes this action and the action is affirmed by the Paterson Board of Education.
Resolution No. C-28
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District has identified a need to provide transportation for Paterson special education pupils to in-district schools; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District ratifies the action of the State Business Administrator in renewing the following contracts with Konner Bus Company, 65 Route 46 East, Pine Brook, NJ, with a 3.01% increase for the 2005-2006 school year as follows:
Route# Destination 05/06 Per Diem Cost 20K School #20 220.87 20L School #20 222.01 25B School #25 220.87 28H School #28 222.01 EWK3 Edward Kilpatrick 220.78 30K Martin Luther King 220.78 30L Martin Luther King 222.09 18L School #18 264.69
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the State District Superintendent authorizes this action and the action is affirmed by the Paterson Board of Education.
Resolution No. C-29
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District has identified a need to provide extended school year, out-of-district transportation for special education pupils; and
WHEREAS, the Paterson Public School District has agreed to jointure with other districts through the Passaic County Educational Services Commission and the District agrees to the terms of the contract agreement; and now therefore
Page 56 10/12/05 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Paterson Public School District ratifies the action of the State District Superintendent in approving the contract for the 2005-2006 extended school year; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the total estimated cost of the jointure agreement is as follows:
Route# School Est. Cost Per Route Surcharge 810 Camp JCC 3819.40 114.58 814 Craig Upper School 1520.00 45.60 819 ECLC 3830.00 114.90 836 Linda Mood Bell 410.00 12.30 837 Millburn Reg. Day 1806.81 54.20 841 New Beginnings 2448.76 73.46 860 Ridgefield HS 3532.26 105.96 862 Slocum Skewes 5745.00 172.35 865 St. Joseph’s Blind 2890.00 86.70 869 Venture Therapeutic 3912.50 117.38 875 Willow Glen Academy 3840.00 115.20 COTS Comm. Therapeutic 1900.00 57.00 GODW Godwin School 1853.00 55.59 LAKE Lakeside School 3930.00 117.90 MHPE Memorial School 2231.00 66.93 NHBH New Hope Behav. 4752.00 142.56 WTC1 Woodridge Trans. 1125.22 33.76 USTS Union Street School 1900.00 57.00
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this action is authorized by the State District Superintendent of Schools and is affirmed by the Paterson Board of Education.
Resolution No. C-30
WHEREAS, the following route listed below has been previously approved by the State District Superintendent of Schools and affirmed by the Paterson Board of Education for the 2005-2006 school year; and
WHEREAS, Science Liberty Program was cancelled; and now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that SC1 is cancelled with D & M Tours, 131 Kingston Avenue, Hawthorne, NJ 07506; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this action is authorized by the State District Superintendent of Schools and is ratified by the Paterson Board of Education.
Resolution No. C-31
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the State District Superintendent hereby fixes and determines the amount of money necessary to be appropriated for the use of the public schools for the 2005-2006 school year is four hundred ninety-five million, eight hundred forty-six thousand, two hundred and fifty-three dollars ($495,846,253); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the amount of funds determined to be necessary from local district taxes, exclusive of federal, state, county and other local funds, for the
Page 57 10/12/05 2005-2006 fiscal year is thirty-six million, sixteen thousand, nine hundred seventy-one dollars ($36,016,971) for General Funds; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves submission of the adopted 2005-2006 School District Budget; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the State District Superintendent shall hereby forward to the Commissioner of Education of the State of New Jersey the final budget statement, budget statement certification, form A4F (Certification and Report of School Taxes, 2005-2006 School Year) and supporting documentation as required by statute and code; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the budget is not accepted by the Commissioner of Education, the State District Superintendent has the right to appeal under the provisions of the Administrative Code; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
It was moved by Comm. Atallo, seconded by Comm. Santiago that Resolution Nos. C-1 through C-31 be adopted.
Comm. Atallo: Mr. President, do we have a quorum?
Comm. Brown: I don’t know.
Comm. Atallo: Are there any questions or discussion from Board members regarding fiscal resolutions?
Comm. Vergara: What was that?
Comm. Atallo: C-1 through C-31.
Comm. Vergara: I have a question on C-13. Are we sending a bill to the SCC?
Comm. Atallo: Which one?
Comm. Vergara: On C-13.
Comm. Atallo: C-13 was pulled.
Comm. Vergara: It has been pulled?
Comm. Atallo: I believe that resolution was pulled. Mr. Rottino, maybe you can comment on that for Comm. Vergara.
Mr. Rottino: At the request of the Board of Education the resolution was pulled. We will pay for the public address system, but we will send the bill to the SCC in the hopes of getting compensated.
Comm. Atallo: Very good. For clarification to the public, that dealt with the public address and intercom system at the Norman S. Weir School. That school has been without a functioning system. We have a number of students there who have special needs and in the interest of public safety in the event there is a fire, a bomb scare, or
Page 58 10/12/05 any kind of potential danger there could be we have children with wheelchairs and children that need assistance to get out. It is prudent and responsible. If we had to wait for the SCC, I would be older than Dr. Hodges by that point.
Comm. Hodges: You already are.
Comm. Atallo: That is true. The point is I thank the administration. Let’s get it fixed. Let’s get it done right for our children. Let’s send the SCC a bill and tell them to get off the stick.
Comm. Vergara: I am very happy for Norman S. Weir, especially for the handicapped children. They were in desperate need of that intercom system. On C-12, just for the record, is Schindler the same company who put the elevator in at School #13?
Comm. Atallo: Yes, that is correct.
Comm. Vergara: Thank you.
Comm. Atallo: They got the elevator and what do we get, Comm. Vergara?
Comm. Vergara: The shaft.
Comm. Atallo: That’s right. We got the shaft. Are there any other questions on facilities? I have a number of issues to raise at this time. Under C-1, under the bill list, I have a number of concerns. My first concern is TRC Energy Service. I reviewed the backup bills. The company that was providing the service went bankrupt. I don’t know why we contract with this company. They are an energy management company. They audit energy costs. If you look at what they are charging us, I really don’t believe it is cost effective to pay them in light of the savings we are getting. Some of the savings are common sense. The last one out of the building should turn the lights off. Heating and air conditioning needs to be monitored. That is the role of the facilities department through the chief custodians. That needs to be done. I don’t see the need in retaining this company and I am recommending to the administration that this contract be terminated. I just don’t see the need for that. They did the service this month. Let’s pay them, but let’s wind it up. I just don’t see the point. I have four bills here from the Windsor Learning Center, the Windsor School, the Windsor Prep Inc., and the Windsor Academy. We have four different institutions with the name of Windsor. It is my understanding all four of these are the same institution. Is that correct?
Mr. Rottino: Comm. Atallo, we received a settlement approximately two years ago from the Windsor School. The settlement was forced upon the private school by the Commissioner, the Department of Education, and the Attorney General’s office. The settlement was for over $200,000. Yes, they are all owned by the same corporation, which was approved by the Department of Education. All the students attending have IEPs. As far as I am concerned, it is a legitimate bill for services being provided.
Comm. Atallo: This is my concern. I believe there was an investigation at one time on this school. That was part of the financial settlement, if I am not correct. Isn’t that correct?
Mr. Rottino: They pleaded guilty. It is a completely new administration and ownership.
Comm. Atallo: They pleaded guilty. Well, maybe we can recommend to the administration in order to be prudent that we look at alternative educational programs
Page 59 10/12/05 for the IEPs of those students. There are other institutions other than this school that pleaded guilty regarding what they pleaded guilty to and the financial mismanagement that occurred that we look at alternate educational resources. I think it is a good idea that we do that. Maybe we can get a comment from the Superintendent. Is that something we can do, direct our special services department? Dr. Glascoe, is that something we can do, look at other options?
Dr. Glascoe: Sure. We are always looking at other options.
Comm. Atallo: Okay. But it seems the same people seem to get the same contracts. In light of the fact they did plead guilty, it is still the Windsor School and I am concerned. We need to protect the taxpayers and obviously I want the educational programs of our children to remain a quality program. We need to look at resources that are equal to, if not better. The cost factors here at these schools are very expensive. My other question is on the professional and technical contract for forensic auditing. This month it is over $91,000. I am not saying they did not do the work. I am saying month after month where are we going to go? I think we need to meet. The Board needs to have a workshop on this and determine where we are going to go because forensic auditing is an area I am very familiar with. Chief Spagnola is very familiar with it. It is like an archeological dig. We can go layer upon layer and keep on going forever. This is a very costly process. We would like to get a full comprehensive report since we are paying for this. What have they uncovered? How much more is it going to take to find what we need to find? I think those are important questions. We need to get those important answers for this Board and the taxpayers of this district. I am not saying it is not important we do this. Every dollar we spend on this is money not being spent to educate the children of our city. Is that something we can do?
Dr. Glascoe: Yes.
Comm. Atallo: My next question is of concern. I believe the legal bills are high. This month it is over $115,000 for one firm. I reviewed the backup bills and a lot of this legal work has nothing to do with those pending lawsuits and the civil action we took against those contractors who have defrauded and allegedly defrauded the school district. Some have pleaded guilty to certain criminal matters. But on the civil end we would like to get a full report as to where we are going with that because here we are a year and a half later and we have spent close to $2 million on this. I want to know what the return is for the school district. What are we going to get back? Also, a lot of this has nothing to do with that litigation. This has to do with general counsel work and I believe the Board needs to meet and discuss with the Superintendent the direction that this district wants to go in terms of legal services. I think that calls for a special meeting or a workshop. I have concerns about that. I am not saying the work was not done. I am not saying it was not done professionally. I am saying that in my opinion and judgment, having reviewed this, having worked with districts, having spoken to School Board attorneys who have no interest in doing work in Paterson but have reviewed this, this could be done in a more cost effective way. Once again, every dollar we spend in these ancillary areas are dollars we don’t spend educating the children of Paterson. That is my report on C-1. I would like to comment on C-11. I would like to see that tabled. I am not impressed with the facilities department. I have repeatedly asked month after month and week after week for simple things like American flags going up in the morning and coming down at night. They tell me it is happening. It is not happening. We left the school after we met for the workshop last week and there was the flag in the dark. Everybody saw that. I rode by four of the schools this week and it was not happening. It may sound like a minor point, but if you can't accomplish the simple things then I really have concerns about giving people more complex things to do. It is
Page 60 10/12/05 just something that I think is very important to veteran groups and we should all take it very seriously. The American flag should be respected. It should go up in the morning and come down at night. If it is not going to come down at night you put a light on it. That should be happening and it is not happening. I have been asked to give specifics privately. I will tell the Superintendent the schools I have noticed. I don’t know why they can't get a flag up in the morning and one down in the evening. So that is my concern. That is why I am not going to support C-11. On C-12, I agree with Comm. Vergara. I cannot support that. I think there is the spirit of the law and the letter of the law. The spirit of the law is they were paid a lot of money to do this and they said the warranty expired. I don’t think it is good business just to let it go. Why should we pay them more money? I would rather pay another company to do it just to send them a message that Paterson is not going to be taken advantage of. That is my report and those are my concerns. Thank you very much, Mr. President.
Comm. Vergara: Point of order. Was there a request to table C-11?
Comm. Atallo: Yes, I can't support that.
Comm. Vergara: Do we need a second?
Comm. Atallo: Or C-12.
Comm. Santiago: You said table it or vote it down?
Comm. Vergara: He wants to table it.
Comm. Atallo: I am recommending that we table them for further review.
Comm. Hodges: Mr. Chairman, this resolution was presented to us...
Comm. Atallo: Last month.
Comm. Moody: Last week.
Comm. Hodges: No, no. We have had an ongoing resolution regarding the elevator for months and we have tabled it and tabled it and tabled it. We have moved to get the cheapest possible price. We have looked at other agencies. What is the purpose of tabling it now?
Comm. Atallo: I don’t support this. This company was the original contractor that worked on the elevator and installed the elevator and it was not done properly. The warranty expired. I think it was a one-year warranty. Now they want $54,000 to come back and repair it.
Comm. Hodges: Dr. Atallo, we have explored other options and there is no disagreement about whether or not this is a good company. That is not the issue. Again, this has taken so long we have not been able to find a better price or get a company that wants to touch what is going on there because of past problems. So where do we go at this point?
Comm. Atallo: At this point, I still believe that we should get another company to come in who will do the work. I would rather pay somebody else to do it than to give this company more money after they did the work the first time and let the warranty expire. One year later they say sorry we are gone. This is what happens in Paterson.
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Comm. Hodges: But that was not that simple. Remember, we did not file the appropriate paperwork and things ourselves.
Comm. Atallo: Don’t say we.
Comm. Hodges: Not us, but the district did not.
Comm. Atallo: The district and the administration at the time did not do what they were supposed to do.
Comm. Hodges: Exactly.
Comm. Santiago: Roll call. Let’s just table it.
Comm. Sayegh: Through the Chair, Dr. Atallo?
Comm. Hodges: May I finish my statement? The concern is that the elevator is necessary for those children over there who are handicapped.
Comm. Atallo: I agree.
Comm. Hodges: That is why I am trying to figure out where we are headed with this again.
Comm. Atallo: Mr. Rottino wants to comment.
Mr. Rottino: Excuse me. We went out to bid three times. At the present time, we have two quotes. The present quote is for $54,000. Another company is quoting approximately $69,000. It would be illegal for us to go with the second quote. That is number one. Number two, I fully understand. Again, we are dealing with past history. I assure you we will hire an elevator consultant to monitor the progress of the work and the quality of work to be performed. But for the safety of our children in that building and the convenience for the special education children we have to move ahead. I request that you not pull the motion. If you are dissatisfied with the motion vote negative, but please do not pull the motion.
Comm. Moody: Point of clarification. The money that we are going to pay this low bidder plus the money we are going to pay the consultant to watch over the low bidder would amount to what the second bidder is asking anyway.
Mr. Rottino: No, Commissioner. The consulting fee should be somewhere between $1,800 and $2,500. At this point in time, I would recommend hiring a consultant for whatever company replaces that elevator. Due to the issues in the movement of the soil and the foundation we need that shaft.
Comm. Moody: That is a very touchy issue there.
Comm. Hodges: Extremely.
Comm. Moody: I have talked to employees that were there from the beginning and there are conflicting stories between what the people at the site are saying and what supervisors in our facilities department are saying. There is a big problem. But the fact is, according to the information I have received from the individuals in the school, the
Page 62 10/12/05 contention that the deadline had passed is not true. But the behavior of Schindler is so suspect and so shabby I just can't in good conscience in any way see how we would have them back in to do that elevator. I think that is the most wrong thing I have seen here on this Board. That company should not be awarded a contract under any circumstances.
Comm. Santiago: I defend Comm. Moody. What really turns me off is that this company came into Paterson, made a mistake on this elevator, and all of a sudden we have to pay them even more money so they can come and correct their mistake. But where is the slogan when they state our children? It is not our children. It is their pockets. Therefore, I will not defend this company in any means necessary. If we have to pull it or vote it down, let’s do what we have to do. I will not in any means necessary defend this company.
Comm. Brown: I just have one brief comment to make about this issue. We have talked about this issue for about a year now. I understand all of my colleagues’ concerns, but the bottom line is the law is clear. New construction requires by state code that you have an elevator and have it handicapped accessible. If we vote this down you are going against the state code that requires that any new facility that has an elevator...
