3391

Minutes of the Board of Education

March 9, 2021

Flag Salute Mr. Clapper called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Burns
read the opening statement pursuant to the Open Public Meetings
Act. Mr. Adams made a statement regarding the tragic death of a
student over the weekend. Mr. Clapper conducted the Moment of
Silence and Flag Salute.

Roll Call
BOE Member Attendance
Mr. Clapper Present
Ms. Long Present
Ms. Augustine Present
Ms. Miller Present
Mr. Raetsch Present
Ms. Shannon Present
Ms. Sheilds Present
Ms. Shissler Present
Ms. Vena Present
Mr. Correa (Barrington) Present
Ms. Perno (Merchantville) Present
Ms. Wilson (Lawnside) Present

Mr. Adams, Superintendent and Stephen Burns, Business Administrator/Board Secretary were
present. No student representative for tonight.

General
Fire drills were held in all buildings according to statute:
Atlantic Avenue – 2/9; 2/10
Glenview Avenue – 2/16; 2/17
Seventh Avenue – 2/9; 2/10
Jr./Sr. High School – 2/16; 2/24

A Shelter in Place drill was held in the following building according to statute:
Glenview Avenue – 2/23; 2/25
Seventh Avenue – 2/14; 2/17
Jr./Sr. High School – 2/9; 2/11

An Evacuation drill was held in the following building according to statute:

Atlantic Avenue – 2/16; 2/24
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Minutes of the Board of Education
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Motion to approve minutes from February 9, 2021 Public Session

Motion: Ms. Shissler
2nd: Ms. Long
BOE Member YES NO ABSTAIN N/A
Mr. Clapper X
Ms. Long X
Ms. Augustine X
Ms. Miller X
Mr. Raetsch X
Ms. Shannon X
Ms. Sheilds X
Ms. Shissler X
Ms. Vena X
Mr. Correa (Barrington) X
Ms. Perno (Merchantville) X
Ms. Wilson (Lawnside) X

Presentations:

The auditor presented the findings from the annual audit for the 2019-2020 school year. He
explained the fund balance and the items that make up the fund balance. He also stated the
amount expended for each of the last two years. Overall, the auditors have no findings for the
2019-20 audit.

Mr. Burns and Mr. Adams presented the preliminary budget for the 2021-22 school year. The
presentation included an analysis of the tax rate, revenues, and expenditures. The presentation
highlighted facility items for the upcoming school year and funds dedicated to the strategic plan
goals.

Mr. Adams provided an update on the strategic plan progress. He went through highlights of
each goal, which will be posted on the district’s website. Mr. Adams mentioned the resources
provided by the Camden County Traumatic Loss Coalition in dealing with the traumatic event
over the weekend. The coalition will be providing a free workshop for all parents on how to talk
to their children regarding grief. Information will be provided regarding suicide prevention and
resources to utilize when help is needed.

Mr. Adams provided information regarding the current hybrid approach including the number of
students returning to in-person instruction. The district is working with the County in getting
vaccinations for staff members.
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Minutes of the Board of Education
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Board Open Discussion:

Ms. Miller asked about the increase in the return of students to in-person instruction in the
district. Mr. Adams provided the statistics for those returning to the buildings this week.

Ms. Augustine asked if the ESSER funds dedicated to SEL are in addition to the funds allocated
from the budget. Mr. Adams stated if the ESSER funds did not exist then the funds provided to
all the other goals would have been split with the SEL goal as well.

Ms. Augustine asked if the ESSER funds used for learning loss would be used for summer
programs. Mr. Adams stated that ideas have been developed but the focus has been on the
strategic plan in the current budget since the district is waiting for formal guidance in regards to
the ESSER funds.

Public Comment on Agenda Items

Ms. Doran asked regarding the changes/improvements that were being made to the Spanish
program? She asked why there is no textbook provided for the course. Mr. Adams stated that
the agenda includes the curriculum and not resources. The curriculum includes items such as
pacing, updating of standards, and areas of focus.

Report of Committees

Finance/Property: Ms. Long

Ms. Long stated that the presentation on the preliminary budget was the focus for the committee
meeting. The Strategic Plan funds were discussed. The ESSER II funds were discussed, but no
concrete plans have been made. Quotes are being obtained for planning purposes.

Personnel: Ms. Shissler

The committee met on February 16th. Mr. Adams had the annual discussion with the committee
regarding professional and support staff member renewals.

