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HAMMONTON—The lottery for Preschool-3 students was held at the June 8 meeting of the Hammonton Board of Education.
Board of Education President Sam Mento III introduced Superintendent of Schools Robin Chieco, who had a bag filled with numbered balls representing all of the applicants to the program, and board member Ray Scipione, who was responsible for drawing and reading the numbers.
“We’re drawing for open seats for our first-ever 3-year-old classroom. We have seven available seats and over 40-some applicants, so what we’re going to do is continuously pull every single number. You will have your first seven, and then number eight would be the number one alternate, and continuing down the line,” Mento said.
Chieco rotated the manual lottery ball machine while Scipione retrieved and read each number; Assistant Superintendent Tammy Leonard recorded each one. After the drawing was concluded, Mento thanked all those who applied to the program.
“This is something that I’m particularly proud of, and I know a lot of these board members are very happy to be able to provide to our community. It’s a known fact: the earlier we get our kids in the classroom, the better off they are, so this is just the start of good things to come,” Mento said.
Mento said that the first year of the program will offer one classroom.
“Once our new construction is complete at the ECEC [Early Childhood Education Center] that we’re utilizing $4.7 million of federal grant money, that will provide us with additional space and, hopefully, free some rooms up, and our 3-year-old program will be able to accommodate all the applicants in years to come,” Mento said.
During her report, Chieco said that letters were scheduled to be mailed on June 12 to the families of all students who registered for the program. Those whose numbers were selected for one of the open positions are to call the phone number provided to confirm that their child will be attending.
“All other students will be placed on the waiting list based on the order the numbers were called by Mr. Scipione during the lottery. As additional spots open, the next person on the waiting list will be offered a seat. Any family that registers during the summer will be placed at the end of the waiting list,” Chieco said.
Chieco said that information related to the new student orientation for the 2023-24 school year will be posted on the district’s website and Facebook page during the summer.
“We’ll be doing that, probably, during the end of June or beginning of July,” Chieco said.
In other business, while presenting the report from the Finance Committee, board member John Lyons noted that close to half of the agenda items related to financial matters.
“We’ll be closing out our books at the end of the month, so lots of activity there; rollover surpluses and square everything away,” Lyons said.
Lyons said that, during the summer, the committee will continue work on the project at the ECEC to ensure that it is properly funded.
During the Solar Committee report, board member Kelli Fallon said that there were three agenda items relating to the project.
“They’re just housekeeping agenda items to give a formal lot and block, legal name to the arrays out there. It’s fully operational. It’s up and running,” Fallon said.
While presenting the report from the School Culture and Climate Committee, board member Barbara Berenato spoke about further investigation into the possibility of school uniforms.
“I did get in touch with one of the schools, and what they did is, they didn’t necessarily have a uniform—like I said before—but they went with school colors. You’d wear a shirt with a school color, so we’d have blue or white, and maybe black and tan or whatever,” Berenato said.
Berenato said that she was going to contact additional schools for more information.
Under the Student Activities Committee report, board member Thomas Attanasi said that there will be a boys’ lacrosse program during the next school year.
“It will start out as a club program. The board will be financing all the safety equipment, and we’re looking forward to getting that off the ground next year,” Attanasi said.
During the Safety Committee report, Board Member Luke Coia said that the new school resource officer (SRO) has begun work at the ECEC.
Under the report from the Community Relations Committee, Scipione offered his condolences to the family of Charlotte Cessato, who was a history teacher at Hammonton High School for more than 30 years. Cessato died on May 25.
“Mrs. Cessato was a great teacher—a popular teacher—and she will missed,” Scipione said.
During the second public comment portion of the meeting, community member Dave Murphy addressed the board, thanking everyone in the district for everything they have done to help his grandson, Alec Monacelli—a member of the Class of 2023—during his academic career in Hammonton.
“You have helped us guide and often make accommodations for Alec, an individual on the autism spectrum, through often challenging times and experiences. You have educated him on much of what an individual needs to know as a citizen—and he has done well, thanks to all of you,” Murphy said.
Murphy said that being a part of the community is a part of the education continuum.
“Not only have you helped him learn, but you have also helped others learn that he—and individuals like him—are valued, loved, need and as important as every student is,” Murphy said.
Murphy expressed his gratitude.
“Thank you all—and this thanks is for the insightful and supportive taxpayers, too—for educating Alec and for helping him—and us, his family—feel loved, worthy and accepted,” Murphy said.
During the meeting, the board notably resolved to:
• Ratify the purchase order lists for April and May 2023 in the amount of $381,690.56.
• Approve the bill list for June 2023 in the amount of $1,127,194.65.
• Ratify the check lists for April and May 2023 in the amount of $1,380,612.14.