Comm. Vergara: The state is the one that let them…
Comm. Brown: Excuse me. If you vote it down you are going against the law that is state code that requires an elevator to be operable in any new facility in our district. I just want to make sure that no matter what challenges we have with Schindler the bottom line is we have to comply with state law and code that there must be an elevator that is operable and handicapped accessible for all children and staff.
Comm. Moody: The law has nothing to do with us awarding Schindler this contract. I disagree with you.
Comm. Brown: With all due respect, we have had this conversation. We have debated the issue. I don’t care who the company is. By law we have to have an elevator operating in that building and right now this is before us.
Comm. Taylor: I have spoken about this one quite a number of times. I am going to go with this one. I am going to say okay for this because we did not do our homework and we did not keep our paperwork. Dr. Glascoe knows this because I have said this before. If you don’t have your paper trail and you cannot back up what you say, what you think you should be saying, then you don’t have any legal grounds to stand on. Now, I don’t want this company any more than anyone else. I would not want them back in here, Comm. Moody. I don’t want them back in here because I understood from the schools that from the first week our elevator did not operate. I understood that. So right away the SCC should have called in the people who put in that elevator but they did not. We did not keep in step with them and then they left the district and it was over. After I don’t know how many people came to us we tried to follow the footsteps of that elevator and we could not find paperwork for it. But I am telling you that the school needs the elevator. I don’t want to give it to them. But let me tell you something. Nobody wants to touch the work that they already did. That is why we can't get another elevator company in here. No other elevator company wants to bid on something and this is one of the top-notch elevator companies, I understand. And they came here and did a sloppy job in Paterson and left us with it. It is not even going to the third floor. It is not going very high and they made a mess of it. But I am saying to you I want to get
Page 63 10/12/05 this over with. Let’s put the elevator in and let’s never try to get this elevator company back in here again.
Comm. Spagnola: I’d like to address this entire matter. I am a little suspect on paperwork missing. I am a little suspect on everything. Let’s vote it in. Let’s get them back here. Let’s take care of the elevator shaft. How do we pay them? Do we pay them up front or after the work is done?
Comm. Taylor: Don’t pay them up front.
Mr. Rottino: It is against the law to prepay any services or activities for the Board of Education.
Comm. Taylor: We have.
Comm. Spagnola: We pay them after it is over.
Mr. Rottino: At completion.
Comm. Spagnola: Why don’t we get this done for the children in that school, then we will work on it as it is being done. We will keep an eye on it. Let’s get it done. Enough already. We will put these people back there. They are responsible for it. Let’s get an elevator there. We did not have one since they were there, then we will see about them getting paid. We will take a vote on that.
Mr. Rottino: Excuse me. We cannot pass a motion with that contingency.
Comm. Spagnola: No, of course not. That is not a contingency. They are going to get paid when they get done with the job.
Comm. Vergara: I just want to state that I agree with Mr. Moody and Ms. Taylor. I don’t want to deal with this company either. I think they ripped off not only the district, but also most of all our children. But it is a state law and right now there are handicapped children at School #13. They are the ones who are suffering. They are the ones who have to take the steps up and down and the teachers have to deal with it also. So just to think that the kids are going through that we are going to have to go ahead with it and at the same time monitor what they do along the way.
Comm. Spagnola: Exactly.
Comm. Santiago: They say sometimes you have to think before you talk. But let me tell you something, Comm. Vergara and Comm. Brown. You guys are like brothers to me and I am really happy that you acknowledge that it is state mandatory about the elevator. But we must acknowledge something. We must acknowledge that it is state mandatory. I don’t have a problem with that. The kids need the elevator. But I must send a message to the state. The state has failed this district. We still have missing schools, missing supplies, and missing items in this district. We can comply with the state but they can't comply with us. They cannot comply with us, so enough is enough. Let’s start sticking together and stay strong because there are a lot of games being played here now. There are a lot of games being played behind the scenes.
Comm. Atallo: I agree with Comm. Santiago. You stated it very well. I agree with Comm. Spagnola. I am very upset with what was done. I am very suspect when paperwork is missing. We have a new administration. It is a new day and it is a new
Page 64 10/12/05 way to document and maintain proper records. I have great respect for Mr. Rottino, so if he is recommending we do this let’s get this done. I am not happy about it. But I think one of the things we should do is we belong to an organization called the New Jersey School Boards Association, which represents every School Board in the State of New Jersey. I would request through the administration that we send a letter expressing our concerns. There has got to be a Better Business Bureau that we can contact as well. That list that has Olympic Windows, they are no longer allowed to do business in New Jersey.
Comm. Taylor: He should be on it.
Comm. Atallo: We should let this company know our displeasure. If I were the head of the Schindler Elevator Company, I would come back and make sure the elevator was properly repaired. I would not charge the district of Paterson because I would do it on the basis of business good will. They did not do it right the first time and they said you lost your paperwork. They should make good. A good businessman is a responsible businessperson. A responsible businessperson does it right. If they don’t do it right the first time, they come back and repair it and make it good. The safety of our children always comes first. We need an elevator in the building. I will reluctantly support it, but we need to hold them accountable.
Comm. Spagnola: Can we have a vote?
It was moved by Comm. Atallo, seconded by Comm. Santiago that Resolution Nos. C-1 through C-31 be adopted, with the exception of C-11, which is to be tabled.
Ms. Williams: Is this with the tabling of C-11?
Comm. Vergara: Are we tabling C-11?
Comm. Atallo: Yes.
Comm. Brown: Can we clarify for the record what we are voting on, please?
Comm. Atallo: As the Chairman of the finance committee, I am recommending that we vote on C-1 through C-31 and that we table C-11.
Comm. Hodges: Mr. President, what is the impact of tabling C-11?
Mr. Rottino: C-11 will assist the facilities department to monitor the 52 buildings that we occupy to keep track of snow removal, the delivery of custodial supplies, generate work orders, and have a running record on a computer of all our work orders. We could set up priority lists. It will be a tremendous benefit, especially during the summer breaks and the holiday breaks, to accomplish work orders that we put off on a daily basis due to emergencies. We have emergencies, especially with this type of weather and winter approaching, on an hourly basis not daily basis. This will assist in prioritizing the work orders. Thank you.
Comm. Hodges: Is there a cost to delay implementation?
Mr. Rottino: As a matter of record, many of the other Abbott districts such as Jersey City, Passaic, Newark, Trenton, Camden, and many other large districts implement this software package. It is an efficiency piece for us. That is what it comes down to.
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Comm. Hodges: I am trying to figure out how best to approach this. Certainly, I know that the newly formed facility committee would like an opportunity to talk about some of these issues. However, we don’t want to delay needed preventative maintenance and implementation of a work order system, which we all know is long overdue. So I am concerned a delay in that will be of detriment to the district.
Mr. Rottino: It is going to take approximately four to eight weeks to implement once we approve it. That will take us into November or December. It should be ready for early spring if we approve it this evening. When you go to your New Jersey School Boards meeting on the convention for this corporation, we will provide you with samples of its software. It has a hands-on booth where you can actually input information and walk away with various pamphlets and references.
Comm. Taylor: Am I to understand that this is a computer-generated program that someone in the district has to learn how to do?
Mr. Rottino: There is training involved. There is inputting by the corporation for each building and it will generate work orders. Once we reach a stage it will be possible to have the principals or the head custodian in each building actually input from the building the work order.
Comm. Taylor: Do we have anyone on staff now that knows how to do computers that efficiently?
Mr. Rottino: No. That is why there is a training piece involved.
It was moved by Comm. Brown, seconded by Comm. Sayegh that Resolution Nos. C-1 through C-31 be adopted.
Comm. Taylor: Wait a minute. We had a motion on the floor.
Comm. Vergara: We had a motion on the floor.
Comm. Brown: Exactly. I just amended the main motion. By amending the main motion, I included all of the items instead of extracting C-11. Now, if you don’t want to support it you can just vote it down rather than voting no on C-1 through C-31 to support it.
Comm. Vergara: Very good, Mr. President.
Comm. Brown: Do we have any further discussion?
Comm. Vergara: Yes. I just want to say that it would only be fair for the facilities committee, who has not met yet, to maybe meet and review this a little more thoroughly. But let’s go with your recommendations.
On roll call all members voted as follows:
Comm. Atallo: I vote yes on C-1 through C-31, with the exceptions that I made on the bill list from C-1. Those need to be reviewed. I vote to table C-11.
Comm. Moody: Point of order. Isn’t the motion on the floor to...
Page 66 10/12/05 Comm. Sayegh: Include?
Comm. Brown: That is correct.
Comm. Taylor: That was the amendment.
Comm. Brown: You cannot extract items at this time, Dr. Atallo. I made an amendment to your main motion.
Comm. Moody: We did not vote on that amendment.
Comm. Atallo: Then I will vote no on C-1 and I will vote yes on the remainder, with the exception of C-11.
Comm. Brown: I’m sorry. You are absolutely correct. We need a roll call first on the amendment to the main motion.
On roll call all members voted as follows on the amendment to the main motion:
Comm. Atallo: I vote yes on the amendment.
Comm. Hodges: Yes on the amendment.
Comm. Moody: Yes.
Comm. Santiago: Yes.
Comm. Sayegh: Yes.
Comm. Spagnola: Yes.
Comm. Taylor: Yes.
Comm. Vergara: Yes.
Comm. Brown: Yes.
The motion carried.
On roll call all members voted as follows on the amended motion, Resolution Nos. C-1 through C-31:
Comm. Atallo: I vote yes on C-1, with the exceptions that I mentioned earlier. I vote yes on the remainder through C-31, with the exception of C-11. I vote to table C-11 and to send it back to the facility committee for review.
Comm. Hodges: I think we can review the system on C-11 as to whether or not it is already implemented. I think we need to get going so I vote yes on C-2 through C-31. I do have concerns about the Windsor group and I will vote no on that one.
Ms. Williams: On the entire C-1?
Comm. Hodges: Yes on C-1, except for the Windsor School. I continue to have questions on that myself.
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Comm. Moody: I vote yes with the exception of C-12. Under no circumstances do I support Schindler. There is no way. No.
Comm. Santiago: On C-1, C-11, and C-12 I vote no. Everything else is yes.
Comm. Sayegh: Yes.
Comm. Spagnola: On C-1 through C-31 I vote yes. On C-11 I vote no.
Comm. Taylor: On C-1 no on the Windsor part of the billing that we had. I need to go over that some more. Yes for the rest.
Comm. Vergara: I vote no on Windsor also. I vote no on C-11. On C-12 the law is the law. There are no handicapped children there and we can't find somebody else to come in. My vote is yes on that. No on C-11 and no on Windsor.
The motion carried, with the exception of the Windsor bills.
Comm. Brown: Yes. Excuse me, point of clarification. I want to refer to legal for a second. I believe that when all items are on the table you have to vote the single item down. You cannot extract an item out of... I will refer to legal. I will ask legal if that is possible.
Comm. Hodges: Mr. President, if I may, we had extensive conversations about this.
Comm. Brown: I don’t recall.
Comm. Santiago: I think they made a mistake.
Comm. Hodges: I think you are in error, Mr. President.
Comm. Atallo: We have had extensive discussions on this and I believe that Dr. Hodges is correct.
Comm. Brown: Can I have a legal opinion, please? I will take back my earlier comments. We will challenge that later.
Mr. Rottino: I would like to address TRC for the Board’s information. The company performs an analysis of our gas bills each month and this data is calculated for us to receive a rebate from the public utilities, the public service in this case, which amounts to approximately $600,000 per year as rebate. This rebate program will discontinue in the near future. That is when the contract with TRC will terminate. So it is an important factor and we actually are going to have a double impact. Not only are we going to lose the rebate, but we are also going to see a 20% to 25% increase in our utility gas use cost for the winter months. Thank you.
Comm. Atallo: I would like to ask Mr. Rottino a question. There have been a significant number of people hired in the facilities department over the last year. Obviously a number were hired prior to you or Dr. Glascoe coming on board. But doesn’t anybody in that department have the assignment to monitor our utility usage so we can apply for the rebate ourselves? Do we need to pay a company? If I am correct, looking at the backup sheets, this company is charging us approximately $17,000 a month for their services. Isn’t that correct?
Page 68 10/12/05
Mr. Rottino: You are correct.
Comm. Atallo: So it is $17,000 a month to get the rebate. We are paying them almost what we are getting back. Obviously we are getting back more than what we are paying, but can’t we have someone on our staff trained to follow up on the rebate to get that money back for the district? Do we have to pay somebody $200,000 a year to do this? It seems like a lot of money.
Mr. Rottino: Due to the fact that the rebate will be discontinued in the near future, it would not be logical to train someone for the one or two months that remain.
Comm. Atallo: Once again, this was done prior to your coming on board and prior to Dr. Glascoe coming on board. This is why we are so sensitive to the history of this district. We want to educate the community as to what is going on. We are paying some company $17,000 a month to monitor what we should get back in utility rebates. So for $204,000 a year, which is what it comes out to, we could hire someone for much less, train them to do this, and have that additional savings in money for the district that could be used for the education of our children. We say there are no supplies, and Comm. Santiago and Comm. Spagnola made those points. We are short on supplies and we are short on a number of things in this district. That would go a long way towards providing those resources. That is what I am saying in terms of planning. I agree it is a new day. We cannot dwell on the past. But we have to continue to remember what our past has been. That is why we raise these issues continuously. Dr. Glascoe and Mr. Rottino are new, but we have raised the issue and administrators would say you keep bringing up the same issue each month. Yes, but it has never been addressed. We will continue to raise the issues until those issues are addressed each month and we need to be vigilant. Thank you.
Items Not Requiring a Vote
PERSONNEL
06-A429. Approved compensation for staff of HARP/MPACT Academies attending CES Summer Trek, from August 8-10, 2005, at an amount not to exceed $5,000.00:
Jon Kliegman Mildred Miller Lecia Minor Elaine Rowin Carol Kane
06-A430. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Milene Loyola Guid. Cnslr./No. 15 $46,371 9/12/05
06-A431. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Arlenny Garcia Tchr./No. 13 $42,671 9/1/05
06-A432. Approved consultant contract with Center for Effective School Practices at Rutgers University to provide professional development in the infusion of
Page 69 10/12/05 technology into language arts literacy instruction at School No. 10, from July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006, in the amount of $45,000.00.
06-A433. Approved appointment of Aida Marin as Food Service Substitute, at a salary of $6.75 per hour, effective September 1, 2005.
06-A434. Approved continued employment of staff according to the procedures and guidelines of New Jersey Youth Corps grant funds, for the 2005-2006 school year:
Ralph Colognori Maureen Havlusch Kenneth Reilly Lorraine Zoeller John Rizzo
06-A435. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Wendy Neckl Tchr./No. 1 $42,671 9/19/05
06-A436. Approved appointment of Tomas Aruao as Food Service Substitute, at a salary of $6.75 per hour, effective September 1, 2005.
06-A437. Approved service contract with Try Us Health Care Services, to provide nursing services for special education student, from July 1 through August 12, 2005, at an amount not to exceed $2,736.00.