Negotiations: Ms. Sheilds

The committee met to discuss contract items. The Haddon Heights Educational Association
contract is on the agenda. Discussion regarding the School Business Administrator contract took
place.

Barrington: Mr. Correa

Mr. Correa stated that the preliminary budget and the school calendar were approved last night.
The district is looking to expand hybrid learning.
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Minutes of the Board of Education
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Merchantville: Ms. Perno

Ms. Perno mentioned that the district is currently working on the budget. The PTA is working
with the Diversity and Equity Committee to go through curriculum changes.

Ms. Augustine asked regarding the move to 4 foot spacing for their classrooms. Ms. Perno
stated that the district have not had any issues at this time. Discussions have begun regarding a
return to 5 days per week for half a day.

Lawnside: Ms. Wilson

Ms. Wilson mentioned a coach that was selected for a prestigious achievement. The coach was a
product of both the Lawnside and Haddon Heights School Districts. The 7th and 8th grade girls
had the opportunity to participate in a youth event.

Motion to move to Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter related to an RFP on the
agenda. The Board of Education will be in executive session for approximately 20 minutes.
Motion: Mr. Raetsch
Second: Ms. Sheilds

The Board of Education responded with Ayes.

Upon returning, Mr. Adams added that the two blanks in the agenda will be filled with Parker
McCay as the firm to be awarded and Ogletree Deakins into the other blank for item #40. Mr.
Burns mentioned that the fiscal year will be added to the resolution for item #41.

Motion to Approve the Superintendent’s Recommendation of Items #1 - 23.

Motion: Ms. Long
Second: Ms. Shissler

Ms. Miller asked the curriculum committee to look at the foreign language curriculum and their
resources.

BOE Member YES NO ABSTAIN N/A

Mr. Clapper X
Ms. Long X #14
Ms. Augustine X
Ms. Miller X
Mr. Raetsch X
Ms. Shannon X
Ms. Sheilds X
Ms. Shissler X
Ms. Vena X
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Minutes of the Board of Education
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Mr. Correa (Barrington) X

Ms. Perno (Merchantville) X
Ms. Wilson (Lawnside) X

Personnel:
1. Accept, with regret, the resignation of John Gallimore, part-time (.83) 12 month Computer
Technician, retroactive to February 17, 2021.

2. Approval of Adam Myers as a part-time (.83) 12 month Computer Technician, Level 1, at a

salary of $23,855.86 (prorated), with no medical benefits, start date to be determined upon
receipt of required paperwork.

3. Approval of Vincent Verderosa, Jr. as a long-term substitute Guidance Counselor at the

Jr./Sr. High School, at a rate of $100.00 per day, with no medical benefits, retroactive to
February 25, 2021 through April 1, 2021.

4. Approval of maternity/Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for employee #1378,
effective May 10, 2021 through November 30, 2021, returning to work on December 1,
2021.

5. Approval of a medical leave of absence for employee #0893, effective March 22, 2021
through June 4, 2021, returning to work on June 7, 2021.

6. Approval of all staff to provide supervision of extra-curricular activities at their hourly rate as
assigned, per the student's Individual Education Program.

7. Approval of the following employee for the 2021 Extended School Year Program:
Name Class Hourly Rate Up to # of Hours Weekly
Joseph Smargisso REACH Art $39.00 6

8. Approval of the following employee for Curriculum Writing to update Italian to new State
standards:
Name Course Contracted Rate # of Hours
Sara Shumway Italian $39.00 Up to 10

9. Approval of the following employee for Curriculum Writing to update K-6 Science to new
State standards:
Name Course Contracted Rate # of Hours
Mia Mai Science K-6 $39.00 Up to 10

10. Approval of the following employees for Curriculum Writing to update Social Studies to new
State standards:
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Minutes of the Board of Education
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Name Course Contracted Rate # of Hours

Rick Krause K-6 Social Studies $39.00 Up to 10
Sheryl Cerrito 7-12 Social Studies $39.00 Up to 10