• Ratify the May 2023 payroll in the amount of $3,799,288.89.
• Ratify writing off negative food service balances in the amount of $2,897.50 due to students qualifying for free/reduced meals.
• Approve to accept Hammonton Education Foundation Grants as awarded in the amount $44,379.00.
• Approve to return unspent appropriation and unanticipated revenue in the amount $500,000 to Restricted Maintenance Reserve in accordance with NJAC 6A:23A-14.3.
• Approve to return unspent appropriation and unanticipated revenue in the amount not to exceed $2,500,000 to Restricted Capital Reserve in accordance with NJAC 6A:23A-14.3.
• Approve pursuant to PL 2015, Chapter 47 the Hammonton Board of Education intends to renew, award, or permit to expire the following contracts previously awarded by the board of education. These contracts are, and have been, in full compliance with all state and federal statutes and regulation; in particular, New Jersey Title 18A:18 et.seq, NJAC Chapter 23, and Federal Uniform Administrative Requirements 2CFR, Part200. Compliance with new contracts, not listed here, will be addressed prior to board action.
• Approve a resolution Authorizing Contracts with Certain Approved State Contract Vendors and Cooperatives for Board of Education Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-10a. (Copy is in the District Office for your perusal)
• Approve a Memorandum of Solar Lease and License Agreement between Hammonton Solar, LLC and the Hammonton Board of Education.
• Approve the First Amendment to Solar Lease and License Agreement.
• Approve the Third Amendment to Solar Power Purchase Agreement.
• Ratify an agreement with Manders Merighi Portadin Farrell Architects, LLC for the preparation of three ROD grant applications for renovations to the Middle School for an additional amount of $4,535.
• Approve a Capital Reserve withdrawal for purchase and installation of new district wide telephone system: 10-307, Capital Reserve Withdrawal ($149,746); 12-000-230-730, Construction Services $149,746
• Approve the 2023-2024 New Jersey School Boards Association membership dues in the amount of $22,029.42.
• Approve a contract with RFP Solutions Inc. for a new district wide telephone system in the amount of $149,746.00 based on New Jersey State Contract #80801.
• Approve to renew a contract between VHS, Inc. (Virtual High School) and Hammonton Public Schools from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2024 based on lowest quote.
• Approve a contract with A&R Fence and Guide Rail LLC for four 8” high chain link fence for the High School girls’ softball fields in the amount of $20,000 based on lowest quote.
• Approve an agreement with Xerox to lease eight copiers throughout the District in the amount of $1,508.63/month based on State Contract No. 072736100.
• Approve an Extraordinary Unspecifiable Contract between the Hammonton Board of Education and the Horizon Dental Public Employer Trust with Brown & Brown Benefit Advisors as Broker of Record for the renewal term of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
• Approve a contract with Monmouth-Ocean Educational Services Commission to provide Chapter 192 and 193 services to St. Joseph Academy. Services are funded through nonpublic state aid.
• Approve to award contract to Bob McCloskey Insurance through Berkley Life & Health Insurance Company for student accident insurance in the amount of $25,921.
• Approve the 2023-2024 nursing services agreement with Bayada Home Health Care in the amount of $53 per hour for One-On-One LPN and $65 per hour for One-On-One RN and for Substitute RN $80 per hour.
• Approve the 2023-2024 nursing services agreement with Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services in the amount of $50 per hour for One-On-One LPN and $58 per hour for One-On-One RN.
• Approve the 2023-2024 nursing services agreement with Wright Choice in the amount of $42 per hour for One-On-One LPN and substitute and $52.00 per hour for One-On-One RN and substitute.
• Approve a contract with ERA, Inc. to provide physical, occupational, speech and language therapy services from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 at a cost of $20 per unit (15 minute intervals).
• Approve to award Professional contract for medical inspector to Stephen A. Nurkiewicz, MD for the 2023-2024 school year in the amount of $30,000 plus drug testing fees.
• Approve an agreement with Cross Country Clinical & Educational Services, Inc. to provide clinical and educational services provide psychiatric learning, speech language, P/f, Off, and social intake assessments for the 2023-2024 school year as needed.
• Approve to award Professional Service Contract for NJ DOT Drug/Alcohol Testing and Compliance and Entry Level Driver Training with Atlantic Investigations from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
• Approve to award a Competitive Contract to CASA Payroll Services, LLC for renewal of Payroll & Reporting Services in the amount $51,339 for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Approve a contract award to Systems 3000 for renewal of Software License Agreement, annual hosting and back-up fee in the amount $23,442 based on lowest quote.
• Approve to award a contract with Blend Education LLC to provide a full day workshop for ELA teachers to be paid for from federal funds.