06-A438. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Renee Lambkin Cafe. Monitor/No. 21 $7.50/hr. 9/1/05
06-A439. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Roxana Ruiz Cafe. Monitor/ELC $7.50/hr. 9/1/05
06-A440. Approved compensation for staff assisting in registration and clerical duties at Community Forums, from September 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006, at an amount not to exceed $2,500.00:
Annette Huntley Cresie Diaz Yomara Sanchez Lisa Brown Doreen Stephens Sharon Re’Voal
06-A441. Approved compensation for Craig Redmond as Band Percussions Instructor at BRAVO Academy, for the 2005-2006 school year, at an amount not to exceed $3,000.00.
06-A442. Approved compensation for staff of BUILD Academy for attending G. Lavorator training, at an amount not to exceed $2,376.00:
Maximiliano Alvarez Florencio Moran Esperanza Anastasio
Page 70 10/12/05 06-A443. Approved internal transfer for Ava Moldoff, teacher at School No. 21, from grade 2 to grade 5, effective September 1, 2005.
06-A444. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Doris Torres Inst. Asst./MLK Inst. Asst./No. 10 9/1/05
06-A445. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Angela Esposito Tchr./No. 14 $43,171 9/1/05
06-A446. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Yajaira Acevedo Inst. Asst./No. 14 $28,370 9/1/05
06-A447. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Coretta Lawrence Tchr./No. 20 Lit. Coach/DSS 9/1/05
06-A448. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Brian Halsey Tchr./SBA-PSA $42,671 9/8/05
06-A449. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Hafiz Saleem Tchr./EHS $46,371 9/1/05
06-A450. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Norma Hernandez Tchr./No. 15 $44,171 9/26/05
06-A451. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Tracy Lotto Tchr./No. 2 $44,171 9/1/05
06-A452. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Jeffrey VanEsselstine Tchr./SBA-PSA $42,671 9/1/05
06-A453. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Carey Wilson SCL-Stud. Attend./ $10.50/hr. 9/1/05 EHS $25 travel stipend
Page 71 10/12/05 06-A454. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Felix Gil Tchr./No. 28 Tchr./NSW 9/1/05
06-A455. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Kathleen Kellett Act. Principal/JFKHS $1,000/month 8/29/05 stipend
06-A456. Approved hiring Rosalyn Sole as Interim Principal at School No. 5 until a principal is hiring, effective September 1, 2005, at a rate of $495.00 per day.
06-A457. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Rocco Rinaggio Central Stores Manager $55,000 9/12/05
06-A458. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Mercy Cody Tchr./No. 2 $49,871 9/1/05
06-A459. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Frances Ermi Tchr./BUILD Academy $46,371 9/1/05
06-A460. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Christopher Douglas Tchr./No. 15 $46,371 9/12/05
06-A461. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Tiffany Frazier Tchr./No. 1 $43,171 9/1/05
06-A462. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Tiaheshia Nero Tchr./No. 28 $42,671 9/19/05
06-A463. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Michele Moya Inst. Asst./MLK $33,377 11/1/05
06-A464. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Frances Benna Inst. Asst./SBA $26,849 9/1/05
Page 72 10/12/05
06-A465. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Eveline Serrano Secretary/No. 29 $29,346 9/12/05
06-A466. Approved compensation for Marva Hinds as counselor at Silk City Academy, on July 5, 6, 11, 2005, at an amount not to exceed $594.00.
06-A467. Approved compensation for John Bodoky as Interim Supervisor of Central Stores, from April 1 through September 9, 2005, in the amount of $4,500.00.
06-A468. Approved restoring the increment for Molly Rubin retroactive to September 1, 2004, as required by arbitration award.
06-A469. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Mary Wilson Cafe. Monitor/No. 6 $7.50/hr. 5/16/05
06-A470. Approved substitute teacher applicants:
Rosalyn Alonso John Antonucci Justina Anziani Blanca Castro Mercedes Encalada Lisa Epps Ronald Genardi Nasreen Khurshid Monica Laynes Joanna Llinas Richele Neal Mirja Paula Cesar Rivero Michelle Smiley Christine Sponzilli Latrisa Weaver
06-A471. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date John Bodoky Rec. Analyst/ Rec. Analyst/ 9/1/05 Tech. Dept. Cen. Stores
06-A472. Approved compensation for part time instructional and support staff according to the guidelines of Adult Education funds, for the 2005-2006 school year, at an amount not to exceed $187,632.00:
Layla Abayhan David Calizaya Noha Elashri Bassima Mustafa Yolanda Ravelo Jesse Anderson Nellie Jenkins Nikki Kreitz Patsy Lynch Alejandro Profet Patricia Valenzano Francis Botti Maria Cefalo Lorraine DeAngelo Barbara Fadul-Cheon Miguel Londono Audrey Mocco Jose Rivera Imelda Rodriguez Sheila Chlupsa Barbara Dardia Edward Korzinek Wilma Sanchez Phyllis Sklar
Page 73 10/12/05 Chris Toomey Vilma Carra Nza Enrique Lorenzo Gloria Nazario Eugenia Ortega Candido Vilas Fran Dransfield Tracy Vina
06-A473. Approved compensation for part time instructional staff according to the guidelines of Foreign Born funds, for the 2005-2006 school year, at an amount not to exceed $5,434.00: (Paul Fontanella)
06-A474. Approved compensation for part time instructional staff according to the guidelines of Foreign Born funds, for the 2005-2006 school year, at an amount not to exceed $4,474.00: (Lynn Tarant)
06-A475. Approved compensation for part time instructional staff according to the guidelines of Integrated English grant funds, for the 2005-2006 school year, at an amount not to exceed $3,944.00: (Lorraine Zoeller)
06-A476. Approved compensation for part time examiners and proctors according to the guidelines of GED Testing WIB funds, for the 2005-2006 school year, at an amount not to exceed $56,300.00:
Bruce Corrado Bruce LeCount Kathleen Rumsby Samuel Toro Jennifer Valentin
06-A477. Approved compensation for part time examiners and proctors according to the guidelines of GED Testing WIB funds, for the 2005-2006 school year, at an amount not to exceed $15,552.00:
Ivonne Maldonado Raymond Pender
06-A478. Approved compensation for part time instructional staff according to the guidelines of Adult Basic Skills grant funds, for the 2005-2006 school year, at an amount not to exceed $17,316.00: (Mary Orbegozo)
06-A479. Approved compensation for part time support staff according to the guidelines of Adult Basic Skills grant funds, for the 2005-2006 school year, at an amount not to exceed $8,190.00: (Vivian Valentin)
06-A480. Approved compensation for part time instructional staff according to the guidelines of Adult Basic Skills funds, for the 2005-2006 school year, at an amount not to exceed $4,080.00: (Mary Ann Somesla)
06-A481. Approved leaves of absence:
Name Location Eff. Date Type Danielle Dittmer Tchr./No. 13 9/30/05-3/31/06 Fam./Mat. 4/1/06-6/30/06 Childcare
Lisa Faris Tchr./MLK 9/1/05-6/30/06 Childcare
Vidal Olivo Tchr./IHS 9/1/05-6/30/06 Rescind Personal
Page 74 10/12/05 Kara Rice Tchr./No. 1 9/1/05-6/30/06 Fam./Med.
06-A482. Approved leaves of absence:
Name Location Eff. Date Type Janet Green Sec./EA&C 10/12/05-11/1/05 Fam./Mat.
Alicia Medina Fd. Serv./No. 18 9/1/05-9/9/05 Personal
Danielle Navarro Inst. Asst./No. 15 9/1/05-12/31/05 Personal
Raul Quispe Inst. Asst./No. 15 9/1/05-12/31/05 Personal
06-A483. Approved returning staff to active employment:
Name Location Eff. Date Katherine Benevento Tchr./No. 15 9/1/05
Priscilla Campagna Tchr./No. 21 9/1/05
Ailyn Costa Tchr./JFKHS 9/1/05
Betsy Diaz Tchr./No. 4 9/1/05
Jennifer Dickson Tchr./No. 6 9/1/05
Blanca Godinez Tchr./No. 15 9/1/05
Karen Gonzalez Tchr./No. 3 9/1/05
Laura Hope Tchr./No. 25 9/1/05
Colleen Kelly Tchr./No. 5 9/1/05
Howard Kline Tchr./No. 12 9/1/05
Cedenia McCollum Tchr./JFKHS 9/1/05
Theresa Oates Tchr./No. 9 9/1/05
Patricia Spiliotopoulos Tchr./HARP Academy 9/1/05
06-A484. Approved returning staff to active employment:
Name Location Eff. Date Yomari Liz Sec./No. 6 9/1/05
Lakeim McKoy Pers. Aide/JFKHS 9/1/05
Regina Moore Inst. Asst./No. 13 9/1/05
Doris Torres Inst. Asst./MLK 9/1/05
Bondell Webb Inst. Asst./JFKHS 9/1/05
Page 75 10/12/05
06-A485. Accepted resignations/retirements:
Name Location Eff. Date Type Tekeema Allen Tchr./ULA 8/17/05 Resignation
Stephanie Bradshaw Tchr./No. 2 8/17/05 Resignation
Constance Cumbo Tchr./EHS 8/17/05 Resignation
Virginia Cheung Tchr./No. 26 8/22/05 Resignation
Richard Derkacs Tchr./MLK 8/17/05 Resignation
Monica Douyon Tchr./No. 20 8/17/05 Resignation
Neyda Evans Tchr./No. 2 8/17/05 Resignation
Rhoda Goteh Tchr./No. 9 1/1/06 Retirement
Jane Janovsky Tchr./SCA 8/17/05 Resignation
Joanne Marotta Nurse/No. 25 8/17/05 Resignation
Thomas McCaffery Tchr./No. 18 8/23/05 Resignation
Elley Meiliker Tchr./No. 13 7/1/06 Retirement
Lindsay Miller Tchr./No. 4 8/17/05 Resignation
Michelle Pappolla Tchr./No. 29 8/17/05 Resignation
Erica Rosedietcher Tchr./No. 21 8/17/05 Resignation
Renee Thigpen Tchr./No. 21 8/1/05 Resignation
Jamie Utitus Tchr./AHA 8/23/05 Resignation
06-A486. Accepted resignations/retirements:
Name Location Eff. Date Type Anwar Al-Haddawi Doctor/Nursing Servs. 9/15/05 Resignation
Fermina Delgado Food Services 8/18/05 Resignation
Taffalyn Drakeford Sec./DAS 9/1/05 Resignation
Mary Ford Accountant./Cen. Off. 6/1/05 Dis. Retirement
Marisabel Ramos Food Services 8/18/05 Resignation
Ana Teves Food Services 9/1/05 Resignation
Elizabeth Tobdzic Registrar/EHS 10/1/05 Retirement
Page 76 10/12/05
William Vacca Chief Cust./DBS 8/15/05 Resignation
Mamie Wilcox Food Services 1/1/05 Dis. Retirement
06-A487. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Maria Cobian Sec./SCA Sec./H.R. 8/29/05
06-A488. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Laura Ronayne Principal/No. 16 $108,470 9/6/05
06-A489. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Matthew Weiner Tchr./No. 20 $46,871 9/1/05
06-A490. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Heru Keonte Tchr./BUILD Academy $42,671 9/1/05
06-A491. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Blair Seidler Tchr./JFKHS $42,671 9/1/05
06-A492. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Pierina Loffredo Specialist/Assess. Dept. $38,835 9/15/05
06-A493. Approved appointing Betty Speights as Senior Accountant, responsible for supervision and evaluation of all grant staff involved with grant accounting and budgeting, effective September 1, 2005, at an increase of $5,000.00.
06-A494. Approved compensation for staff working in the Paterson Community Learning Center Summer Program at Schools 6 and 10, for an additional 14 hours:
Kanene Henry Antoinette Young Evangeline Marcelin
06-A495. Approved compensation for part time instructional and support staff according to the guidelines of Adult High School funds, for the 2005-2006 school year, at an amount not to exceed $135,153.00:
Richard Garafalo Nora Hoover John Rizzo Mark Sherman Alexander Alvarez Shirl Burns David Campe Dewitt Evering
Page 77 10/12/05 Paul Giglio Pamela Hance Vincent Napoleone Thomas Popewiny Areli Chavez Anita Kajajian Michael McMahon Kenneth Reilly Susan Ronga Susan Whittsell
06-A496. Approved compensation for part time support staff according to the guidelines of Adult Education funds, for the 2005-2006 school year, at an amount not to exceed $19,068.00:
Catarina Cefalo Lucia Cefalo Ada Fernandez
06-A497. Approved compensation for part time support staff according to the guidelines of Adult Education funds, for the 2005-2006 school year, at an amount not to exceed $11,171.00:
David Maldonado Donald West
06-A498. Approved payment of unused accumulated vacation days, as per policy, to the following employee:
Name Days Anthony Infante 5
06-A499. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Michelle Clements Tchr./SBA $42,671 9/1/05
06-A500. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Axel Perez Tchr./EHS $42,671 9/1/05
06-A501. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Christine Ring Tchr./No. 18 $42,671 9/1/05
06-A502. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Jay Hagedorn Tchr./EHS $42,671 9/26/05
06-A503. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Allison Jenkins Tchr./DAS $42,671 9/12/05
06-A504. Approved compensation for staff of Eastside High School working during the summer, at an amount not to exceed $792.00:
Mary Landowski Evelyn Marquez
Page 78 10/12/05
06-A505. Approved service contract with Try Us Health Care Services, to provide (LPN) nursing services for special education student, from September 6, 2005 through June 21, 2006, at an amount not to exceed $40,768.00.
06-A506. Approved rescinding non-renewals for emergency certificated staff for the 2005-2006 school year:
Helida DiGiacomo John Johnson Roger Sangster
06-A507. Approved returning staff to active employment:
Name Location Eff. Date Vidal Olivo Tchr./I.H.S. 9/1/05
06-A508. Approved processing payment of accumulated days for retired employee:
Name No. of Days Nelida Jenkins 21 Edith Kaplan 56 Shirley Maultsby 40 Buena McDaniel 93.5 Anna Vannatta 90
06-A509. Approved substitute teacher applicants:
Kenneth Ford Lauretta Gouraige Natasha Gross Karina Guaman Peter Kowalcyk Louise Lynch Hasan Muheisen Judith Sanjurjo Young Suh Marcus Thompson
06-A510. Approved removing non-certificated/part time former employees from the Edu-Met System due to resignations, deaths, and no payroll history:
Melissa Aquino Julian Cabrera Macolm Donastrog Jalvon Jackson Eugene Melton Marcus Saunders Rashae White Blanca Campechano Eusebia Reyes Penny Torres Ilsa Figueroa Migdalia Rivera Ella Vanorden Jeanette DeGregorio Zuhra Khalil Joseph Jackson Madeline Martinez Celeste Acosta Adriana Gil Maribelle Gonzalez Kelly Harper Debra Reynolds
06-A511. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Pauline Warren Pers. Aide/RPHS Pers. Aide/No. 2 9/1/05
Page 79 10/12/05 06-A512. Approved internal transfers for School No. 19 for the 2005-2006 school year:
Martha Mazzone Ronald Esquiche Helida DiGiacomo
06-A513. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Boris Simon Vice Principal/No. 20 $75,300 9/1/05
06-A514. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Raul Guzman Tchr. Asst. to Prin./EHS $57,702 9/1/05
06-A515. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Hilary Lambert Tchr./No. 25 $44,171 9/1/05
06-A516. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Diane Bolchune Tchr./No. 21, BUILD Acad. $42,671 9/1/05
06-A517. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Jane Slutsker Tchr./PSA $46,371 9/15/05
06-A518. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Paul Messino Tchr./No. 20 $46,171 9/1/05
06-A519. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Juana Quispe Cafe. Monitor/AHA $7.50/hr. 9/1/05
06-A520. Approved compensation for Henrry Lucanas as Assistant Soccer Coach at Eastside High School, for the fall athletic season, beginning November 24, 2005, at an amount not to exceed $5,200.00.