11. Approval of Alexandra Rooney as the assistant swim coach for the 2020-2021 school year at
a stipend of $3,190.00.

12. Approval of the following spring coaches for the 2020-2021 school year:
Andrew Vernon – Head Girls Track $7,105
Andrew Whitman – Head Boys Track $7,105
Brad Kent– Track Assistant $4,055
Ryan Thompson – Track Assistant $4,055
Butch Gale – Track Assistant $4,055
Mark Johnson – Track Assistant $4,055
Sean Duff – Track Assistant $4,055
Anita Mills – Track Assistant $4,055
Rick Krause – Jr. High Track $4,055
Bridget Roney – Jr. High Track $4,055
Brandon Cresci - Jr. High Track $4,055
Eric Newell – Head Baseball $7,105
John Harvey – Baseball Assistant (JV) $2,703
Don Newell – Baseball Assistant (Varsity) $2,703
Tyler Coliccio – Baseball Assistant (Frosh) $2,703
Gianna Pedone – Head Softball $7,105
Charlie Kellogg – Softball Assistant (Varsity) $2,027.50
Chelsea Thomas – Softball Assistant (JV) $2,027.50
Joe McGroarty – Head Golf $4,045
Keith Chambers - Head Boys Tennis $5,425
Kelly Ferrante – Head Girls Lax $4,055
Allison Dillon – Assistant Girls Lax $4,055

13. Approval of the following spring volunteers and paraprofessional aides for the 2020-2021
school year:
Neil Ortiz – Paraprofessional Aide for Boys Tennis
Brian Clark – Paraprofessional Aide for Baseball
Erik Christensen – Paraprofessional Aide for Baseball
Zach Houck – Paraprofessional Aide for Track
Jeff Eppright – Volunteer Coach for Baseball
Donny Lang – Volunteer Coach for Golf
Steve Moyer – Paraprofessional Aide for Golf
Paige Burton – Paraprofessional Aide for Softball
Caitlin Oswald - Paraprofessional Aide for Softball
Beth Kovach - Paraprofessional Aide for Softball
Maureen Hildbold – Paraprofessional Aide for Girls Lax
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Minutes of the Board of Education
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Programs:
14. Approval of the Memorandum of Agreement with the Haddon Heights Educational
Association from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024.

15. Approval of the following curricula:

Spanish 9-12
French 9-12

16. Approval of the 2021 High School Musical Working (2012 Revised).

17. Approval of Lauren Kendra to run a girls basketball clinic for girls in grades 6-8 from
Barrington, Haddon Heights, Lawnside and Merchantville on Tuesday and Thursday
evenings from 6-8 pm effective March 15th through the end of the school year.

18. Approval of the 2021 spring athletic schedule.

19. Approval of the following professional development requests as well as mileage

reimbursement at the approved rate for the 2020-2021 school year:
Name Date Amount Professional Development
Janet Richards 03/15/2021 $279 Best Practices in Co-Teaching
Lindsey Cooper 03/15/2021 $279 Best Practices in Co-Teaching

20. Approval of the following new/revised policies and regulations (2nd reading):
P 1620 Administrative Employment Contracts (M) (Revised)
P 2431 Athletic Competition (M) (Revised)
R 2431.1 Emergency Procedures for Sports and Other Athletic Activity (M)
(Revised)
P 2451 Adult High School (M) (Revised)
P 2464 Gifted and Talented Students (M) (Revised)
P & R 5330.05 Seizure Action Plan (M) (New)
P 6440 Cooperative Purchasing (M) (Revised)
P & R 6470.01 Electronic Funds Transfer and Claimant Certification (M) (New)
P & R 7440 School District Security (M) (Revised)
P 7450 Property Inventory (M) (Revised)
P & R 7510 Use of School Facilities (M) (Revised)
P 8420 Emergency and Crisis Situations (M) (Revised)
P 8561 Procurement Procedures for School Nutrition Programs (M) (Revised)

21. Approval of the annual Mountain Mover-Student Advocacy Award. Ability Advocates of NJ
will present two awards of $500.00 each to one boy and one girls from Lawnside. The
students receiving this award should have demonstrated that they are advocates for those who
may not be able to advocate for themselves. The intended students may have taken a stance
against bullying or racism, organized a fundraiser or charity event, volunteered their time to
help another, or provided a helping hand without expecting anything in return. This award is
based on character, not grades or academic achievement.
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Minutes of the Board of Education
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22. Approval of The Dominic Cerrito Constitution Scholarship. This annual award will be three
awards of $150.00 each. Students interested in applying for the scholarship will submit a
video of themselves reading the United States Constitution in its entirety, including the Bill
Rights (first 10 amendments). Memorization of the Constitution is not necessary. The
student can read directly from the Constitution. There are no other qualifications or pre-
requisites required. The idea of this scholarship came about as a poll showed that only 28%
of people had read the Constitution. The goal and purpose of this scholarship is to increase
readership of the United States Constitution and knowledge of its significance in defining the
role of our government and ensuring our rights and liberties as United States citizens.

