Plainfield Public Schools public meetings in 2020
24 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Work & Study Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a work and study meeting with action items, including approving contracts for a gifted and talented arts program, out-of-district special education placements, a water infrastructure grant application, and routine financial reports. The agenda also includes an enrollment report showing 8,079 students as of November 2020.
- Approve $31,275 contract with Arts & Education and Middlesex County College for gifted arts program (grades 6-12)
- Approve $161,984.85 for out-of-district special education placements for 3 pupils
- Authorize submission of Water Infrastructure Improvement Grant application up to $416,000
- Approve payment of bills totaling $12,256,707.86
- Approve 2021-2022 Academic Program of Studies for Plainfield High School
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a business meeting with action items including personnel appointments, leaves, resignations, and retirements. The board will also vote on stipends for winter athletics coaches totaling $91,492 and for Saturday and after-school academic programs. Public comment is scheduled for 30 minutes before committee reports.
- Approve contractual appointments including Audio Visual Specialist at $69,550 and Math Supervisor at $122,074
- Approve 12 leaves of absence and 3 resignations, 1 retirement
- Approve winter 2020-2021 coaching stipends totaling $91,492
- Approve Cedarbrook Saturday Academy stipends up to $24,008
- Approve Cook Twilight Academy stipends up to $30,464
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a business meeting on November 17, 2020, with action items including approval of minutes, human resources reports, and various staff appointments, leaves, resignations, retirements, and stipends. The board will also recognize former board member Robert J. Darden and allow public comment.
- Approval of annual appointments for 2020-2021, including assistant custodians and an elementary teacher
- Substitute/part-time appointments with rates from $28/hr to $265.55/day
- Leaves of absence for multiple staff, including medical and FMLA
- Resignations of five teachers, effective Dec 2020-Jan 2021
- Stipends for curriculum writing ($4,760), translation team ($4,480), data specialists ($13,440), and Schoology training ($43,200)
Special Meeting
This is a special meeting of the Plainfield Board of Education, held virtually via Zoom. The agenda is largely procedural, including the call to order, pledge, roll call, welcome, board president's report, and public comments. The board will also hold an executive session, during which action may be taken.
- Executive session (action may be taken)
- Public comments on agenda items (Policy 9322)
- Virtual meeting via Zoom
Special Meeting
This is a special meeting of the Plainfield Board of Education, primarily procedural. The board will call the meeting to order, take roll call, and welcome attendees. Public comment is scheduled for thirty minutes before the board moves into executive session, and the meeting may include action items.
- Public comment period of 30 minutes, with each speaker limited to 3 minutes
- Meeting to be closed for executive session at 6:05 p.m.
- Meeting held via Zoom
- Notice provided to Courier News and Star Ledger on September 23, 2020
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a business meeting on September 15, 2020, where action will be taken on a comprehensive Human Resources report. This includes contractual appointments, re-appointments, substitute hires, resignations, retirements, leaves of absence, transfers, and compensation for additional assignments such as athletics and translation services. The board will also approve minutes from previous meetings and hear public comments.
- Approval of 9 contractual appointments with salaries ranging from $52,210 to $75,960
- Acceptance of 7 resignations and 8 retirements
- Approval of 6 leaves of absence and 9 transfers/reassignments
- Approval of athletic stipends for fall 2020, including site managers at $55-$75 per game and athletic trainers at $36/hr
- Approval of $14,800 for bilingual/ESL translation team
Work & Study Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a work and study meeting with action items, including approving administrative appointments and contracts for literacy coaches and special education services. The board will also consider providing special education programs for 106 students in out-of-district schools during the Extended School Year 2020, with a total cost of $776,305.85.
- Approve Shana Solomon Christian as Coordinator of Child Study Team (prorated salary $119,680)
- Approve Shaneisha Evans and Lenny Jimenez as Vice Principals at Plainfield High School (salaries $118,882 and $117,895)
- Approve Miguelina Gil-Landisi as Acting Principal, Plainfield High School ($800/month stipend)
- Approve $46,000 for literacy coach Alexis D. Osterhoudt and $24,000 for ELA consultant Lynn McQuery
- Approve $776,305.85 for out-of-district special education placements for 106 students
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a business meeting to vote on a series of personnel actions, including new hires, re-appointments, administrative appointments, leaves, resignations, and transfers. The board will also consider several stipend-funded programs for curriculum work, translation, and professional development. Public comment is scheduled for 30 minutes at the start of the meeting.