06-A521. Approved compensation for Kimberly Smith as Head Color Guard Advisor at John F. Kennedy High School, at an amount not to exceed $5,430.00.
06-A522. Approved salary increase for School/Community Liaison-Attendance Officers, from $10.50 to $11.00 per hour from September 1, 2005 through August 31, 2006, and $11.50 from September 1, 2006 through August 31, 2007.
Page 80 10/12/05 06-A523. Approved salary adjustment for Emma Kimbrough from Step 4 to Step 6 MA, due to unaccounted years of employment, effective September 1, 2005.
06-A524. Approved rescinding non-renewals for emergency certificated staff for the 2005-2006 school year:
Michael Baker Shi-Kia Carter Thaddeus Chestnut Vaughn Platt
06-A525. Approved list of substitute teachers for the 2005-2006 school year:
Haneen Abeldayem Fatmeh Abdelqader Khitam Abdelqader Muyasar Abderrahim Fayza Abdou Khadija Abdullah Patricia Abdy Sameer Abedrabbo Ana Abreu Fatima Aburmeileh Jessica Accurso Rocio Acosta Jason Adams Souma Adawi Jacqueline Addison Adefunke Adenuga Anamaria Aeonso Alfredo Aguilar Nana Agyeman Sabah Ahmed Shumi Ahmed Zakaria Ahmed Jamal Al Taani Rudaina Al-Dajani Dorothy Alerine Michael Alexander Luz Alfaro Samir Ali Suzan Ali Katie Allen Mounir Almaita Anny Almonte Carmen Almonte Griselda Almonte Jose Almonte Damus Almonza, Jr. Rosalynn Alonso Fausto Alvarez Jacob Amoni Maurice Anderson Noelle Andrea Michelle Angelo Luz Antoniadis Mariela Apaza George Apelis Jodi Apelman Elvia Apgar Yohanny Arakaki Elizabeth Arellano Peter Arguedas Leonor Arias Ivana Aric Kyona Artis Williola Ashley Wahid Assar Micheline Attieh Kimeko Austin-Jones Clarissa Avalos Oscar Avendano June Avignone Mona Awad Rana Ayyash Ghada Baali Hanan Bachkhaz Sounia Bachkhaz Nahed Badawy Reda Baghdadi Latasha Baker Gokhan Balaban Monira Bandli Lashanna Banks Darleene Barnes Denise J. Barrera Juan Barrera Maria Barrera Heidi Barthel Soraya Basyouny Alysia Battista Farhana Begum-Roni Winford Bellamy Vernard Belvin Herbert Berman William Berrios Jenell Best
Page 81 10/12/05 Davvon Bethea Balmukund Bhatt Kozeta Bido Richard Bishop Kenyetta Blackwell Yvette Blair Norma Blasica Kelly Blayer Omari Blythe Diane Bolchune Amanda Bonazzi Lauren Bonora Juana Borbon Carl Borja Juan Borja Linda Botcho Sheldon Braxton William Brezsnyak Eleanor Bridges Eleanor Brockington Kelinda Brown Marlone Brown Gulsun Buday Sheila Burgess Deborah Burton Silvana Bustios Jose Caceres Caren Calafiore-Brock Francine Campbell Natana Campbell Donna Cancel Lisa Candela Elizabeth Cardenas Augusto Carranza Vilma Carranza Bryant Carter Thinsha Carter James Casale Sarita Casasola Diana Castellanos Jose Castillo Maleb Castillo Rquel Castillo Patrick Cecala II Michael Cerchio Cindy Chanda Christi Chapman MD Chowdhury Mustack Chowdhury Dana Christmas Elijah Chukueke Joshua Chuy Laren Ciuppa Edward Clarke Jane Clarke Christine Clive Bricin Coffey Martine Cohello Sara Cohen Garland Collins Loraine Collins Gaudy Colon Hilda Colon Anna Contuzzi Harry Cooper Arthur Corby David Correa Edgar Cruz Luisa Cruz Tonya Custis Thomas Dahab Donna Dalton Fonay Dantzler` Samantha Darden Kristen Dardia Mona David Gladys Davila Bryand Davis Dorothy Davis Fernando De La Cruz Ruth De La Cruz Julia De Las Salas Joselito DeJesus Maria DeJesus Fabian Delahoz La’Donna Delane Jennifer Delcolle Rosalyn Delgado Effieh Denson Harry Desvarieux Alberto Diaz Michelle DiPlano Yolanda Dock David Dragani Victoria Duda Maurice Durose Arthur Eason Hamdy Ibrahim Ebeid Jecemia Echevarria Gerson Echeverry Harrold Edgar Juliana Edwards Shani Edwards Leonor Egusquiza Nurcan Ekici Stacie Ellis Abeer Elsharkawy Samantha Emery
Page 82 10/12/05 Simonetta Erb Sobeida Escorcia Elsa Espejo Belkys Espinal-Acevedo Michael Espinosa Lyonnel Eugene Joana Ezcurra Faeda Faddoul Hassam Fahmy Tahia Fahmy Linburn Farquharson Patrick Fay Rasmiyyah Felician Arianny Feliz Albania Fermin Glenn Fernan Juana Fernandez Nicholas Fierro Juana Figueroa Daisy Flood Cheribel Florencio Pedro Flores Yesenia Flories-Pinos Jose Florian Jean Fontin Nadia Fontin Sherly Fontin Raquel Foote Kishon Foreman Jenny Formentin Kenneth Forte Rosario Franceschi Crystal Franco Alena Frankoski Petrina Frankoski Conseulo Fuentes Allan Gamarra Santiago Gamarra Vincenza Gambino Natalie Gamble AnnaPurna Ganti Carmen Garcia Ladrunda Gary Christina Gearhart Aida Ghaliah Shada Ghazi Quadell Gibson Carlos Gil Jaqueline Gil Andrea Gilispie Aaron Goar Javier Godoy Lucanas Migdalia Gomez Carmen Gonzalez Derlim Gonzalez Glena Gonzalez Xiomara Gonzalez Rosario Gonzalez-Garcia Natasha Gooding Lauretta Gouraige Mitchel Grant Mark Green Owen Green Ronald Gregilovich Pamela Griffin Mervin Griffiths James Grogan Justin Gross Ronald Gross Matthew Grossman Sondra Grossman Anyeris Grullon Yokasha Guillen Aristides Guzman Aura Guzman Diana Guzman Edwin Guzman William Haibach Thanna Haki Marc Hammond Asmaa Hanafy Tanya Haney Melissa Hanson-Saltus Judith Harbatkin Felicia Harkley Alexis Harman Florine Harris Azza Hashem Souhir Hashem Stacey Haynes Elizabeth Heim Lauren Helwig Michael Henzel James Hepperle Rosana Hernandez Juan Herrera William Hicks Chantanette Hill Plinio Hinostroza Courtney Hofmann Lawrence Hopps Murad Hossain Keith Hoyte Colleen Hunter Shannon A. Hutton Shantisha Hynes Hugo Ibanez Danilo Inoa
Page 83 10/12/05 Carla Irusta Darryl Jackson Nicole Jackson Takiyah Jackson Dandis Jacobs Shirley Jacaquette Nicole James Dorothy Jeffress Kevin Jenkins Sebastian Jenkins Ana Joaquin Atteatha Johnson Bette Johnson Stacey-Ann Johnson Domonique Jones Khadija Jones Latoya Jones Yakima Jones Montrise Jordan Myrlaine Joseph Adela Joyce Justine Juba Fadia Juzdan Tara Kane Shakila Kashem Garam Katib Katerina Kearney Matthew Keegan Quashinda Kellam Raymond Kelly Heru Keonte Badrul Khan Fahima Khatun Hedaya Kholief Rakeen King Annette King-Peterson Guzide Kobati Donald Kommit Rosalie Laduca Jenna LaMarca Alan Lamonica David Langford Belkys Lantigua Krista Lau-Munoz Kimerly Lawson Ivan Lee Gary LeProtto Sue Ellen Leshno Kara Leslie Katrina Lewis William Lightner Cynthia Lighty Elaine Lijoi Laiza Lima Andrea Lisa Wynter Lockwood Joseph Loglisci Erik Lopez Jose Lopez Marie Lopez Joshua Louis Judith Louis Alisa Love Michael Lovullo Adrianne Lubrant Henrry Lucanas Louise Lynch Joanne MacDonald Marion Maguire Lina Makao Shakerra Malachi Fernando Maldonado Jose Maldonado Jonathan Mancinelli Antonio Manente Demont Manuel Eustachio Manzo Elly Marco Janneth Marquez Aida Marrero Natoya Marin Rouky Martin Tara Martin Luis Martinez Mildrys Maura Windy Mazzella Mildred McCallum Sara McClam Alvita McDonald Jimmy McDuffie Joanne McDuffie Michael McDuffie Stephanie McDuffie Kavelle McGlashan Cederic McKoy Herman McKoy Regina McLean Quasheena McMillan Nicole McNeilll Gladys Medina Maria Medina Luz Mejia Sandra Melendy Clara Mendoza Ruth Mendoza Ysaac Mendoza Mario Mercado, Jr. Josalin Mercedes
Page 84 10/12/05 Liton Miah Flor Mieses Charles Mignone Rosemary Miller Gemar Mills Victor Minnocci Sanjay Mitchell Bruce Mitchell Doreen Mitchell Rashad Mitchell Amel Mohamed Zakir Mjumder Gary Molnar Ruth Monsterio Maritza Monroig Erica Montgomery Tangela Moore Sandra Morales Harold Morcom Erika Morgenstern Norman Morley Jeffrey Morrow Hayley Morton Tayawn Muckle Jessica Muddel Dawud Muhammad Mohammad Muhit Karen Mullaney Ramon Muriel Abu Musa Suzanne Muscara Fredrick Mutooni Vjollca Myrtaj Gladys Naranjo Ahmed Nassiheddine Kristin Nebus Latoya Nelson Ray Nelson III Leticia Nicho Narilin Nicholas David Nijm Frumiesha Nix Hyacinthe Nkurunziza Shirley Noble Eric Nomafo Juana Noriega Leticia Novoa Gonzalez Adalgiz Nunez Ligia Nunez Jose Nunez-Reynoso Dua Obeidallah Nahla Obeidallah Ezekiel Oguje Segun Ogunbameru Pedro Ojeda Ruth Ortiz Carolina Osorio Vicki Osorio Damiana Pache Joi Paflitzko Suzanne Page Michael Paitchell Sharon Parkes Shirlene Payne Judtih Paz Stephanie Paz Carlos Pena Felipe Peralta Disla Rosemarie Pereira Adalberto Perez Axel Perez Cathy Perez Tamara Perez Jennie Perry Paul Perville John Peterson John Petrozzino Karina Piedra Luz Piedra Paola Piedra Mayra Pinatell Reinaldo Pinos Lynda Pizzali Joseph Polche Elliu Pomales Stephanie Powell Francine Quarg Andres Quesada-Cascante Kaela Quince Reginald Quinerly Steffani Ramirez Veras Mamun Rashid Giovanni Raso Hadiya Razzak Nancy Reading Anthony Reddin Kristin Regina Donata Reilly Jerome Rella Michael Renne Nicole Reynolds Gladys Reynoso Angelina Ricchiuti Josephine Ricciardi Nicole Richardson Jill Riker Hector Rivas Patricia Rivasplata
Page 85 10/12/05 Martha Robalino Kenisha Roberson Edward Roberts Jameel Roberts Quasheema Robinson Tyisha Robinson Giovanna Rocco Tatanisha Rodgers Elsa Rodriguez Jarrod Rogers Robin Roland Jessica Romeo Patrick Ronayne Deycy Rosario Yahaira Rosario Yanneris Rosario Laurie Rose Fidel Rounds Tamica Ruffin Leslie Rugbeer Rsha Sabri Safiyah Sadiq Al-duha Sadat Safforld Evan Said Boris Alazar Clara Salcedo Samira Saleh Ali Salem Naala Salem Nadia Salem Angelina Sallemi Dalora Samuels Vanessa Samuels Victoria Sanabria Jisely Sanchez Leira Sanchez Wendy Santana Jacqueline Santos Locksley Sauders Cris Savkov Kurt Schwartz Antoinetta Schwinn-Levine Margaree Scott Waunita Scott Miguel Sedano Claribel Sepulveda Saba Serin Janet Sewell Turkan Sezen Nagwa Shahin Marta Shanahan Barry Shatz Richard Shaw Dalal Shawa Anila Shehu Nihad Sherifi Sanford Shevack Mashud Sikandar Mark Sikora George Silberman Boris Simon David Simonetti Krystle Singletary Nahum Skelton Tishawn Smikle Jason Smith Lawrence Smith Willie Smith Kenyatta Sneed Anyi Solano Carolynn Solano James Sonzogni Mirtha Sosa JeBarr Spencer Sakeenah Stephens Michele Stephenson Patricia Stephenson Lawanda Strand Jonathan Suero Julia Sullivan-Mangrum Tycey Sumpter Ronald Swede Amal Tahahassanein Rhina Tamayo Julio Tavarez Georgette Tawadrous Felix Tejada Mustafa Tekdemir Rafael Tellez Beverly Thomas Elizabeth Thomas Leon Thomas Sharia Thomas Bernard Thomas-Williams Colleen Thompson Eugene Thurston III Rosamn Tineo Victor Tolo Adrian Tooley Angela Torchia Samuel Toro Waleska Torres Darnie Tranquille Yvonte Tranquille Michael Trommelen Joan Tulloch Mohammed Uddin Carmen Urbaez
Page 86 10/12/05 Benedict Usoro Patricia Uter Robert Vadala Wendy Valdez Mary Valentin Maria Valenzuela Estefania Valera Gladys Valeriano Kathleen Valle Jeffrey Van Esselstine Any Vargas Mireya Vasquez Benjamin Veal Sol Valezquez Andrew Velez Italo Veltri Arturo Vera Kelly Vera Vania Villota Esther Vincent William Visotsky Tilghman Waesche Victoria Waker Sonora Walters Darryl Washington Fred Weinstein Katherine Weygant Rikeisha Whitaker Edwin Whitfield George Whyte Jennifer Wiley Akia Williams Ana Williams Angella Williams Charlotte Williams Eric Williams Giralda Williams Lamar Williams Patricia Williams Vanessa Williams Kimler Williamson Nicholas Willis Monica Wilson Oswald Wilson Gregory Winich Schott Wolfenden Gregory Woods Danielle Woolridge Mark Yacono Wael Yasin Mery Ygarza Shaba York Andrea Young Nadia Zaitsev Giovannie Zambrano Maria Zamorano-De Rivera Jose Zegarra Tourfik Zouabi Victor Zumaeta
06-A526. Approved substitute teacher applicants:
Alisa Camacho Amir Saadah Victor Yabidi Reinaldo Pinos Joseph Fleisswer Mark Maloney
06-A527. Approved submission of appropriate forms for emergent hiring:
Wilnelia Albino Marie Bender MaryJo Bonadonna Alisa Camacho Janice Conte Melissa DeMolli Nicole Ferriola Richard Glueck Jenna Goodreau Keisha Hill Kathryn Kuebler Agustina Medina Joyle Miller Ana Parajon Zacha Quiroga Sherri Rothstein Rozanna Ruiz Madalyn Santos Lyndsay Smart April Thompson Jaclyn Wagniere Eric White Troy Goar Carolyn McCombs Victoria McConnell
Page 87 10/12/05 06-A528. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Janice Green Sp. Lang. Spec./No. 2 Sp. Lang. Spec./NSW 9/1/05
06-A529. Approved internal transfers for School No. 7 for the 2005-2006 school year:
Jerome Smart Roger Sangster
06-A530. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Jimmie Smith Pers. Aide/EHS Pers. Aide/JFKHS 9/6/05
06-A531. Approved creating a position control number for a 5th grade class at School No. 27.