Finance:
23. Approval of the bill list in the amount of $586,581.03.

Motion to Approve the Superintendent’s Recommendation of Items #24 – 47 with the edits
mentioned after the Executive Session.
Motion: Ms. Miller
Second: Mr. Raetsch

BOE Member YES NO ABSTAIN N/A

Mr. Clapper X
Ms. Long X
Ms. Augustine X
Ms. Miller X
Mr. Raetsch X
Ms. Shannon X
Ms. Sheilds X
Ms. Shissler X
Ms. Vena X
Mr. Correa (Barrington) X
Ms. Perno (Merchantville) X
Ms. Wilson (Lawnside) X

Personnel:
24. Approval of Samantha Kerr as a replacement Math Specialist at Seventh Avenue School,
BA, Level 1, at a salary of $52,344.00 (prorated) (to be paid at $100.00 per day until the end
of 60 calendar days then prorated salary retro to day 1), with medical benefits offered after
90 days, effective April 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021.

25. Approval of the start date of Claire Wasienko, Special Education part-time (.96) instructional
aide, retroactive to March 4, 2021 through June 30, 2021.
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26. Approval to revise the end date of employment for Samantha Kerr, replacement 6th Grade
teacher at Atlantic Avenue School, BA, Level 1, at a salary of $52,344.00 (prorated) (to be
paid at $100.00 per day until the end of 60 calendar days then prorated salary retro to day 1),
with medical benefits offered after 90 days, from October 26, 2020 through February 12,
2021 to October 26, 2020 through March 31, 2021.

27. Approval to revise the end date of a medical leave of absence for employee #0831, from
February 12, 2021 retroactive to February 26, 2021, returning to work on March 1, 2021.

28. Approval to revise the end date of a medical leave of absence for employee #0194, from
February 12, 2021 to March 31, 2021, returning to work on April 1, 2021.

29. Approval of a medical leave of absence for employee #0601, retroactive to February 25,
2021 through April 1, 2021, returning to work April 12, 2021.

30. Approval of a medical leave of absence for employee #0350, from March 24, 2021 through
April 1, 2021, returning to work on April 12, 2021.

31. Approval of Brittany Johnson to complete an inquiry project for a Master's program at
Rowan University titled, “The Effects of Sensory Integration on Behaviors and Academics”
with parent permission of assigned students.

Programs:
32. Approval of the tuition rate for the Early Arrival Program for the 2021-2022 school year at a
rate of $7 per child.

33. Approval of the HHPTG to sponsor after school clubs for the elementary students of
Glenview, Atlantic and Seventh Avenue Schools.

Facility Use:
34. Approval of the following facility use request(s):

Haddon Heights Field Hockey Club to use the Jr./Sr. High School field hockey field for their
summer camp on Thursdays effective July 8, 2021 through August 12, 2021 from 5:30 pm to
8:00 pm and for their fall season on Sundays effective September 5, 2021 through November 7,
2021 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

St. Rose of Lima School to use the Jr./Sr. High School track for their track practices and meets
effective April 1, 2021 through June 15, 2021. Schedule to be determined by the Athletic
Director.

Finance/Miscellaneous:
35. Approval of transfers.
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36. Approval of the Shared Service with Barrington School District for maintenance/custodial
services during the pandemic if an emergency arises.

37. Approval of the solicitation of the EUS for Health Insurance Broker.

38. Approval of the RFP 20-01 for Auditor, Solicitor, Architect of Record, Nursing Services,
Psychiatric Services, Occupational Therapy Services, Physical Therapy Services, Board
Certified Behavior Analyst and Applied Behavior Analyst Services, and Audiological
Services.

39. Approval of the addition of the amendments to the Long Range Facility Plan to include the
following projects and for our Architect of Record to submit project plans to the Office of
School Facilities. The district is not requesting state aid for these projects:
Bathroom addition to classroom at Atlantic
HVAC System addition to HS classroom
Change of Use of Woodshop classroom to STEAM/Classroom

40. Accept the Annual Audit for the 2019 – 2020 school year and approve the Corrective Action
Plan (if applicable).

41. Approval of the award of RFP 21-02 to Parker McCay to provide special counsel services for
the 2020-2021 school year. The district will encumber $26,000 based on this awarding.
Other proposals received were:
Ogletree Deakins
Brown & Connery, LLP
Busch Law Group
Eric Bernstein & Associates, LLC
Comegno Law Group
Inglesino Webster Wyciskala Taylor, LLC
MS & B

42. Approval of the Travel Related Expense Reimbursement for the 2021-2022 school year be
established at a maximum expenditure of $1,000 per employee.