• Approve a resolution directing the distribution of the Hammonton Board of Education net returned surplus funds held in trust by the Atlantic & Cape May Counties Association of School Business Officials JIF in the amount of $30,732 per Option No. 1.
• Approve to accept and award 2023-2024 athletic supply bid.
• Approve a Capital Reserve withdrawal for the ECEC Expansion project: 10-307, Capital Reserve Withdrawal ($312,057); 12-000-400-450, Construction Services $312,057
• Authorize the Business Administrator to advertise for Competitive Contracts for Comprehensive In-School Therapeutic Program Services.
• Approve to dispose of antiquated ELA textbooks located in the High School.
• Ratify the April 2023 Latchkey Program bank reconciliation.
• Approve to dispose of antiquated unused library books located in the Warren E. Sooy school.
• Approve to dispose of antiquated 4th grade Science and Social Studies textbooks located in the Warren E. Sooy school.
• Approve a letter of resignation from Kevin Kretschy, elementary school teacher, effective June 30.
• Approve the re-employment of the district bus drivers for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Approve the re-employment of the district bus aides for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Approve the summer 2023 hours for the early childhood center part-time receptionist, Nancy Gonzalez.
• Approve the following personnel for the Pre-K/Kindergarten Testers and ELL Testers for the 2023-2024 school year: Pre-K/Kindergarten Testers—Lisa Ruiz, Gina Giralo and Courtney Thompson, 60 hours each at $50/hr; ELL Testers—Nereida Rosado, Adalgisa Lyons and Andrea Silipena, 65 hours each at $50/hr.
• Approve the 20-hour field experience for Frances Butterline, a student from Eastern University, in the elementary school.
• Approve a letter of retirement from Julie Comunale, district office secretary, effective August 31.
• Approve the payment of $50 per hour for the following personnel to live stream the high school promenade, high school graduation and middle school graduation for the 2022-2023 school year: Brian Durar
• Approve Christina Angelastro and Lisa White as assistants for students receiving special education services to attend 8th grade activities including graduation, with a cost to the district of approximately $1,000.
• Approve the longevity adjustment for personnel with a total cost to the district of $28,500.
• Approve Anna Albanese as the high school Dance Club Advisor for the 2022-2023 school year with a cost to the district of $1,605.
• Approve for the high school summer credit completion for the 2022-2023 school year with an estimated cost of $11,550.
• Approve Jill Cestaro, Jessica combs and im Scavo as school nurses for the high school summer credit completion for the 2022-2023 school year.
• Approve Krista Verzi for the middle school Academic Intervention and Recovery Program for the 2022-2023 school year with a cost to the district of $3,000.
• Approve the board resolution and contract for Barbara Prettyman, School Business Administrator, for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Approve the board resolution and contract for Tammy Leonard, Assistant Superintendent, for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Approve the contract for Marjorie Crawford, Assistant Business Administrator, for the 2023-2024 school year.
Approve the contract for Stephen Minchak, District Technology Coordinator, for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Approve the salary guide for the 2023-2024 Non-Represented Employees’ Salaries.
• Approve the salary guide for the food service department for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Approve the salary guide for the At Will personnel for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Approve the re-employment of the support staff (clerical, technology, maintenance and grounds) for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Approve the re-employment of the instructional/personal care/bilingual aides for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Approve the re-employment of the district custodian staff for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Approve the re-employment of the district food service staff for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Approve the re-employment of the cafeteria/recess aides/hall monitors/library aides/night security for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Approve the summer hours 2023 for Richard Cote, Special Assistant to the Business Administration of summer 2023 projects.
• Approve the summer 2023 hours for Richard Cote, high school teacher, for the SLE (Structured Learning Experience) program.
• Approve the transfer of the following personnel: Casey McCullough, from elementary school to high school; Jason Bendig, from high school to middle school; Kaitlin McConomy, from middle school to high school
• Approve the transfer of the following part-time instructional/personal care aide: Tina Kennedy, from elementary school to middle school
• Approve the summer 2023 hours for the school guidance counselors, SAC and school nurses.
• Approve the following updated personnel to provide instruction for our Title I/ ARP-ESSER summer 2023 programs. For ECEC/WES Achievement Academy—Program administrator, $6,189.88; Nurse, $2,745.06; Teachers (16), $58,561.60; Instructional Aides (six), $7,686.21; Planning, $4,133.76. For HMS Summer Excel—Program Administrator, $6,189.88; Teachers (16), $58,561.60; Planning, $4,650.46; Nurse, $2,745.06.
• Approve the following updated personnel for the summer 2023 special education programs (Extended School Year) with a total cost of the district of approximately $125,000.
