BOE News

Nutley Journal

Editorial, April 15, 2010

“Reid, Kucinski and Kuchta for BOE”

In the upcoming April 20 Board of Education election, we endorse Robert Reid, Charles Kucinski, and James Kuchta.

We believe changes in the economic climate need to be met with a few changes in the structures of the board. Newcomers Reid and Kucinski provide a combination of relevant experience that can help the board progress nicely into the future.

Reid is a product of the Nutley School System with a child entering kindergarten. His background in strategic planning and needs assessment, along with his work in the department of family and child studies and social work at Montclair State University should prove useful as the board plans for any difficulties that lie ahead.

Kucinski is a familiar face having served on the board in the ‘80s and ‘90s, including a stint as board president. But his overall passion and zero-conflict credentials can help the board get back to business, and stay there. This man from Nutley’s past is a change for the future that we support.

We also endorse the incumbent Kuchta. His business and number-crunching background as a CFO is something this board should hold on to. It’s a much needed talent in this climate, when it is arguably budget season all year round.

Dr. Casale Cleared of Any Improprieties

• Ethics Commission Finds No Wrong-Doings With $750,000 Settlement

Feb 24, 2010 – School Board President Dr. Phil Casale was cleared of any improprieties by the School Ethics Commission of the N.J. Dept. of Education. The commission itself likely won't have any comment or announcement of its decision for another month.

But word of the decision came from several at yesterday's hearing who told NJHometown today that they were informed by their respective attorneys that the ruling was "no violations occurred" in the manner surrounding Dr. Casale's handling of a $750,000 settlement with Tri-Tech Engneering for construction work on town school buildings.

Dr. Casale also affirmed the panel's decision in a telephone call to NJHometown this morning but said he would have no comment other than what then was a statment being prepared by his attorney.

That statement was received this afternoon from Patrick P. Toscano Jr. of the Toscano Law Firm in Caldwell. The statement, in its entirety, reads as follows:

"Statement on behalf of Philip Casale.

"From the inception of the allegations in this matter, it was apparent that the complaints to the School Ethics Commission were politically driven, and void of any legal merit. This position is further fortified by the Board summarily finding that my client violated neither state statute nor an other regulation. At all times Dr. Casale acted within the confines of the law, and for the betterment of the citizens of Nutley. Indeed, all of the testimony evidenced such.

"It is suggested that the time has now come for someone or some entity there in Nutley to investigate those very individuals who filed these frivolous complaints with the State of New Jersey. To allow this devious and venal conduct on their behalf to go unpunished (which conduct they attempted to visit upon my client and ruin his reputation) would be tantamount to sanctioning their opprobrious conduct.

"Dr. Casale is owned a sincere apology from the individuals who filed the ill-advised complaints. If these apologies are not forthcoming, the true political intent of the individuals responsible for same speaks volumes."

The essence of the complaint against Dr. Casale was that he negotiated the $750,000 settlement with Tri-Tech alone, without the participation of other board members or the superintendent of schools. Details of the evidence for and against that complaint will be part of the Ethics Commission's published decision expected late next month.

Word of the Ethics Commission's conclusion was not announced by the commission itself, but through attorneys at the session.

"The Commissioners concluded there were no violations," NJHometown was told.

The formal complaint to the Ethtics Commission was filed by three former board members, Marie Alamo, Sal Olivo and Dr. Jerry Parisi, and by Jim Kuchta, a current board trustee who, like Dr. Casale, is seeking a new three-year term at this spring's school election.

"We, as well as our attorneys, thought we had a good case," the former board members said.

All-Day Kindergarten Projected for Next September

. Plan Contingent on Passage of School Budget

Feb 23, 2010 - Despite severe reductions in state aid, all-day kindergarten

sessions for Nutley children will commence next September, the Board of

Education decided last night. The program will cost approximately $375,000

according to figures already developed by trustee Jim Kuchta who heads the

committee developing next year's school budget.

Nearly all surrounding communities offer all-day kindergarten sessions and

the need for such a program in Nutley has intensified in recent years,

largely because of the growing number of homes with two working parents.

But at the same time the board is supporting a full-day kindergarten

program, trustees are aware of the severe cuts expected in state aid for the

coming year. Last night trustees discussed a number of ways costs could be

reduced and yet provide a full day for kindergarten in all the elementary

schools. Among the proposals last night were a "play to pay" assessment for

athletic and extra curricular programs. Another option would be to offer

some classes "on line" rather than in school, and the possibility of using

the auditorium for lecture-type classes that would accommodate up to 100

students.

