Finances and personnel were the main topics at the WW-P Board of Education’s June 24 meeting, its last meeting of the fiscal year. Year-end business included the approval of several annual contracts as well as discussion of the budget process.
Contracts approved included those relating to transportation renewals, procurement of goods and services using co-ops, shared services, and equipment disposal. A full list of the shared services agreements and other contracts can be found on the district website at https://www.west-windsor-plainsboro.k12.nj.us
Board member and Finance Committee chair Dana Krug also explained possible changes to the district’s insurance coverage. “The administration met with the district’s insurance broker for an annual review to discuss premium and coverage changes instituted by the underlying insurers,” she said. “Some districts are moving from $10 million of excess liability coverage to $15 million. The finance committee recommends adjusting the district coverage level for excess liability to $15 million from $10 million, which will cost approximately $5,425 in additional premiums.”
The finance committee also reviewed the board’s budget process, which will remain the same aside from some small modifications to ensure that everyone is apprised of the discussion of budget issues as they occur throughout the year, such as discussions of district goals, staffing issues, or program changes.
Also mentioned was a minor concern with the Village School addition that has since been resolved. “The on-site soils inspector had a concern pertaining to a layer of deeper existing soil during footing excavation,” Krug said. “The environmental company PARS was called to conduct soil testing; their report indicates that no problematic matter was found and therefore the construction can continue.”
In personal matters, the board agreed that superintendent David Aderhold met his 2013-’14 quantitative and qualitative merit goal criteria and voted unanimously to recommend this finding to be sent to the Executive County Supervisor for approval.
The board also addressed several personnel changes. Erin Falk, the current Pre-K to 5th grade special services supervisor, was appointed to be the assistant principal at Maurice Hawk, filling the vacancy left when Trish Buell was promoted to principal. Christine Shannon O’Donnell was approved as the assistant director of Community Education. The Board also recognized several retirees including Patricia Margerum, a high school language arts teacher who resigned after 21 years of service; middle school science teacher Doug Harmon, who retired after 27 years, and Connie Smith, group leader in the extended day program, who is leaving the district after 15 years.
Other appointments approved at the meeting include:
Elizabeth Omegna, named supervisor of science at a salary of $111,872, replacing Rebecca McLelland-Crawley.
Victoria Bartley, replacement science teacher, $52,675, leave-replacement for Barbara Fortunato.
Caitlin Bisson, IRLA teacher, $50,875, leave-replacement for Virginia Patterson.
Jennifer Bridgewater, $84,500, science teacher replacing Peter Martens, who resigned.
Anastasia Burke, $54,155, ESL teacher replacing Mary Santiago, who retired.
Marisol Castro, Spanish teacher, $52,785, a leave-replacement for Ellen Blejwas.
Evany Chang, $52,675, ESL teacher replacing Donna Gil, who retired.
Franklin Gallo, $68,225, music teacher, replacing Janice Chapin-Anderson, who transferred.
Cheryl Glitz, $52,785, music teacher, replacing Shannon Ferrara, who transferred.
Justin Kahn, $57,820, guidance counselor, replacing Joyce Ragucci, who resigned.
Robert Murphy, $50,675, Spanish teacher, replacing Ina Colella, who retired.
Steven Per, $57,870, science teacher, replacing Kathy Mora, who resigned.
Brooke Postlethwait, $50,675, science teacher, replacing Sharon Strachen, who resigned.
Shannon SanFilippo, $51,175, math teacher, replacing MaryKay Widmann, who resigned.
Holly Shemitz, fourth grade teacher, $50,675, leave-replacement for Jenna Reading.
Victoria Shen, $30,405 (60 percent), Chinese teacher, replacing Susan Hsueh.