• Approve the summer 2023 hours for personnel from the child study team services for students receiving or requesting special education with a total cost of approximately $65,000.
• Approve personnel for attendance at IEP meetings throughout summer 2023 with a predicted cost of $5,000.
• Approve the salary adjustment for the following personnel for the 2023-2024 school year: Anthony Ricca, from non-degree to degree
• Approve the payment of $50 per hour for the following personnel to live stream on an “as needed” basis for the 2023-2024 school year: Brian Durar
• Approve high school teachers for 20 hours for each of our Advanced Placement Courses for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Approve the following rates for the season sports workers starting with the 2023-2024 school year: Football games only, $100 and $125 (extra time/technical skills); Other fall sports workers, $50 and $75; Winter sports (including wrestling matches) and spring sports, $50 and $75; Indoor/outdoor tournaments, $50/hr.
• Approve teachers and staff for the fall sports workers for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Approve the following personnel in assisting with site management for high school athletic events for the 2023-2024 school year: Lori Scibilia, Steve Mischak, Kimberly Zuccarello, Michael DiStefano, Brian Reed and William Wick at a rate of $150/day.
• Approve Heather Flaim as a substitute athletic trainer for the 2023-2024 school year at a rate of $50/hr.
• Approve the high school fall coaching stipends for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Approve personnel for the high school winter coaching stipends for the 2023-2024 school year
• Approve Department Chairs for the 2023-2024 school year.
• 112. Resolution No. 23 06 R (W): Resolved that the Hammonton Board of Education approve the following high school personnel for Instructional Management Team (IMT) for the 2023-2024 school year at a rate of $1,400 each: Anthony Angelozzi, Tracy Angelozzi, Matt Arena, Carolyn Edwards, Stacy Gerst and Tami Schaffer.
• Approve personnel for the high school extracurricular activities for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Approve Lauren Pondish and Alexis Klimczak as volunteer Marching Band Assistants for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Approve a middle school summer strings program for the 2023-2024 school year with Paul Enuco at a rate of $2,802.
• Approve the following personnel pending receipt of all necessary paperwork (current substitute pay schedule approved by the Board January 20, 2022: Regular County Substitute Certificate, $125/day; Regular Standard State Teaching Certificate, $150/day; substitute nurse pay schedule approved by the Board October 14, 2021: School Nurse, $225/day):
1. Dawn Dolan, elementary school/early childhood center (replacement G.A.) LDT-C effective for the 2023-2024 school year
2. Devin James, elementary school (replacement A.C.) ESL teacher effective for the 2023-2024 school year
3. Paul Sorrentino, elementary school (replacement K.K.) teacher effective for the 2023-2024 school year
4. Jacqueline O’Rourke, high school (replacement J.G.) mathematics teacher effective for the 2023-2024 school year
5. Susana Estrada Mendiola, district full time custodian effective June 9
6. James Vandervort, district bus aide effective July l
7. Substitute teacher(s)/nurse(s) who have a New Jersey substitute certificate: Emily Bailey
8. Substitute custodian(s)—$15/hr: Robin Turner
9. Substitute bus driver(s) - $19/hr: Mathias Spahn
• Approve the renewal of New Jersey substitute certificates for the following personnel.
• Approve a part-time school psychology internship for Leslie Miles, a student from Georgian Court University, in the high school.
• Approve the submission of the School Security Drill Statement of Assurance for the 2022-2023 school year.
• Approve the submission of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Safe Return Plans.
Approve the submission of an amendment to the American Rescue Plan - ESSERJII to reallocate funds to budget for summer learning programs and mental health supports for students.
• Approve the acceptance of the award and submission of the FY24 IDEA grant application for both Basic and Pre-School allocations.
• Approve the acceptance and submission of the FY24 ESEA award in the allocated amounts
• Approve the Cape-Atlantic League Membership Resolution for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Approve to open up an elementary school art student activity account for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Approve the high school Stock Investment Club for the 2023-2024 school year. Jonathan Wilson will be the volunteer club advisor.
• Approve the revised 2023-2024 school calendar for the following dates: February 9, 2024 Single Session HS ONLY/Hop—Teacher In-Service, ECEC, WES, AND MS FULL DAY; May 3, 2024 Single Session HS ONLY/Prom—Teacher In-Service, ECEC, WES, AND MS FULL DAY
• Approve a request from the Greater Hammonton Chamber of Commerce, Inc. to waive the use of facilities fee for the use of the fields.
The board was also scheduled to hold a swearing-in ceremony for Folsom representative John Thomas, but he did not attend the meeting.
The next meeting of the Hammonton Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, July 13 at 7 p.m. in the Samuel A. Donio Memorial Library at Hammonton High School.