Neighboring Glen Ridge charges students an overall "activities" fee that

includes sports as well as school clubs and music programs. "That's another

option," School Board President Dr. Phil Casale said. He noted that already

"some of the costs of the high school ice hockey program are being paid by

parents."

Superintendent Joe Zarra said the various elementary schools would not be

burdened by adding an all-day kindergarten program.

"We have worked out the space - we have ample room," Zarra said adding that

"many of our neighboring district already offer a full day for kindergarten.

We feel it's the right thing to do and we do have the space."

Zarra then said that an all-day kindergarten "again would be contingent upon

passage of the budget" by voters.

State Hearing of Legality of Tri-Tech Payment Tomorrow

• Dr.Casale, Others Will Appear Before State Ethics Commission

Feb 21, 2010 – A year-long dispute involving the Board of Education's $750,000 payment to Tri-Tech Engineering for school building construction work remains unresolved but could reach a conclusion tomorrow(Tuesday) when the N.J. Department of Education's School Ethics Commission takes testimony from those involved in the controversy.

A major issue to be resolved is whether School Board president Dr. Phil Casale acted properly a year ago when he, supposedly acting alone, negotiated the $750,000 settlement with Tri-Tech. The money was sent to the engineering firm but later was ordered to be returned when state investigators suspected improprieties.

Officials told NJHometown Friday that the $750,000 payment has not been returned. There also have been allegations that Dr. Casale acted alone and without the knowledge of Supt. Joe Zarra in negotiation process. Those allegations will also be part of the State Ethics Commission meeting tomorrow.

Several board members, past and present, have either been summoned or have filed "ethical complaints" questioning the legality of the $750,000 settlement. Among those expected at Tuesday's hearing are former trustees Sal Olivo, Marie Alamo, Dr. Jerry Parisi and Jerry DelTufo. Schools Supt. Joseph Zarra also is expected at the Tuesday hearing.

Despite several attempt, NJHometown was unable to determine whether Tuesday's ethics session would be open to the public. The Nutley Board of Education could shed more details when it meets for a regular session tonight (Monday, Feb. 22) at 8 p.m. in the music room of the Walker Middle School.

Belleville Board of Education hires a superintendent
Monday, February 8, 2010

BY MEGHAN GRANT AND RICHARD DICKON
NUTLEY SUN

In a split vote Monday night, the Belleville Board of Education hired an assistant superintendent from New Milford, Joseph Picardo, as the school district’s permanent superintendent.

Picardo was not in attendance, and officials said they could not disclose his salary because he has not yet signed his contract, which is to run from April 9, 2010, through June 30, 2013.

Belleville Board President Joseph Longo said Picardo also had a stint as interim superintendent, and is experienced in special education instructional planning. He has a bachelor’s and master’s degree and is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational administration from Seton Hall University.

Board members Judy Piscatowski and Vincent Strumolo Jr. voted against the hire, both lauding the work of Interim Superintendent Deborah Perri.

The hiring also puts an end to speculation that Nutley Superintendent Joseph Zarra would be moving to the Belleville school system as its superintendent.

Zarra previously told the Sun that he and Belleville Board of Education had discussions, but didn’t verify an offer had been extended, stating “any further comment is premature.”

Zarra has been with the Nutley district since 1982.

Candidate Packets Available

Thursday, January 21, 2010
Last updated: Thursday January 21, 2010, 1:18 AM

Nutley Sun

The Board of Education will have three vacancies in the school election on April 20. A full term on the school board runs for three years.

Prospective school board candidates can obtain a School Board Candidate Kit at the business administrator’s, located at 315 Franklin Ave., between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The kit includes a nominating petition, information about legal qualifications for school board candidacy and the role of the school board member. Information about the New Jersey School Ethics Act and important dates in the school election process are also included.

The petition deadline is 4 p.m. Monday, March 1.

"One of the most meaningful contributions that a citizen can make to their community is serving on their local board of education," said Harry J. Delgado, NJSBA president. "I encourage all interested citizens to consider school board membership. It doesn’t require a degree in education, or a background in politics. However, it does require a sincere interest in the community, its children, and their education."

Insurance opt out payments approved by Board

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

BY MEGHAN GRANT

Nutley Sun

Twenty-six staff members who opted out of district insurance coverage were each granted a $1,500 payment by resolution.

Board member James Kuchta pointed out that for every dollar spent on opt out payments, $39,000 approved that evening, was equal to $3 in savings for the district in insurance costs, which Zarra estimated at $120,000.