06-A532. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Dolores Clark Tchr./EHS $42,671 9/15/05
06-A533. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Patricia Thompson Inst. Asst./RPHS $27,267 9/26/05
06-A534. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Wanda Blackwell Cafe. Monitor/No. 21 $7.50/hr. 9/22/05
06-A535. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Rochelle Miller Cafe. Monitor/No. 21 $7.50/hr.
06-A536. Approved changing title of Robina Puryear from Acting Chairperson to Department Chairperson at Rosa Parks High School, effective September 1, 2005.
06-A537. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Elizabeth Geron V.P./No. 9 Tchr./No. 6 9/6/05
06-A538. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Joanne Graziano V.P./No. 18 Tchr./No. 15 9/2/05
Page 88 10/12/05 06-A539. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Maggie Dock Guid. Cnslr./No. 14 Guid. Cnslr./ELC, 18 9/1/05
06-A540. Approved internal transfer for Heather Crawford, teacher at School No. 2, from grade 2 to grade 4, effective September 6, 2005.
06-A541. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Maryanne Ibrahim Tchr./DAS Tchr./ECE 9/1/05
06-A542. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Winnifred Johnson Pers. Aide/No. 1 Pers. Aide/DAS 9/1/05
06-A543. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Michelle Howe Tchr./EHS Tchr./RPHS 9/6/05
06-A544. Approved internal transfer for Ferida Itez, teacher at School No. 15, from grade 8 to grade 7, effective September 2005.
06-A545. Approved rescinding non-renewals for emergency certificated staff for the 2005-2006 school year:
Kelvin Quince Hector Reynoso
06-A546. Approved rescinding non-renewal for Alexa Caraballo and change PC# 3017 from Regular/Bilingual Physical Education and Health to read Physical Education/Health.
06-A547. Approved termination:
Name Location Eff. Date Dilia Marquez Cafe. Monitor/No. 24 9/1/05
06-A548. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Boblyn Dobbs Vice Principal/No. 15 $76,091 9/12/05
06-A549. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Sheena McDermott Tchr./No. 15 $48,371 9/26/05
06-A550. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Muhammad Shahbaz Tchr./JFKHS $46,371 9/26/05
Page 89 10/12/05
06-A551. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Gayle Woods Tchr./No. 7 $47,971 9/26/05
06-A552. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Henry Baker Tchr./EHS $43,171 9/15/05
06-A553. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Kristie Lara Tchr./No. 16 $46,871 9/26/05
06-A554. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Michael Henzel Tchr./No. 16 $42,671 9/1/05
06-A555. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Eliu Pomales Tchr./EHS $43,171 9/26/05
06-A556. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Henry Baker Inst. Asst./EHS $28,965 9/05
06-A557. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Myriam Cano Tchr./No. 16 $42,671 9/26/05
06-A558. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Yokasta Perez Cafe. Monitor/No. 8 $7.50/hr. 06-A559. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Scott Rixford Prin./AHA Prin. On Assign./Cen. Off. 9/8/05
06-A560. Approved transfers:
Name From To Eff. Date James Albert Psych./EWK,17 Psych./EWK 9/1/05
Debra Ajimobi Soc. Wrkr./29,14,DAS Soc. Wrkr./9,14,17 9/1/05
Shivoyne Trim Psych./29,14,DAS Psych./29,14,17 9/1/05
Page 90 10/12/05 Lovie Armstrong Tchr./29,14,DAS Tchr./29,14,17 9/1/05
Miriam Vega Soc. Wrkr./3 Soc. Wrkr./3, DAS 9/1/05
Marlene O’Connell Tchr./3 Tchr./3, DAS 9/1/05
Cynthia Sisco Tchr./17, 9 Tchr./7 9/1/05
Aquila Noble Psych./21 Psych./21, DAS 9/1/05
Fred Royster Tchr./NSW, 27 Tchr./NSW 9/1/05
Ronnie Avidon Soc. Wrkr./20 Soc. Wrkr./20, AHA 9/1/05
06-A561. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Nylka Jeffries Tchr./RPHS Tchr./EHS 9/6/05
06-A562. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Beverly Gusler Tchr./7,APA,19,29,1 Tchr./APA,1,19 9/1/05
06-A563. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Frank Funiciello Guid. Cnslr./JFKHS $45,171 10/3/05
06-A564. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Dawn Smith Cafe. Monitor/MLK $7.50/hr. 9/26/05
06-A565. Suspension of employee, with pay.
06-A566. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Nicholas Flattery Business Analyst/ECE $50,000 10/5/05
06-A567. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Debra Dawkins Tchr./JFKHS $51,671 9/26/05
06-A568. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Amal Abd Elhafez Tchr./PPTA $42,671 9/19/05
Page 91 10/12/05 06-A569. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Kenneth Mortensen Tchr./PPTA $52,384 9/19/05
06-A570. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Meredith Hemphill Tchr./No. 8 $43,671 9/21/05
06-A571. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Regina Lipscomb Cafe. Monitor/No. 11 $7.50/hr. 10/3/05
06-A572. Approved restoring increment for Iris Weitzman as per settlement agreement, effective September 1, 2005.
06-A573. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Tia Jackson SCL-Stud. Attend./ $10.50/hr. 10/3/05 No. 28 $25 travel stipend
06-A574. Approved compensation for staff of Eastside High School assisting in registration, from September 6-14, 2005, at an amount not to exceed $15,000.00:
Arlene Clayton Arnez Crockett Mary Pillarella Christine Bussey Emily Mercier Mary Landowski Evelyn Marquez Matilda Sabella Peter DiGiacomo Jeanette Wallace Frances Hennen MaryAnn Louis Matilde Louro Stanley Sumter Jonette Weiss
06-A575. Approved compensation for secretaries of Eastside High School assisting in registration, from September 6-14, 2005, at an amount not to exceed $2,500.00:
Virginia Jackson Sylvia Davis Yuvelky Guerrero
06-A576. Approved compensation for staff of John F. Kennedy High School assisting in registration, from September 6-14, 2005, at an amount not to exceed $10,296.00:
Tanya Greene Jack Abo Marianna Capobianco Norkin Feliz Kristen Heller Kathleen Kelly Kathleen Lederer Alberta Rollins Amalia Wright Berta Tobass Carmen Torres Jeanmarie Orso
Page 92 10/12/05 Christine Pini
06-A577. Approved compensation for registrar and secretaries of John F. Kennedy High School assisting in registration, from September 6-14, 2005, at an amount not to exceed $1,584.00:
Yolanda Gonzalez Chanese Morgan Carmen Del Rio Denise Timmerman
06-A578. Approved compensation for Mark Roland to work in the Apple Care Special Edition Extended Day Program during the 2005-2006 school year, at an amount not to exceed $11,220.00.
06-A579. Approved rescinding non-renewals for emergency certificated staff for the 2005-2006 school year:
Alexa Caraballo Ivan Piedra
06-A580. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Rajeev Vaid Tchr./MPACT Acad. Tchr./SBA 9/1/05
06-A581. Approved termination:
Name Location Eff. Date Thomas Walker Sec. Guard/No. 2 9/9/05
06-A582. Approved change in status for Amy Lefanto, from permanent substitute to teacher, retroactive to September 1, 2005, at a salary of $40,100.00.
06-A583. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Lucia Fiorillo Tchr./SCA $47,971 10/3/05
06-A584. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Gloribeth Diaz Cafe. Monitor/No. 11 $7.50/hr.
06-A585. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Julines Torres Cafe. Monitor/NSW $7.50/hr.
06-A586. Approved compensation for part time instructional staff according to the guidelines of Adult High School funds, for the 2005-2006 school year, at an amount not to exceed $9,108.00: (Catarina Cefalo)
06-A587. Approved compensation for part time instructional staff according to the guidelines of Adult High School funds, for the 2005-2006 school year, at an amount not to exceed $6,930.00: (Alexander Alvarez)
Page 93 10/12/05 06-A588. Approved compensation for part time instructional staff according to the guidelines of Adult Education funds, for the 2005-2006 school year, at an amount not to exceed $3,960.00: (Dwayne Maultsby)
06-A589. Approved compensation for part time instructional staff according to the guidelines of Adult Basic Skills funds, for the 2005-2006 school year, at an amount not to exceed $4,080.00: (Dwayne Maultsby)
06-A590. Approved service contract with St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center to conduct central auditory processing evaluation services for a special education student, at an amount not to exceed $1,015.00.
06-A591. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Sarah Williams Tchr./JFKHS Drop-Out Prev. Spec./JFKHS 9/1/05
06-A592. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Teresa DeFabrizio Tchr./APA, BUILD Tchr./BUILD 9/9/05
06-A593. Approved submission of appropriate forms for emergent hiring:
Yahaira Acevedo Victor Arencibia Joshia Aronowitz Amanda Berens Amy Bowlby Shakira Catoe Antonette Crismale Rosemarie Cuevas Nurcan Ekici Jerry Engstrom Carolyn Fialkow Joseph Fieissner Mary Flynn Ellen Frey Crystal Gallo Arlenny Garcia Lindsey Giordano Victoria Gonzalez Marianne Harms Ana Henriquez Shakeena Hill Tia Jackson Anita Kajajian Shkeirra Khan Denis Kilian Hilary Lambert Tracy Lotto Jeanne Massaro Kathleen McKeever Judith McLead Emily Mercier Steven Pawlowski Ava Moldoff LeeAnn Powner Juana Quispe Milena Rosas Amir Saadah Hafiz Saleem Coleen Sarduy Suzanne Scheyer Eveline Serrano Susan Swann Claudia Usma Carey Wilson Elvin Wong Michelle Zube Roxanne McCurdie
06-A594. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Doreen Doyle Tchr./No. 20 $42,671 9/26/05
Page 94 10/12/05 06-A595. Approved compensation for staff assisting in the New Teacher/ Instructional Assistant Orientation, at an amount not to exceed $4,356.00:
Patricia Boatner Patricia Bonner Kathy Donohue June Eckardt Monica Florez Sharon Falzo Constance Harrell Annette Kline Miriam Lopez Sara Ela-Toplosa Laurie Smith Donna Meisberger Bernadette Bryant
06-A596. Approved reinstatement of disability insurance premiums for Zelma Melendez, from January 2004 through June 2005, in the amount of $1,634.56.
06-A597. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Ana Parajon Tchr./No. 13 Tchr./No. 5 9/19/05
06-A598. Approved termination:
Name Location Eff. Date Norelba Correa Tchr./No. 12 9/12/05
06-A599. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Cecelia Dailey Accountant/Cen. Off. $47,500
06-A600. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Halverie Davis Accountant/Cen. Off. $45,000 10/3/05
06-A601. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Carolina Fajardo Accountant/Cen. Off. $42,500 10/3/05
06-A602. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Brian Forbes Tchr./No. 5 $46,371 10/3/05
06-A603. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Matilde Muniz Tchr./No. 5 $42,671 10/3/05
06-A604. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Marian Hanna Tchr./No. 6 $46,371 10/3/05
Page 95 10/12/05
06-A605. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Grace Clark HSCL/MLK $10.50/hr.
06-A606. Approved compensation for Daniel Grullon for cafeteria coverage at School No. 5, effective September 2005.
06-A607. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Maribel Arenas Cafe. Monitor/DFN $7.50/hr. 10/3/05
06-A608. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Bernardina Perdomo Cafe. Monitor/DFN $7.50/hr. 10/3/05
06-A609. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Victoria White Cafe. Monitor/No. 25 $7.50/hr. 10/3/05
06-A610. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Paulette Baldwin Cafe. Monitor/No. 26 $7.50/hr.
06-A611. Approved compensation for staff of John F. Kennedy High School working in the Saturday Detention Program, at an amount not to exceed $13,068.00:
Alciner Jones Ivan Madjar Joseph Pardine Charles Spinella
06-A612. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Arthur Everett Chief Cust./RCS Chief Cust./Fac. Dept. 9/19/05
06-A613. Suspension of employee, with pay.
06-A614. Approved change in status for Christine Alsharif, from permanent substitute to teacher, retroactive to September 1, 2005, at a salary of $42,671.00.
06-A615. Approved change in status for Joshua Chuy, from permanent substitute to teacher, retroactive to September 1, 2005, at a salary of $42,671.00.
06-A616. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Shelly Black Secretary/H.R. $37,500 9/26/05
Page 96 10/12/05
06-A617. Approved compensation for staff participating in the Annual Academy Fair on October 24, 2005, at an amount not to exceed $3,960.00:
Pat Ackershoek Victor Alegria Beatriz Ashe Henry Baker Ann Bradbury Angelo Bonora Rosann Buttacavoli Michelle Clements Shamika Cope Charles Coronato Pamela Davis Luis Delgado Mary DeMoor Maria Dias Joseph Feoli Cheyenne Fulmore Walter Goodwin Patricia Harvey Paul Healy Carolyn Hussain Charlene Izone Susan Johnson Natalie Jordan Loretta Kelly Susan Little Lori Marchese Donna Marino Maria Matano Mildred Miller Harry Mount Nina Odatalla Michelle Perry Joseph Ranieri Timothy Reilly Vidal Rodriguez Marti Roland Debra Slota Cheryl Thompson Michelle Van Hoven Kelli White
06-A618. Approved compensation for staff participating in the Annual Academy Fair on October 17, 2005, at an amount not to exceed $3,960.00:
Henry Baker Ann Bradbury Angelo Bonora Rosann Buttacavoli Michelle Clements Charles Coronato Pamela Davis Luis Delgado Mary DeMoor Ronnie Denburg Maria Dias Joseph Feoli Walter Goodwin Paul Healy Carolyn Hussain Charlene Izone Natalie Jordan Loretta Kelly Lori Marchese Maria Matano Mildred Miller Harry Mount Mohammed Moustafa Yvonne Nambe Yudelina Paula Michelle Perry Kenrick Ramdath Lisa Ramos Joseph Ranieri Timothy Reilly Vidal Rodriguez Leira Sanchez Debra Slota Audrey Smith Janet Soto Barbara Tanis Steven Temple Margaret Warburton Kelli White Vera Wilson
06-A619. Approved compensation for Evangeline Marceline, for working as a nurse for kindergarten registration, from August 29-31, 2005, at an amount not to exceed $495.00.
