To read the Star Ledger story about the South Plainfield BOE's decision not to renew the contract for its superintendent, click here.
To read the Courier News story about the South Plainfield BOE's decision not to renew the contract for its superintendent, click here.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Negron Out; Guarini Resigns
The Board of Education told Superintendent of Schools Jose Negron tonight that he won't have a job this time next year.
The board considered two measures at its special meeting. The first would have extended Negron's contract through 2015, and the second would have extended it through 2012.
By a 2-4 vote, board members first denied Negron the contract renewal through 2015. Board members Carol Byrne and Bill Seesselberg voted in favor of the renewal. Newcomers Gary Stevenson and Chris Hubner joined board veterans Debbie Boyle and Sharon Miller in voting no. Board members Pio Pennisi, Jim Giannakis, and Steve Bohn abstained.
After that vote failed, the board voted to 4-2 on a motion to give Negron a one-year contract extension. The measure also called for Negron to forego a salary increase in 2010 and begin paying 1.5% of his salary toward health benefits. Because a contract renewal requires a majority of the full board to vote yes (five votes) that measure also failed.
Board members Debbie Boyle and Sharon Miller voted no on the second measure, while Hubner and Stevenson joined Byrne and Seesselberg in voting yes.
South Plainfield Mayor Charles Butrico (D) was the only member of the audience to support Negron, speaking in favor of the superintendent's renewal during the public portion. Butrico complimented the superintendent's communication skills and ability to work with the Borough.
Byrne, who read a statement outlining Negron's accomplishments, was the only other person to comment. She pointed to his handling of declining test scores and his financial expertise as reasons to keep him.
Negron still has one year on his current contract, which will expire in July 2011. By law school boards must give superintendents one year's notice of nonrenewal. Had the board waited beyond today, the contract would have automatically renewed.
In a surprise move, Business Administrator Richard Guarini announced tonight that he would be resigning effective June 30, 2011. The board voted to renew Guarini's contract through that date, and it also voted to give a one-year contract extension to Assistant Superintendent Lorraine Cella.
The renewals carried no salary increases. Two weeks ago the board denied 1.5% raises to Guarnini and Cella. According to Negron, he proposed the raises because the two are now required by state law to pay 1.5% of their salaries toward health insurance.
The board considered two measures at its special meeting. The first would have extended Negron's contract through 2015, and the second would have extended it through 2012.
By a 2-4 vote, board members first denied Negron the contract renewal through 2015. Board members Carol Byrne and Bill Seesselberg voted in favor of the renewal. Newcomers Gary Stevenson and Chris Hubner joined board veterans Debbie Boyle and Sharon Miller in voting no. Board members Pio Pennisi, Jim Giannakis, and Steve Bohn abstained.
After that vote failed, the board voted to 4-2 on a motion to give Negron a one-year contract extension. The measure also called for Negron to forego a salary increase in 2010 and begin paying 1.5% of his salary toward health benefits. Because a contract renewal requires a majority of the full board to vote yes (five votes) that measure also failed.
Board members Debbie Boyle and Sharon Miller voted no on the second measure, while Hubner and Stevenson joined Byrne and Seesselberg in voting yes.
South Plainfield Mayor Charles Butrico (D) was the only member of the audience to support Negron, speaking in favor of the superintendent's renewal during the public portion. Butrico complimented the superintendent's communication skills and ability to work with the Borough.
Byrne, who read a statement outlining Negron's accomplishments, was the only other person to comment. She pointed to his handling of declining test scores and his financial expertise as reasons to keep him.
Negron still has one year on his current contract, which will expire in July 2011. By law school boards must give superintendents one year's notice of nonrenewal. Had the board waited beyond today, the contract would have automatically renewed.
In a surprise move, Business Administrator Richard Guarini announced tonight that he would be resigning effective June 30, 2011. The board voted to renew Guarini's contract through that date, and it also voted to give a one-year contract extension to Assistant Superintendent Lorraine Cella.
The renewals carried no salary increases. Two weeks ago the board denied 1.5% raises to Guarnini and Cella. According to Negron, he proposed the raises because the two are now required by state law to pay 1.5% of their salaries toward health insurance.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Raises for Administrators Denied...Barely
By a 3-4 vote, the Board of Education last night denied proposed 1.5% raises to the district's business administrator and assistant superintendent.
Superintendent of Schools Jose Negron proposed the raises and said they were necessary to compensate the employees for having to pay 1.5% of their salaries toward health benefits. A new state law requires all employees to pay this amount starting July 1st.
The most vocal critic of the proposal, BOE member Debbie Boyle, was incensed. "I just asked everyone to take a pay freeze," she said. "And now you want to give out raises to administrators?"
Boyle recently asked the district's bargaining units to take a pay freeze, and she called upon the principals to re-open their contract.