43. Approval of the payment of officials from Zebra Pay.

44. Approval of the Public Hearing for the 2021-2022 Budget to be held on May 5, 2021 at 7:00
pm in the Seventh Avenue Multi-Purpose Room.
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45. Approval of the adoption of the 2021-2022 tentative budget as listed on the budget resolution
below.
WHEREAS, the Haddon Heights Board of Education, in the County of
Camden, State of New Jersey, hereby approves the 2021-2022 school district
budget for submission to the Camden County Office of Education;

Budget Local Tax

Levy
General Fund $25,531,10 $14,153,729
7
Special Revenue $1,363,765 $0.00
Fund
Debt Service Fund $1,003,513 $1,003,512
Total $27,898,38 $15,157,241
5

WHEREAS, to acknowledge that the 2021-2022 budget, as described above,

includes the use of the enrollment adjustment in the amount of $53,216. The
need for this enrollment adjustment is to offset the increases in enrollment
costs in the district. All adjustments in the 2021-2022 budget have been used
and placed in the General Fund Local Tax Levy. These costs cannot be
deferred or incrementally completed over an extended period of time; and

WHEREAS, to acknowledge that the 2021-2022 budget, as described above,

includes the use of tuition reserve funds in the amount of $100,000. The
tuition reserve will be utilized to continue to increase in resources for
students as the district’s tuition student population increases and fluctuates
on a yearly basis; and

WHEREAS, to acknowledge that the 2021-2022 budget, as described above,

includes the use of maintenance reserve funds in the amount of $23,760. The
maintenance reserve will be utilized to continue to complete regular
maintenance items to our district facilities; and

WHEREAS, to acknowledge that the 2021-2022 budget, as described above,

includes the use of capital reserve funds in the amount of $350,000. The
capital reserve will be utilized to construct a bathroom facility at Atlantic
Avenue Elementary School in a pre-K/K classroom, a STEM lab at the high
school, and HVAC on the HS Auditorium balcony classrooms; and
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WHEREAS, the proposed budget includes sufficient funds to provide

curriculum and instruction that will enable students to achieve the Core
Curriculum Content Standards and is in compliance with N.J.S.A. 18A and
N.J.A.C. Title 6 & 6A; and

WHEREAS, as per N.J.A.C. 6A:23B-1.2(b), the proposed budget provides

for a maximum expenditure amount that may be allotted for travel and
expense reimbursement; and

WHEREAS, that the Haddon Heights Board of Education establish a

maximum of $40,500 in general fund 2021-2022 budget for travel and travel
related expenditures.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that there should be raised for

general funds $14,153,729 and for debt service $1,003,512 for the 2021-
2022 school year.

46. Approval of the Treasurer’s and Secretary’s Reports for the month of January, 2021. Reports
are in agreement. In addition, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-16/10 (c) 4, the Haddon Heights
Board of Education certifies that as of January 31, 2021, and after review of the Secretary’s
Monthly Financial Report and the Treasurer’s Monthly Financial Report and upon consultation
with the appropriate district officials, to the best of the Boards’ knowledge, no major account
or fund has been over-expended in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-16.10 (a) 1 and the sufficient
funds are available to meet the district’s financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal
year.

47. Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-16.10 (c) 3, I certify that as of January 31, 2021, no budgetary
line item account has obligations and payments (contractual orders) which in total exceed the
amount appropriated by the Haddon Heights Board of Education pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:22-
8.1 and N.J.S.A. 18A:22-8.2 and no budgetary line item account has been over-expended in
violation of N.J.A.C. 6:23-2.12 (a) 1.

Board Member Comments

No Comments.

Public Comment

Mr. Mueller – He mentioned a few items on the strategic plan involving the staffing in the
guidance departments. The child study team has less staff than the team did in 2010.
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Ms. Monahan – How many teachers in a classroom have been vaccinated? She also commented
that the Spanish class needs to be evaluated. Mr. Adams stated that the Spanish resources are on
the next board of education curriculum meeting.

Mr. Haslum – Is the 5 cohort schedule continuing beyond the 5 weeks? Mr. Adams stated that it
would be evaluated regarding another 5 week cycle after the first 5 weeks has concluded.

Motion to Adjourn the Meeting

Motion: Ms. Miller
2nd: Ms. Shannon

Stephen Burns
Business Administrator/Board Secretary