Page 97 10/12/05 06-A620. Approved compensation for Harold Persaud for services rendered at the Computer Clubhouse, in November and December 2004, in settlement of grievance, in the amount of $792.00.
06-A621. Approved compensation for Russell Craig for science curriculum writing, in September and October 2003, in settlement of grievance, in the amount of $330.00.
06-A622. Approved reimbursement of days for Daryl Spencer due to insufficient tardy warnings provided, in settlement of grievance, in the amount of $239.80.
06-A623. Approved compensation for Nanci Ianzano for working in the Therapeutic Riding Program, in the amount of $165.00.
06-A624. Approved reinstatement of Rafael Velez as World Language Teacher at Roberto Clemente School, effective September 19, 2005.
06-A625. Approved transfers for attendance purposes:
Name From To Eff. Date Janet Green Sec./EA&C Sec./H.R. 9/14/05
Heifa Zahroon Sr. Spec./EA&C Sr. Spec./H.R. 9/14/05
Roger Zuidema Tchr./EA&C Tchr./No. 9 9/14/05
06-A626. Approved change in status for Joseph Fleisner, from permanent substitute to teacher, retroactive to September 1, 2005, at a salary of $46,371.00.
06-A627. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Nancy Winkles Secretary/Lang. Arts Dept. $27,026 9/22/05
06-A628. Approved hiring The Peters Group as a consultant to conduct a full day professional development session at School No. 6 on October 20, 2005, at an amount not to exceed $3,000.00.
06-A629. Approved reclassifying Melba Cordero as a cafeteria substitute, effective September 16, 2005.
06-A630. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Juanita Hameed Soc. Wrkr./NSW Soc. Wrkr./DAS 9/21/05
06-A631. Approved termination:
Name Location Eff. Date Michael Smith Equip. Mngr./EHS 9/19/05
Page 98 10/12/05 06-A632. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Falilat Kofo Tchr./ECE $48,871 10/11/05
06-A633. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Caliph El Tchr./APA $45,171 9/28/05
06-A634. Approved appointment of Mirian Vargas as Food Service Substitute, at a salary of $6.75 per hour.
06-A635. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Patricia Hill Sp. Lang. Spec./No. 3 Sp. Lang. Spec./No. 2 9/26/05
06-A636. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Carlos Rios Pers. Aide/DFN Pers. Aide/JFKHS 9/16/05
06-A637. Approved terminations:
Name Location Eff. Date Sandra Castaneda Cafe. Monitor/No. 8 9/16/05
Nilda Maldonado Cafe. Monitor/No. 8 9/16/05
06-A638. Approved change in status for Louise Grollman, from permanent substitute to teacher, retroactive to September 1, 2005, at a salary of $53,371.00.
06-A639. Approved hiring George Coleman as a student worker in the Department of Human Resource/Personnel, effective October 3, 2005, at a rate of $7.50 per hour.
06-A640. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Maria Torres Cafe. Monitor/No. 8 $7.50/hr.
06-A641. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Carmen Valcareel Cafe. Monitor/No. 8 $7.50/hr.
06-A642. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Marisela Lopez Cafe. Monitor/No. 8 $7.50/hr.
Page 99 10/12/05 06-A643. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Derly Ospina Cafe. Monitor/No. 20 $7.50/hr.
06-A644. Approved appointment of Serlena Holmes as Food Service Substitute, at a salary of $6.75 per hour.
06-A645. Approved compensation for students working in the Communications Academy to produce television programming after school at the John F. Kennedy Television Studio, including district news shows, Board of Education meetings and other events during the 2005-2006 school year:
Shidul Islam Marielba Altamirano Jasmine Viera
06-A646. Approved reinstatement of Francisco Demiguel as Teacher of Spanish at PANTHER Academy, effective September 20, 2005, due to renewal of H1B Visa.
06-A647. Approved processing payment of non-accumulated sick days for Lizzie Walton, less $100 substitute per diem pay, from September 23, 2005 through October 31, 2005.
06-A648. Approved changing home school location for Beverly Gusler based on six- day schedule, from School No. 7 to Academy of Performing Arts.
06-A649. Approved transferring position control numbers for instructional assistants in Special Services from STARS Academy to Schools 28 and 29.
06-A650. Approved transfer:
Name From To Eff. Date Stephanie Conyers Sec./Bus. Off. Sec./H.R. 9/20/05
06-A651. Approved creating a position control number for a specialist position in the Division of Assessment, Planning and Evaluation.
06-A652. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Leslie Merkerson Sr. Specialist/Payroll $32,841 10/1/05
06-A653. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Lillian Faradin Specialist/Payroll $31,824 10/3/05
06-A654. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Eff. Date Ruth Monasterio Pers. Aide/No. 2 $29,265 9/26/05
Page 100 10/12/05 06-A655. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Melanie Franco Cafe. Monitor/No. 19 $7.50/hr.
06-A656. Approved compensation for staff teaching an Algebra I course to grade 8 students, from September 2005 through June 2006, at an amount not to exceed $53,460.00:
Helene Prevosti Isaac Alvarez Kenneth Garrabrant Lisa DeAngelo Sue Glick Ahmed Salama Raed Dandan Tim Raimondo Jacob Adopoly Dilber Yildirim Kenja Nunez
06-A657. Approved payment to Barbara Bourque for the Attendance Incentive Program for the 2004-2005 school year.
06-A658. Approved appointment:
Name Assignment/Location Salary Nijah Hackney Cafe. Monitor/No. 21 $7.50/hr.
06-A659. Approved rehiring Janet Salzer as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant for two days per week for the Innovative Academies, with no benefits, at an amount not to exceed $22,000.00.
06-A660. Approved compensation for staff participating in the Annual Academy Fairs on October 17 and 24, 2005, at an amount not to exceed $198.00:
Veronica Mower Elizabeth Babones
06-A661. Approved compensation for Rita Van Santen for sick days in 2001 in settlement of a claim, in the amount of $3,000.00.
06-A662. Approved submission of appropriate forms for emergent hiring:
Natalie Adjokatcher Frances Benna Wanda Blackwell Dolores Clark Laren Cocca Mercy Cody Laura Constable Shenita Davis Alan Doktor Christopher Douglas Frances Ermi Angela Esposito Dulce Garcia Meredith Hemphil Laneeka Henry Allison Jenkins Lale Kudoy Betty Lewis Sarah Maguire Mark Maloney Aida Marin Edward McManus Kenneth Mortensen Tiaheshia Nero Wendy Nickl Shahnaz Rashid Rocco Rinnaggio Blair Seider Jane Slutsker Steve Tobar Mirian Vargas Judith Ward
Page 101 10/12/05 Matthew Weiner
06-A663. Approved hiring Robert Weiner as a consultant to provide staff development at School No. 9 on October 28, November 17, December 2, 2005 and January 12, 2006, at an amount not to exceed $6,000.00.
06-A664. Approved termination of Rosanny Avila as food service substitute based on job abandonment.
06-A665. Approved termination of Maria Pena as food service substitute based on job abandonment.
06-A666. Approved termination of Ana Ulloa as food service substitute based on job abandonment.
OTHER
06-A667. Approved professional service contract with P.G. Lewis for forensic analysis of computers in the district, at a rate not to exceed $6,000.00.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
It was moved by Comm. Brown, seconded by Comm. Santiago that the Public Comments portion of the meeting be opened. On roll call all members voted in the affirmative. The motion carried.
Mr. Quincy Battis: Quincy Battis, once again. Mr. President, through the Chair, can I get some clarity from either Comm. Sayegh or the Superintendent Dr. Glascoe in regards to this article that was in today’s newspaper about bringing the NFL to Hinchliffe Stadium? I did some homework on the article. I was impressed with the article. I thought it was a good idea somewhat. But I have contacts with the Giants and I have brought several of them here for the Paterson Pastor’s Workshop, EWK for Read Across America, etc. But this also sends a mixed signal. According to paragraph four, if I can have some clarity, I know it would generate some revenue to the coffer. But so that you know, and I know the Board Commissioners will do their own research regarding this matter, I thought it was a good vision. But if I am understanding correctly, would the Sports Academy also eventually be a part of the Hinchliffe Stadium?
Comm. Brown: That is our goal.
Mr. Battis: That is on hold? Okay. Since I am out there I might as well finish. The reason I am asking is because the Jets and the Giants depend a lot on the revenue of alcoholic beverages. If a school was possibly going there, because the last I heard I was under the impression that the Sports Academy was going there, it would send public education a mixed signal and they would not be able to be a part of that. I am just replying to today’s article.
Comm. Sayegh: Dr. Glascoe, would you like me to address it, or are you?
Comm. Brown: Through the Chair?
Comm. Sayegh: Through the Chair, of course.
Mr. Battis: You wrote the article.
Page 102 10/12/05
Comm. Sayegh: Of course, but you addressed either one of us. I was going to give him the opportunity to answer first if he would like. I think it is a noble effort and you actually did concede that point. As far as what we plan to do with Hinchliffe Stadium, that was just one of the suggestions we are making. As far as alcoholic beverages are concerned, it is a practice facility. We are talking about concession stands that would be around the facility. We are not talking about regular season games. And we can negotiate that. That is a no-brainer.
Mr. Battis: You did say that in paragraph one in the opening, but then when I read paragraphs four and five you talked about them playing there and the renovation of the stadium and that the arrival of the Jets and the Giants would generate excitement and revenue for our city coffers. You went on and on.
Comm. Sayegh: Correct. And didn’t it also mention a restaurant and cafe?
Mr. Battis: Right.
Comm. Sayegh: Wouldn’t that generate revenue?
Mr. Battis: I’m sorry?
Comm. Sayegh: The players will spend money in Paterson. Is that correct? Put a café, a restaurant, and perhaps a hotel, which are three ratables.
Mr. Battis: Comm. Sayegh, respectfully I was talking about for the season. I am not talking about the other things that were coming to play. I just know that it would probably not be able to take place.
Comm. Sayegh: Well, of course, that is your opinion.
Mr. Battis: I did homework and I am waiting for it back in writing. I cut and pasted this to my contact.
Comm. Brown: Comm. Sayegh, if I may. I think in the spirit of the Board the Giants have been very supportive in trying to help us invest...
Mr. Battis: Contribute.
Comm. Brown: In contributing and rehabbing Hinchliffe Stadium.
Mr. Battis: I am just responding to the article.
Comm. Brown: And I am going to answer.
Mr. Battis: They get their sponsorship from alcoholic beverages and I was under the impression that a school will also be attached to the Hinchliffe Stadium and they can't do that.
Comm. Brown: We understand that and they are not going to be prohibited. They may use this as a practice field off-season and not during the year.
Mr. Battis: Okay, because it does not say that and I just wanted clarity.
Page 103 10/12/05 Comm. Brown: Exactly. I will make sure I address the writer at another time.
Mr. Battis: Okay. Thank you. I am not trying to be sarcastic. The spirit of the letter did not bring clarity and I needed clarity. That’s all.
Comm. Brown: The spirit of the Board is for it to be a sports activity for children to come and observe. Thank you very much for your concern.
Mr. Charles Ferrer: Good evening, Charles Ferrer, Friends of the Paterson Falls, requesting five minutes. I am going to bring up two things very quickly. I need to know if there is a timeline that is given to high school students from the time that they walk into high school as to what should be done in their freshman year, what should be done in the sophomore year, when they should be thinking about taking the SATs or the PSATs, and when they should start applying to college. Too many times I am running into former students who are telling me in their senior year that they have not taken the SATs yet.
Comm. Hodges: Or PSATs.
Mr. Ferrer: Or PSATs.
Comm. Brown: It is the public portion please, Comm. Hodges.
Mr. Ferrer: And that they have yet to apply to a college when a lot of other places have their seniors sewing that up in their junior year. I need to get some information that spells out how this process is supposed to work because it is obvious that a lot of students are not privy to that information. Something is not right and I am not just hearing it from one school. I am hearing it from several different students attending several different high schools and academies in this district. Next, the SES money is supposed to target third, fourth, and eighth grades. We have additional money for GEPA, NJASK, the third, fourth, and the eighth grade, through those programs. The problem I have with that, Dr. Glascoe, is that while we are targeting those areas I guess the SES money has to go for that. Fifth, sixth, and seventh grade students get nothing, to the best of my knowledge, unless there is another program that we need to know about. A lot of parents are saying if this is only for third, fourth, and eighth, what about my child who is in the fifth grade, what about my child who is in the sixth grade, what about my child who is in the seventh grade? When we started a program when children were in the fourth grade, these children are now in the seventh grade and they have not been a part of an after school program since the fourth grade. How far back did they fall? We should have been monitoring those fourth graders and making sure that they were in some type of program to see if there was progress. Since we say we want to be driven by data, where is the data that we lost there? The other thing I need to address is that at the last meeting I requested information to clarify under whose direction and under what law are we telling child study teams and special education teachers that the IEPs can be revised. I looked at it. It is in the minutes. I have yet to get that information. I requested clarification. If I requested clarification in writing, I expect to get that. There are other things in there that I spoke about. I reviewed the minutes and I don’t even know if these people are here but I need to say this. When I come to this microphone and when my wife comes to this microphone, whatever information we bring out here is factual. We can back it up. Now, my wife had the unpleasant experience to have three people who sat in this audience that possibly have a comprehension problem reach out to her principal informing her that we were both talking about the school that she works in. Well, I checked the minutes and I said nothing about that school. So I have issues with people who think that you can call
Page 104 10/12/05 someone’s principal and they will chastise them or handle them for speaking out at a Board meeting about what goes on in the school. That is not going to happen. They already tried that with me and it did not work. This is America. I don’t know if those incompetent people are here who have a comprehension problem. This is America and you can call whomever you want. As long as I have the facts and I feel that this Board and this Superintendent need to know things that are going on in this district I will bring it to their attention. And the place that I choose to do that is here. Therefore, everyone understands that anything I say I have nothing to hide. So call whomever you want. But you know what? The next time you call make sure you leave your name because then maybe I will find some information on you that needs to come to the Superintendent. Because you know what? Too long has the mess continued. This person here has never come to this microphone and put anything out that was not factual. And if I had the time I would tell you, as Comm. Atallo and other people have said, Coalition of Essential Schools was a setup. As teachers we were lied to. But in the back of my mind I knew that there was a reason why we were being pushed to that program. Then when Commissioner Librera got the job down there, and I don’t care if he is working in that department or not, that was the deal. And that is why we have to continually remind everyone about this history. When we keep forgetting the history that is why we had 911. We did not think it could happen again. It happened once and it happened again. So you are going to continue to hear it until we stop letting people play these games with us. $1 million? Commissioner Librera does not have a success record here. I would rather see a program from Dr. Glascoe. He comes out of two districts that have been successful. What do I need from Rutgers? That is all about money. That is all you see in this district. If you look in the Hoboken newspaper, they talk about building a high school for $100 million when the average high school probably costs $30 million or $40 million. What are they doing with the rest of the money? Games. Let them play the games there. We are tired of it here. But we will beat that dead horse until it is clear and we are going to lock up whoever it is until it is clear to let the other people who come behind them understand you won't get away with it either. That is what it is about. It is about doing what is right and nothing else. Coalition of Essential Schools was a setup. We need to kill the deal. We have no business giving Rutgers that kind of money. We don’t know them that well and what have they done for all of our children? Thank you.