Louise Mruz, president of the South Plainfield Education Association, also harshly criticized the proposal, pointing out that her union's members had just been asked to take a freeze. In addition, she questioned why the new assistant superintendent would get a raise after only four months on the job.
Mruz also took the board to task for giving out raises after telling the public it had no money and letting go staff just a month ago.
Negron responded by pointing out that, after the deduction for healthcare, both administrators would actually receive a slight cut in pay.
Board member Gary Stevenson took issue with this rationale, stating that workers in the private sector don't receive pay hikes when they are told they have to chip in toward their healthcare.
Board members Jim Giannakis, Carol Byrne, Bill Seesselberg, and Steven Bohn voted in favor of the raises, while Boyle, Stevenson, and Sharon Miller voted against them. The measure required five votes to pass (a majority of the full board). Board members Pio Pennisi and Chris Hubner were absent.
According to one board member, the proposal or one like it could resurface when the entire board is there to vote.
Superintendent of Schools Jose Negron proposed the raises and said they were necessary to compensate the employees for having to pay 1.5% of their salaries toward health benefits. A new state law requires all employees to pay this amount starting July 1st.
The most vocal critic of the proposal, BOE member Debbie Boyle, was incensed. "I just asked everyone to take a pay freeze," she said. "And now you want to give out raises to administrators?"
Boyle recently asked the district's bargaining units to take a pay freeze, and she called upon the principals to re-open their contract.
Louise Mruz, president of the South Plainfield Education Association, also harshly criticized the proposal, pointing out that her union's members had just been asked to take a freeze. In addition, she questioned why the new assistant superintendent would get a raise after only four months on the job.
Mruz also took the board to task for giving out raises after telling the public it had no money and letting go staff just a month ago.
Negron responded by pointing out that, after the deduction for healthcare, both administrators would actually receive a slight cut in pay.
Board member Gary Stevenson took issue with this rationale, stating that workers in the private sector don't receive pay hikes when they are told they have to chip in toward their healthcare.
Board members Jim Giannakis, Carol Byrne, Bill Seesselberg, and Steven Bohn voted in favor of the raises, while Boyle, Stevenson, and Sharon Miller voted against them. The measure required five votes to pass (a majority of the full board). Board members Pio Pennisi and Chris Hubner were absent.
According to one board member, the proposal or one like it could resurface when the entire board is there to vote.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Hollywood Avenue Project Moves Forward.
The Borough Council recently voted unanimously to set aside $122,000 for the Hollywood Avenue project. The money will be put toward preparing and submitting a feasability application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
The plan, which replaces the now-defunct Helen Street project, takes truck traffic off residential streets.
The Borough's truck-route committee has been working on the plan since it was formed in early 2008. Before that, the Helen Street project had been on the drawing board for more than a decade but ran into environmental roadblocks. During that time, Borough resident Jake Cataldo had been urging the council to abandon the project in favor of a shorter route down Hollywood Avenue.
To find out more about the project, click here.
The plan, which replaces the now-defunct Helen Street project, takes truck traffic off residential streets.
The Borough's truck-route committee has been working on the plan since it was formed in early 2008. Before that, the Helen Street project had been on the drawing board for more than a decade but ran into environmental roadblocks. During that time, Borough resident Jake Cataldo had been urging the council to abandon the project in favor of a shorter route down Hollywood Avenue.
To find out more about the project, click here.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Squad Member Charged with Sex Assault
Ronald Sward, a deputy chief for the South Plainfield Rescue Squad has been charged with sexual assault on two teens. To read more, click here.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Shadyside Park Equipment Put on Hold
After objections by Councilwoman Chrissy Buteas, the Borough Council last night tabled plans to purchase new park equipment for Shadyside Park on the south side.
The Recreation Commission recommended replacing 25-year-old equipment at the park, along with purchasing new equipment for the Community Pool. The agenda included a proposal to bond $70,000, but council members were also looking into a county grant that would cover part of the cost.
Buteas objected to the purchase, saying the Recreation Commission should be responsible for the costs and that they should come out of the Commission's trust fund or grants. She didn't, however, say whether money was available in those accounts.
Contacted by e-mail after the meeting, Councilman Rob Bengivenga noted that the equipment at Shadyside Park is in bad condition and that other neighborhood parks have newer, safer equipment. He also said residents have been complaining about the condition of the park for several years, saying it's been neglected.
The Recreation Commission recommended replacing 25-year-old equipment at the park, along with purchasing new equipment for the Community Pool. The agenda included a proposal to bond $70,000, but council members were also looking into a county grant that would cover part of the cost.
Buteas objected to the purchase, saying the Recreation Commission should be responsible for the costs and that they should come out of the Commission's trust fund or grants. She didn't, however, say whether money was available in those accounts.