Trustee Steve Rogers called attention to what he estimates is $16,000 in preliminary savings from July from maintenance restructuring, due in part to overtime reductions through re-scheduling and competitive pricing. Kuchta, a member of the budget committee, added that overtime was cut in the budget for 2009.

Academics

Spring Gardens Principal Rosemary Clerico updated the Board of Education and audience as to the progress being made in the curriculum revision.

For the 2008-2009 school year, Nutley High School failed to make AYP due to missing one indicator in connection to special education. In response, Clerico said, the district has worked to improve inclusion classes at every level, the special education self-contained classes, add more critical thinking and open ended questions to the courses, and other measures, including dialogue with special services.

Board member Ken Reilly asked about communication between principals and special education staff. Clerico responded that principals have been observing the classes and conducting evaluations. There's not specific special education curriculum, she added.

"We're working to unite the curriculum, but differentiate instruction," Superintendent Joseph Zarra said. Presentations of the difference curriculum areas are expected by February or March.

"I can't say enough about the professionalism of the staff," Clerico commented on the participation of Nutley educators in the revision process.

Personnel

In keeping with the district plan to downsize Nutley High School's top administration, the board approved the appointment of Jill Divilio as Lead Guidance Counselor for the remainder of the 2009-10 school year. Along with a stipend of $6,000, the person in the position will perform the duties of the former vice principal position, following the retirement of one VP and the resignation of another, the Superintendent explained. Previously, the board appointed Dennis Williams to act as vice principal until the end of this school year.

Stipends ranging from $4,326 to $12,000 were also approved for five staff members for various extra duties, such as teaching extra classes and acting as station manager. Extra compensation was granted for 24 personnel members for duties like summer athletic trainer hours, detention coverage, and other activities, ranging from $19.50 to $5,600.

Zarra explained the $12,000 for teaching extra classes was for an uncovered course which because of the way the schedule breaks down, couldn't be covered by hiring a staff member part time.

The board approved testimonials on behalf of district educators resigning in winter. Anne L. Starace, who served the district over the years as high school vice principal and Director of Guidance, and other positions, Mari K. Konn, Learning Disabilities Consultant for the past 35-years, William L. Farkas, teacher with the district for 45-years as physical education teacher, Cooperative Industrial Education teacher, and football coach.

Various resolutions were passed to accommodate new interim Board Administrator Karen Yeamans to the district, designating Yeamans as custodian of records, fund commissioner for the Suburban Essex Joint Insurance Fund, and other roles.

Legal Issues

On recommendation from the Board Construction Attorney, the board voted on a resolution formally accepting the work of Chanree Construction, Inc. for the Middle School Project. At the last meeting, a settlement agreement between Nutley and the former district contractor was passed, awaiting the approval of a final payment amount to Chanree.

Policy

The second reading of 7 policy updates were approved, as well as the introduction of 13 additional changes, including two new policies for teaching and support staffs for New Jersey's Family Leave Insurance Program.

The district is emailed alerts by Strauss COMP to notify Nutley of new or amended policies by way of the NJ Department of Education or State Legislature. "They monitor and keep us informed of any changes," Zarra said.

Source: Nutley Sun

Home : News
Board selects interim Board Administrator
Monday, November 30, 2009
BY MEGHAN GRANT
THE RECORD
OF NUTLEY SUN

The Board of Education voted on Monday to appoint Karen Yeamans as interim board administrator/secretary for the district.

Yeamans will begin Dec. 22 at the interim rate of $550 a day, the resolution stated.

The temporary appointment will replace Michael DeVita, whose has accepted the board administrator position in Kearny. His last day with Nutley is scheduled for Dec. 18.

Coincidently, Yeamans comes to Nutley from Kearny, where she has served as board administrator/secretary since 2006. She has also been Hudson County school business administrator for the New Jersey Department of Education and assistant to business administrator in Wyckoff, and has held a number of business and accounting jobs in the private sector.

Superintendent Joseph Zarra said the district received eight resumes, narrowing the list down to five, before the board interviewed the top 3. Zarra added Yeaman’s references were stellar.

Board President Phil Casale indicated the interim post doesn't include health benefits.

"It’s my intention to create a steering committee," with public input, Casale said last week of the search for a permanent replacement, adding the district needs to "stop pulling from such a small pool" of candidates.

The board president is asking residents who wish to be a part of the committee to forward the district a letter of interest. Members should be given budget information to better understand how the search will be conducted, he said.

E-mail: grantm@northjersey.com

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State Hearing of Legality of Tri-Tech Payment Tomorrow