Ms. Ruby Cotton: Good evening, my name is Ruby Cotton and I am on the School Leadership Team at Eastside High School. I had read an article, and I meant to make a copy for everyone, that said educators are saying what good is a high school diploma. The reason I want to bring this up is because of Coalition of Essential Schools again. We wanted at Eastside an academy for all children, not picking and choosing kids that go into an academy. When they say what good is a diploma, if you are not helping the kids to have some idea of what they might want to do, this diploma does not mean anything anymore. That is why we did not care for Coalition of Essential Schools. They did not change anything. If you had weak administrators, they did exactly what they wanted to do all along. That is why we wanted a model that forced teachers, administrators, and everybody to do what they needed to do. That is why we did not like Coalition. So I am hoping now that we can continue with what we tried to do and at Eastside High School we have at least four or five academies. I am telling every parent here if your child is not in an academy at the high school you better get down to the school, you better get to where you need to go because all children should be allowed to be in an academy and that is what we wanted at Eastside High School. Every child in that building should be in an academy and I am saying special service children, all children. Right now we only have two academies. We need to have the third one put in place. The other superintendent who was here was saying they did not want to duplicate academies. But it is going to be almost impossible to not duplicate some
Page 105 10/12/05 academies in different schools. When I saw this article saying a diploma does not mean anything, we have to give our kids more. We have to try to reinvent the high school. Eastside High School could have been on top already because everybody knows here how long I have been talking about Talent Development. How long have we been talking about academies? That big high school could have been broken down into the small schools. I am still not going to give up because I can still see that happening. I can still see every single child getting the opportunity and we are going to stop picking and choosing which kids get this and which kids get that. I don’t want to continue to do that and we cannot continue to do that. Every child has to get an opportunity. I was talking with my new principal and I said it is going to be a hard road but you are going to have to fight. When you need something you are going to have to make sure you get what you need and not be soft like in the past. So I just want everyone to know here what good is a diploma if we are not giving our kids everything else they need to get there. Our kids are not prepared to go to college. They are not. I have two children who have gone through this school system. My daughter went to Rosa Parks. Rosa Parks prepared her for college. My son went to Eastside High School. They did not prepare him for college. As Comm. Hodges said, we need to understand what our kids need to get to that next level because right now they are not getting to that next level. I am hoping and I know that we will and I pray for you, Dr. Glascoe, that we can get our kids to that next level. I can see it coming. My next thing I have is that some of our youth in town are performing at a talent show tomorrow at Passaic Community College. It is being sponsored by our Assemblyman Alfred Steele, the Danny House, the Paterson Housing Authority, the Paterson Technology Group, the Greater Paterson OIC, and the BROTHERS Group. We have very talented children here in our town and we need to always support our kids. No matter what we need to always support them. So they are doing a fundraiser for the Hurricane Katrina victims and they are all Paterson children performing, dancing, and singing. It is going to be at the college tomorrow night at 6:30 and the tickets are only $10. So if everyone can find some free time tomorrow please stop through there just to support our children here in the city who are raising this fund to send down to the Hurricane Katrina families. Dr. Glascoe, we have a ticket for you to come. It came from Ms. Tavares from School #13. She is part of the group. So we want to present this ticket to you for you to come to support our kids and for the rest of the Board members to come down and support our kids at the Passaic County Community College. Thank you.
Comm. Brown: Do you have tickets for us, too?
Comm. Santiago: Thanks for my ticket. Thank you.
Mr. Muhammad Alfatali: My name is Muhammad Alfatali and I am a representative of the Islamic Center of Passaic County located at 152 Derrom Avenue in the Eastside section of town. I am delighted to speak before you Commissioners. It is definitely a good exercise of democracy and intellectual discourse to see before us people concerned about the well being of our children. I am here representing a large community of Arabs and Muslims. Not just Arabs, but there are people of all races coming. There are Latinos, African Americans, Natives and people who have come to the center know exactly what I am talking about. I like the smile on Comm. Brown’s face. It is beautiful. I am here to extend a hand of partnership with the Board of Education of Paterson. Realizing the importance of partnership, I have reached out to individual members of the Board with this issue. We have been educating our children for the past ten years and over the span of ten years we have graduated over 3,000 people. Some of those kids have gone to Ivy League schools and have come back to help the community. We are seeking to expand that number of students. We realize the bicultural and bilingual studies not only educate people of different culture, but it is
Page 106 10/12/05 important to broaden peoples’ horizons. And of course, it is important to note that the Arabic language nowadays is on the rise and its demand is quite high. So we are partnered with not only the Board of Education here in Paterson, but also in the City of Clifton where we will complement whatever the state’s requirements are in world languages to educate the students of a very essential language that is on the rise. We are seeking your help in terms of logistical help. Where do we need the help? We are not asking just how we can get help from you. It would be selfish for us to do such. We are asking you to tell us where we can help the Board of Education. Where can we make our parents responsible? We are not only educating the students, we have ESL programs for grown-ups - which is different from what I am standing here for - to teach the parents how they can be effective in the learning process of their kids. It is easy for us to always put the blame on someone else. It is very hard to blame ourselves. In our community, we know that the blame has to be split and we put the blame where it belongs. Wherever the blame has to be on the parents and the community then the responsibility has to be there. Wherever it has to be on the Board and the teachers let it be. We will fix it and we are here to help the process. The vision that Dr. Glascoe was referring to earlier, that we are here to put our right foot towards the right direction, that is exactly the hands we need to shake. It is not to say that we are not going to be critical of one another at some point. No. It is important and it is only healthy. But it is important to have a positive vision and the vision is here. Not only is the City of Paterson very diverse, but we should work on that diversity to make it the silk minds, as I have told Dr. Glascoe. He was very generous with his time. Of course, I want to congratulate him on his new position. I told him we have to turn the City of Paterson from Silk City to the City of Silk Minds. We have the minds to do it and we have the resources. We just have to partner with the right people. And there is no harm if we were to fall sometimes and we help each other. I emphasize each other in the process because no process is perfect. The only perfection is the vision that we put and we are here to work towards that vision. I here have a proposal for every Commissioner and I will distribute it with your permission. I would like to have a follow-up with either Dr. Glascoe or with the Commissioners if you don’t mind. Thank you very much for your time.
Ms. Cheryl Williams: Good evening everyone. My name is Cheryl Williams. I am a single parent mother, a new resident in the City of Paterson, New Jersey.
Comm. Brown: Welcome to Paterson.
Ms. Williams: I would just like to say welcome to Dr. Glascoe. I have been trying to call your office for the past two or three weeks to no avail. I could not reach you. But I would just like to commend all of you for having the courage to take that step to sit where you stand today to debate back and forth positively, negatively about where we are going with our future. I am 39 years old. I am HIV positive. I am a single parent mother of a beautiful set of twin girls. I have been in Paterson for three years. I did not choose to come to Paterson. I had heard nothing good about Paterson. I now have my daughter struggling in the public school system in Paterson. If anything should happen to me, I need to know that I left them with the impression of getting the best possible education. I only got that today. That is why I am here tonight. I only got it once I went to the school today. I had to fight with the vice-principal and last year’s primary school teachers to not be respected by them and to actually be somewhat humiliated by them. That was really difficult. My children were just recently placed back in my custody four years ago. No matter what I did the one thing I was told when I was going through the judicial system to get them back was, “Ms. Williams, you have to learn to advocate for your children.” I spent the last three months of the last school year and all of this September trying to advocate for my children because they have special needs. I am
Page 107 10/12/05 an adult with attention deficit disorder. I have been classified. 20 years ago I had no desire to go to college. Do you know I moved to your town and I enrolled and am now a freshman at Passaic Community College? So all I really have to say is please don’t let my children fall through the cracks of the system. Because when I leave here I want to know that I did the best possible job as a mother. That is all I have to say. God bless you, Dr. Glascoe. God bless everyone.
It was moved by Comm. Sayegh, seconded by Comm. Vergara that the Public Comments portion of the meeting be closed. On roll call all members voted in the affirmative. The motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
Board Member Comments
Comm. Brown. We are going to move to other business and I am only going to allow my colleagues one minute to speak.
Comm. Atallo: All I need is a minute.
Comm. Brown: We are going to start with Comm. Vergara because I know Dr. Atallo wants to be patient this evening.
Comm. Vergara: First of all, I would like to send my condolences to the Vancheri family. Ms. Vancheri was a former Board member and she had two family members who passed this week. So my family and myself send our condolences to the Vancheri family. I would also like to salute a certain person because not many times we hear good things. It is always negative things, but sometimes it is good to give a tap on the back. I met a gentleman by the name of Reggie Hill who drives a bus. I am not sure if it is the Murphy Bus Company. He was very courteous to our students. He picks them up at School #18 to transfer them to other areas in Paterson. He was very patient in waiting during the rain for children who were late. He was very courteous in the way I see him perform. So I salute him for that. We do have people who do care within our bus companies. To Edgar Pichardo from Eastside High School, I want to be honest with you. I heard this from Comm. Hodges who sits on our Board. He was the one who said that I told you when I spoke to you about algebra. He is an honor student and he is doing very well. We had a long talk about algebra and the ROTC Program that he was introduced to and did not accept. Also Julio Santiago from the Sports Academy who is an honor student and also is doing well. I want to announce that at the Roberto Clemente School I am running a program in connection with Scout Troop 911. If anybody is interested we are there Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:30. From 5:30 to 6:30 we have a homework program where you bring your homework in and we have people to help you with that. Then you can participate in the basketball program and if you would like you can become a member of the scouting program. You can contact me through the school Board district or at my home number at (973) 279- 4309. I have a question through the Chair. Mr. President, I would like to know do we have a policy for when people use facilities if they damage any equipment or any part of the building? Are they held responsible?
Comm. Brown: Yes.
Comm. Vergara: We do. Well, I spoke to Mr. Rottino in reference to an incident at the new Roberto Clemente. The new building was badly damaged and he said he would help me look into that to see how we can rectify that. On that note, I would like to tell
Page 108 10/12/05 my daughter Crystal thank you for putting this together for me. Not for me, but she put it together for someone who she thought was doing something special being involved in the community. That is our Superintendent Dr. Glascoe. He was at the Paterson Great Falls. He was involved in the community and there was a certain picture taken that my daughter prepared here. It says, “Paterson Public Schools 2005 Great Falls.” There is a picture of our Superintendent being involved with a big smile in the community, so my salute to you. Can the camera capture this big smile here of the Superintendent? There you go. That’s him. He is involved up at the Great Falls and it is nice to see that we have our Superintendent out there involved in the community. It is especially nice to see that my daughter and other children who were around took note of that. So I would like to present this to you and say thank you. Job well done. Thank you, Mr. President.
Comm. Taylor: I would like to just remind our community of several dates. We have two district academy fairs. I heard Ms. Cotton talk about every school should have academies. We are going to be looking at the academies because not all of them have finished organizing and firmed up everything that they are supposed to have in their curriculum and what they are about. So we are still working on that. Academies are the babies of the district so we are working on them and we want to make them firm educational learning centers. There is one on October 17 and it is at Martin Luther King School and it is from 5:30 to 7:30. Then we have another one on October 24 and that is at School #28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Those are the two dates for the district academy fairs. Therefore, Dr. Glascoe, it is for parents who have children in the eighth grade that are graduating and wanting to go into an academy for the next school year. Remember there are only so many seats in each high school. So it is first-come-first-served or children who have the highest passion for what they want to do and they can be sorted out in this process, that is where they will be in the academies. Ms. Cotton, the rest of the children are in the general population. So we still have to attend to all the educational needs for all children even if they are not in an academy. I heard the brother talk about the violence in our community and I believe almost every month this past summer I read about a young man being killed in the City of Paterson. These are very young people and some of them were students who were still in school at the time of their death. On October 17-21 in our schools we are going to be talking about school violence awareness. School violence does not just take in a shooting outside of the schools or the knifings outside of the school. It takes in the bullying, the name-calling, the racial slurs, and everything inside the schools. All of our faculty and students during the week of October 17-21 will be involved in conversations. I hope every one of you will be involved in conversations about violence and what it can do to the personality of a family, the personality of a town, and the personality of a person when you are violent and your relationships are not good ones. So we have this week set aside but I would hope that this is part of an ongoing process in all of our schools so we can take the non- violence from inside the school outside the school into the neighborhoods. On October 18 we have parent visitation day for all schools. I believe, Dr. Glascoe, you will be probably talking about your zone meetings that you will be having. So please pay attention to those. They have been very beneficial. I have been to a couple of them and parents have very good questions after they have had their breakout sessions. So please, this is National Beast Cancer Month. I have done one walk and also have visited in different parts of our community. I know many women and men who are survivors of breast cancer. Also, please pay attention to your health and to yourself, men and women. It happens to all of us. I don’t believe there is a family where it has not touched someone’s life. I would like to continue to congratulate the staff on the opening of the school. I want them to continue their lessons and working on the new emphasis that we are placing on literacy and math. Dr. Hodges, I hope more of our students get to go to college this year and take their SATs, prepare themselves, and get into college this year. Again, I want parents to pay attention to getting children into the
Page 109 10/12/05 schools on time and getting them there everyday and having them stay in the schools everyday. I am looking at the suspension rate and also the attendance. It is not looking good for the beginning of the year. Please let us improve. Let us improve. No suspensions please. Live right and we won't have suspensions. Thank you.