Contacted by e-mail after the meeting, Councilman Rob Bengivenga noted that the equipment at Shadyside Park is in bad condition and that other neighborhood parks have newer, safer equipment. He also said residents have been complaining about the condition of the park for several years, saying it's been neglected.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Tomorrow's Primary Lacks Many Challenges
Voters won't see many contested races tomorrow when they head to the polls.
Other than a heated Republican congressional primary, voters will have little choice when they pull the lever in this year's primary. Races for mayor, council, and other offices are unchallenged.
On the ballot for mayor are Matt Anesh, who is seeking the Republican nod, and Michael English, who is seeking the Democrat nomination. Anesh serves as the council president, and English is a former mayor and BOE president.
Incumbents Tim McConville and Ray Rusnak are the only Republicans seeking their party's backing, with Democrats John Sorrentino and Jeffrey Williams seeking the Democratic nod.
The only other South Plainfield resident on the ballot is Richard Frank, who is seeking the GOP nod for freeholder. Frank is former commander of the American Legion.
On the GOP side, Congressman Leonard Lance is facing a nasty challenge by businessman David Larsen, as well as two other contenders. The Democratic nomination for Congress is unopposed,
Also on the ballot are Republican county committee seats for each of South Plainfield's fifteen voting districts. These seats are up every two years, with Democrats filling their seats in odd years and Republicans filling their seats in even years.
Other than a heated Republican congressional primary, voters will have little choice when they pull the lever in this year's primary. Races for mayor, council, and other offices are unchallenged.
On the ballot for mayor are Matt Anesh, who is seeking the Republican nod, and Michael English, who is seeking the Democrat nomination. Anesh serves as the council president, and English is a former mayor and BOE president.
Incumbents Tim McConville and Ray Rusnak are the only Republicans seeking their party's backing, with Democrats John Sorrentino and Jeffrey Williams seeking the Democratic nod.
The only other South Plainfield resident on the ballot is Richard Frank, who is seeking the GOP nod for freeholder. Frank is former commander of the American Legion.
On the GOP side, Congressman Leonard Lance is facing a nasty challenge by businessman David Larsen, as well as two other contenders. The Democratic nomination for Congress is unopposed,
Also on the ballot are Republican county committee seats for each of South Plainfield's fifteen voting districts. These seats are up every two years, with Democrats filling their seats in odd years and Republicans filling their seats in even years.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Negron's Fate Subject of Special Meeting
The future of Superintendent of Schools Jose Negron's contract will be the subject of a special Board of Education meeting on June 29th.
At the meeting, board members will decide whether to offer Negron a new contract. By law, the board must inform him one year before the end of his current contract whether it will renew him.
Negron's fate has been the subject of public speculation over the past month, with parents and teachers questioning whether he's been good for the district.
The board has also cume under criticism for the way the contract is being handled. In a posting to a local message board, Carol Byrne, who chairs the negotiations committee, has denied that "secret meetings" have been held with Negron, instead calling them "negotiations."
The embattled superintendent raised the ire of some members of the public and certain board members this year when he presented the 2009-10 budget. After the budget failed, the Borough Council found nearly $2 million in cuts, none of which called for additional layoffs or program reductions. Before the vote Negron predicted both if the budget did not pass. Since then, he and BOE President James Giannakis have been a frequent target of public criticism, as has Byrne.
The public hearing on June 29th is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Roosevelt Administration Building. At the meeting only six members are expected to vote, with three members barred from doing so by conflicts of interest. According to sources, Giannakis and Steve Bohn, another member, cannot vote because their wives work in the district. Vice President Pio Pennisi cannot vote because he works as a superintendent in Dunellen.
At the meeting, board members will decide whether to offer Negron a new contract. By law, the board must inform him one year before the end of his current contract whether it will renew him.
Negron's fate has been the subject of public speculation over the past month, with parents and teachers questioning whether he's been good for the district.
The board has also cume under criticism for the way the contract is being handled. In a posting to a local message board, Carol Byrne, who chairs the negotiations committee, has denied that "secret meetings" have been held with Negron, instead calling them "negotiations."
The embattled superintendent raised the ire of some members of the public and certain board members this year when he presented the 2009-10 budget. After the budget failed, the Borough Council found nearly $2 million in cuts, none of which called for additional layoffs or program reductions. Before the vote Negron predicted both if the budget did not pass. Since then, he and BOE President James Giannakis have been a frequent target of public criticism, as has Byrne.
The public hearing on June 29th is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Roosevelt Administration Building. At the meeting only six members are expected to vote, with three members barred from doing so by conflicts of interest. According to sources, Giannakis and Steve Bohn, another member, cannot vote because their wives work in the district. Vice President Pio Pennisi cannot vote because he works as a superintendent in Dunellen.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Library Decision May be Appealed
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