Comm. Sayegh: Our trip to Syracuse was indeed an eye-opening experience. When I say eye opening I am not only referring to the fact that Dr. Hodges had to wake up before 6:00 in the morning. It was eye opening in the sense that we learned a valuable lesson at Syracuse about our children. It says that if given the opportunity, or as Dr. Glascoe put it, the best chance, our children can excel. All they need is exposure to a new environment and the opportunity. Everyone can agree they certainly need the opportunity to prove that they can compete with their counterparts from other districts. Our job is not only to make sure that we graduate every child. Our job is to make sure that we educate every child. That is the most important thing because I did pose the question to Trenace Dixon. I said, “ Do you feel as if the Paterson Public Schools properly prepared you for the next level?” Obviously we have heard from Dr. Hodges that the answer was a resounding no. We can't continue to fail our children because then we fail society. Everything is connected. If they can't compete in the classroom they won’t be able to compete in the workforce, and they won't compete with others who are vying for the same jobs or better. In the past, Dr. Hodges and I have been called elitists because we have been calling on the district to raise the bar. We are not elitists. I believe we are educational purists in the sense that we believe in our children and we want our educators to challenge our children. It is only right because we are doing them a disservice. I am not a supporter of social promotion because I think that is a social injustice. When the Paterson Education Fund convened this forum or this conference entitled Graduating Every Child, I pointed out the fact that it is not just about graduating children, it is about educating them as well. So I invite any Board member, any administrator, and any interested member of the general public to go up to Syracuse as a part of Operation Link-Up’s endeavor to expose children and give them an opportunity they normally would not have. I commend Carey Jenkins and his son Kevin Jenkins. I think they are doing yeoman’s work, but I would like to see this particular program expand because it does work. Trust me. And you can see for yourself how our children can achieve if given the opportunity. Now, Hinchliffe Stadium was raised. I am not sure how much time I have left. Hinchliffe Stadium was raised and I just would like to point out one thing. We can't continue to allow that once magnificent facility to remain fallow. It does nothing for our morale. In fact, it adversely affects the attitude and morale of people in Paterson. There is something known as the broken windows theory. In New York City and in Jersey City they took that into consideration and took action upon it. When you see a broken window it just sends the wrong message to people coming in and people living within the city. You have to fix it. We have to fix Hinchliffe Stadium. Whether it is attracting the Giants or the Jets or just getting the state to finally realize something needs to be done there. We would like to see Kennedy and Eastside play there on Thanksgiving Day in the traditional turkey bowl. We would like to see other teams use our facility as well. There is so much history in Hinchliffe Stadium. We hosted the Black Yankees at Hinchliffe Stadium. Why can't we attract anyone to our stadium and revive this once magnificent facility? Senator Girgenti has been in contact with the Governor’s office and they are going to give this every bit of consideration. Finally, I just want to say we were at Eastside High School yesterday and for the past three or four years Dr. Hodges and a number of other Board members have been very vocal about what has been going on in that particular school because it is a jewel of a school and we want every student to shine there. We want them to gleam. We do like what has been happening thus far because we have been saying that when a child walks into the school they should not be wearing anything on their heads. It is what we are going to put in your head, not what you are going to put on your head. They are
Page 110 10/12/05 enforcing it thus far and we want to have consistency in the enforcement of rules and regulations within our schools. So we support the new administration at Eastside High School because they do deserve a chance. Give them the opportunity and let’s see what they make of it. Thank you very much.
Comm. Santiago: Thank God. Comm. Sayegh, are you done? I concur with everything about Hinchliffe Stadium. I support you 110%.
Comm. Sayegh: But you are a Giants fan.
Comm. Santiago: I’m a straight-up Giants fan. No Jets over here, please. Keep it out. Anyway, my condolences go to the Vancheri family. I wish them the best. I’m sorry and my prayers go along with them. I am going to say when you are small and young you wonder how certain things feel and I guess I felt it about two weeks ago. I was unable to attend the retreat. Sure enough I chased a guy through the woods and arrested the guy. I felt glad about the arrest but then I came out with an itch. I thought it was fleas but it turns out to be poison ivy. When I was young I wondered what it feels like to have poison ivy. It is not a happy feeling. Trust me. It gets all over your arms and it is horrendous. But we forgot about one thing. We must tell our children to be careful and to be mindful. It is going to be Halloween. With the candy and the open wrappers and stuff like that it is very dangerous. We must keep our eyes on our children and take them to safe and quiet environments. This winter is going to be a very busy winter for me. For many years I have stopped the gift that God has given me. But I am getting a date now at the Paterson Museum. I am coming out with an art show and it is called “Crossover from the bad to the good.” The only talent God gave me was graffiti and air brushing shirts, jackets, and canvasses. I have traveled to Italy, Rome, Chicago, Texas, Puerto Rico, and Panama. Sometimes they say if you don’t use you talent you could wind up losing it. God can take it away from you. So this winter I will be painting a lot of canvases. I will be sending out invitations to my show and the grand opening. In closing, another part of winter is going to be the signs there in Rochelle Park and Wayne. They are $5 each and if anyone wants to sponsor a sign your name will go on them. Hopefully next summer I will be busy with the help of the Board members and the Superintendent. We can probably try to get the city council members involved and we can start putting these up at the busy streets in the City of Paterson. Thank you. Good night and God bless. Godspeed and security, you are doing a good job. The President is here. I will let you know when you can take him away. Thank you.
Comm. Moody: I’d like to comment on Operation Link-Up. You have heard Dr. Hodges and Andre talk about it. I hope the teachers and administrators hear this message. When we talked to the dean of students at the engineering school, as Comm. Hodges mentioned earlier, asking the question what can we do to prepare them for engineering, we thought maybe he was asking for calculus or trigonometry or something like that. But he said simply algebra. The youngsters would have to master it. Not just be able to throw some letters together, but they would have to understand it and we have to teach in a manner that the child masters math in that way and we will prepare them. It seems like not asking too much but in our district it is a hard job to acknowledge that. Children can do it, but we have to across the board demand that our children do better. Our teachers have to come up with a better way of raising the expectations they have for our students. We have some children who went on to college and by all traditional means they were not supposed to be there. We had one young lady who scored 600 on her SATs. For those who know a little bit about SATs, you get 400 for writing your name. There is hardly any school that would accept you with a score of 600 without some extraordinary help. In this case we had a student who scored 600 and through the convincing of Mr. Jenkins they accepted this student. That shows the respect that the
Page 111 10/12/05 school has for him. She graduated last year in May with a 4.0 average and she is in graduate school now looking to graduate with a Master’s in May with a 3.3 in her Master’s program. It just had me wondering if she was prepared how far could she have gone. There is another young lady who graduated with a Master’s from Alabama projects who I worked with for years since she was a little kid and to see these youngsters just blossom with the support of individuals at the college level. I have to say that the district and the city really need to understand and grasp how other people support our children. At Syracuse University, from the chancellor to every dean we met at the school, and I think we met just about every dean, they accepted Operation Link- Up as their children. They make the commitment to that across the board. I just have to say that our students have the highest grade point average of all organizations of students that are in that school. Our students have the highest graduation rate of all the groups on the campus. That says a lot with a little help. So all the trials and tribulations that we are going through in the district when you see something like you see here with what has been going on with Operation Link-Up sometimes it tells you that is worth it. And it should energize all of us - teachers and parents - to get behind our children and support them. Now, we talk about raising the bar in education, but I am encouraging the parents and all of us to raise the bar in expectation of behavior. The big hindrance to academic achievement in my book is behavior. Our children are not getting the same messages. We have to come together to send the same message of the expectations that we have. We have to get with not only the educators, but we have to get with the religious leaders, the community leaders, and the political leaders to begin to send the same message. Most of you know that I work with a lot of young people who are in trouble and it is just going to get worse until we take hold and begin to set the expectations for our children and put the money where our mouths are in terms of achieving those expectations. So that is all I have to say tonight.
Comm. Hodges: That was a long time coming, Comm. Moody, and it was very profound. I think that said a great deal. I came to the Board of Education because there were some things I was looking to accomplish. I sat there and watched children in shackles being paraded up and down my emergency room. It bothered me then and, trust me, it bothers me now. I watched them not make it out of my emergency room. When you understand that there is a link between the education we give them and the choice that they make in their lives out on the street then you see why it is so terribly important to educate our children. We have not been doing that job and I will get back into more of that later. But I do have a couple of questions to ask the administration. Number one, how is the budget shaping up with respect to the curriculum? I know you don’t have the answer today, but I would like to see how the budget is being prepared in relationship to the curriculum and curricular initiatives that we are trying to develop. That is why I would like to have some sort of discussion and some sort of documentation on that. I know we are moving forward to try to create a budget by the end of October or early November, but we need to make sure that the budget is based on the curriculum. So I want to see those details. Number two, the Whole School Reform guidelines that were adopted there are some corrections that I think need to be visited. I would like to have that discussion put on the table some time very soon. Number three, the employees should not be chastised, harassed, or otherwise made uncomfortable for speaking their minds in the Board of Education meetings. That has been going on. For years that has been a problem and that has to stop. As a member of the school management team, I have been a victim of that so I am particularly sensitive to that issue and I want to put that on the table. That is a concern. If you are so concerned about what people are saying in your building, then give them the opportunity to say it in your presence and develop it into a constructive thing. But if you want to squash all questions and all dissent from things that continue to be a problem, then we are not going to build stronger schools and you will certainly not have an
Page 112 10/12/05 effective faculty. I also want to say I support the remarks of Ms. Taylor about getting more students to graduate from our high schools and go to college. I would prefer to say that we insist on it. We insist on more students. The numbers that we have now are certainly well below what we are capable of. But there is some positive news. The truancy court has been cancelled. It usually meets once a month on the first Thursday of the month every month from October to June. It has been cancelled to twice a year, the next one being in January, because of the decrease in truancy cases. That is what I was told recently. Lastly, I observed some students walking home recently with book bags that were filled and they were walking past many students who were already out playing who did not have any book bags. The former group, which is the book bag group, represents the future leaders of this community. The latter group is going to be its victims. We, as a community, need to begin to have discussions about the culture in this city, a culture that a significant portion of this community has that teaches and models the notion that education is not valuable, important, or even necessary. The failure to promote educational excellence and the value of hard work is just as bad as discouraging it. You teach by your failure to act. You teach by your failure to demand the best of your students and of your children. You teach and you deceive when you give them high grades for work that is substandard. This goes double for the administrators that allow it to happen. This community has to take a long hard look at this and begin to say that there are such things as standards and we have to demand the most. But that message has to be a message that the child hears everywhere in this city. The child must hear the same message no matter whether it is this school, that street, this community, or that corner. That is not where we are today, but it is where we have to be tomorrow. Thank you very much for your kind attention.
Comm. Atallo: Mr. Chairman, very briefly because the hour is late, I would like to commend Comm. Sayegh for his vision of Hinchliffe Stadium. I am sure he has warm memories of his high school days of Hinchliffe Stadium as he drove past it to attend DePaul in Wayne. But I think we need to have a realistic view. I don’t see the Giants and the Jets coming to Hinchliffe Stadium. I wish they would. I don’t see that happening. But I think it is possible and realistic to attract possibly a minor league baseball team. We could look at soccer leagues. I think there are other potential uses for that stadium.
Comm. Sayegh: As long as it is something.
Comm. Atallo: Something positive and something that includes the renovation of that stadium where the youth of this city can utilize it and take advantage of that stadium. In its heyday it was very well known and it’s a shame it has been allowed to fall into disrepair. So I applaud that. Being on the School Board is a serious job and it requires serious people. I just want to emphasize again why I would not support adopting the long-range facility plan tonight. We need to get things in a timely manner so we can discuss it and debate it intelligently. That needs to be done on every issue. It can't be dropped into our laps. It is wrong. The other issue that is of concern to me, and I was shocked to hear this from parents, is that we have no female physicians in this school district…(end of tape) (Beginning of new tape)…maybe through the human resources department. I would aggressively recruit physicians who practice in the community, female physicians who can deal with female students in a way that male doctors may not be able to. Also, sometimes female students, particularly adolescents, may feel more comfortable at certain times with female physicians and I think they should have that option and opportunity. Being the ardent feminist that I am, I think it is very important that we recruit female physicians for the school district. So, Dr. Glascoe, at this time I am requesting that that issue be addressed because many parents have raised that issue to me. We don’t have one female physician. Last night there was a
Page 113 10/12/05 City Council meeting and a Board member got up and spoke and claimed they had met with 100 parents on an issue. I was not aware of the meeting and I don’t know if any of my other colleagues were made aware, but I would like to be made aware of these either home school council meetings or community meetings. If, in fact, large numbers of parents are meeting, we would like to be made aware of that. We are also Board members and we would like to be included on these issues. We were not notified. While I happen to agree on the particular issue they were discussing last night, the parking issue at the Alexander Hamilton Academy, I don’t think it is appropriate for any Board member to speak on behalf of the Board and say the Board of Education is behind any issue unless the Board is consulted. I can only speak for myself. I support that issue and I support the parents regarding that parking issue, but I think unless the majority agrees I don’t think that is appropriate as a policy issue. Finally, I would respectfully ask the Superintendent to contact legal counsel. As Dr. Hodges mentioned before, people come up here and speak and I am a strong advocate of the First Amendment. I believe the speech you have to defend the most is the speech you disagree with the most. But one of the things that we should not allow is defamatory statements and blatant lies. You have an individual who comes here consistently making statements about people who should be charged criminally. They have written letters about one of our Board members, not me but another Board member, saying there are criminal allegations involved. This is clearly not true and it is false, and I would request to the Superintendent to contact the legal department about a cease and desist letter to that individual. You can’t come down to public meetings and make blatantly false statements that are wrong. These are lies and they are defamatory. I am going to say something else because he is not here to defend himself. Dr. Sico has served this district for 37 years. He left here to become a superintendent in another district. He is very well respected in this community. He was born and raised in Paterson, and he is a product of the Paterson Public Schools. He is an Eastside High School graduate. I know for a fact, and this can be verified, that any royalties or any monies from books he may have been involved with he made sure that money was donated to scholarship funds for the students of the Paterson Public Schools. That has been clearly documented. I think that needs to be addressed. Where we have had a problem is with the $50 million that hasn’t been accounted for in facilities and those individuals come here concerned about criminality. That is what they should be concerned about and not make statements against people who have served this community very well, like the Chief and like Dr. Sico. They are false statements, that is just wrong, and that should not be tolerated. I would like to request the administration to address that. We can’t have that go out there. That is just wrong. Thank you.
Comm. Brown: I am going to make my statements very, very brief. I want to say at this time that I am very, very proud and blessed to be a School Board member in Paterson. There are a lot of great things going on in Paterson, not only with our Superintendent and with his administration, but also with our Board. This Board has given me a tremendous amount of support – each and every one of them. I am very thankful for the support that all the Board members have given me as the President. Everyone has worked collectively as a team. We have good intellectual discourse. I am very, very proud and thankful for their support and for their support for the Superintendent. We are doing some great things as a Board. We are communicating extremely well, not just here in the public, but also outside of this dais. I wanted to publicly thank my Board for every effort that they have been putting into doing Board work. I am very thankful and very proud of that. A lot of good things are going to happen in the near future as a result of us coming together now and moving forward. As I traveled throughout the state and observed other Boards, we have the most talented Board in the State of New Jersey. You have all different disciplines up here on this dais. I am proud to not only represent them as their President, but to be a Board member working alongside them
Page 114 10/12/05 because they truly help make my job easier as a Board President. So I want to say thank you to my colleagues for the effort that we have put together in the past couple of months. Thank you. We are going to move to have a Board Forward in the near future and we are already talking about dialoguing and planning, not only on how we are going to do work, but also how we are going to engage the community, how we are going to be more supportive of the community and the Superintendent, and how we are going to work together. We know and recognize, all of us, that this is what we need to do if we are going to be successful for our children. We have all recognized and identified that, and we can disagree to agree. I just wanted to say thank you to the community for having patience with us, thank you to the administration, and we all look forward to working together. Thank you very much, God bless, and have a good evening.
It was moved by Comm. Sayegh, seconded by Comm. Santiago that the Board meeting be adjourned. On roll call all members voted in the affirmative. The motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:25 p.m.
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