- Approve 5 new teaching hires with salaries from $52,710 to $73,960
- Approve 2 new vice principals at Plainfield High School: Shaneisha Evans ($118,882) and Lenny Jimenez ($117,895)
- Approve 11 staff transfers/reassignments, including principals at Washington and Plainfield High School
- Approve $7,200 for bilingual translation team and $18,720 for K-5 ELA curriculum writing
- Approve $51,152 for school leadership teams and $1,500 for AVID Summer Institute
Special Meeting (No Action Will Be Taken)
The Plainfield Board of Education is holding a special meeting on August 25, 2020, with no action to be taken. The agenda includes public comment, remarks from the board president, and an executive session. The meeting is procedural and informational, with no decisions expected.
- Public comment period of 30 minutes, with each speaker limited to 3 minutes
- Executive session scheduled after public session
- Meeting held via Zoom
- Notice provided to Courier News and Star Ledger on August 18, 2020
Special Meeting Meeting (Executive Session - No Action Will Be Taken)
The Plainfield Board of Education is holding a special meeting on August 17, 2020, via Zoom. The meeting includes a public comment period and an executive session, but the agenda states that no action will be taken. The board will call the meeting to order, hold a pledge of allegiance, and provide a welcome before moving to the executive session and adjournment.
- Special meeting held via Zoom on August 17, 2020
- Public comments scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
- Executive session scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
- Agenda explicitly states no action will be taken
- Meeting notice was advertised on August 13, 2020
Work & Study Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education is holding a work and study meeting with several action items, including approving a $107,195 contract for LinkIt assessment software and resolutions for special education services. The board will also hear reports from the president and superintendent, and hold an executive session.
- Approve LinkIt Assessment Solutions contract for $107,195
- Approve special education tuition and transportation for 106 pupils in ESY 2020, totaling $776,305.85
- Approve special education service providers and consultants for SY20-21 with various rates
- Executive session
- Reports from board president and superintendent
Board Retreat
The Plainfield Board of Education met on August 1, 2020, for a Board Retreat held via Zoom. The agenda consisted primarily of procedural items, including reports from the Board President and Superintendent, and a session with consultant Deborah Keys. No specific policy decisions, contracts, or ordinances were listed for approval in the provided text.
- Consultant Deborah Keys presented to the board
- Report from the Board President
- Report from the Superintendent
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education is holding a business meeting to consider routine items including the approval of minutes and a large list of personnel appointments for the 2020-2021 school year. The agenda includes contractual appointments with specific salaries and annual appointments of district personnel. Public comment is scheduled.
- Contractual appointments include Heidi Cadet (School Nurse, $69,060), Christian Cortavarria (Bil Math, $72,810), Robyn Brown (Guidance Counselor, $79,710), Cindi Eckstein (LDTC, $88,035), and others.
- Annual appointments list includes numerous teachers, custodians, and administrators across district schools.
- Public comment period of 30 minutes, with 3-minute speaking limit per person.
- Meeting held via Zoom at 9:00 p.m.
Work & Study Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education met to review May 2020 enrollment figures and approve several instructional initiatives. The board moved to authorize summer school for high school students and various curriculum development projects for K-12 subjects.
- Approved PHS Summer School Program for grades 10-12 with a total cost not to exceed $49,980.00
- Approved K-5 ELA Curriculum Writing for July–August 2020, not to exceed $18,720.00
- Approved Secondary ELA Curriculum Writing Phase V, not to exceed $9,000.00
- Approved Social Studies 6-12 Curriculum Writing Phase IV, not to exceed $9,000.00
- Approved Barlow Elementary Summer Institute with a total cost not to exceed $5,950.00
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a business meeting to vote on personnel actions including contractual and administrative appointments, leaves, resignations, retirements, and transfers. They will also consider compensation for additional assignments, including a summer learning camp, and receive an enrollment report.
- Approve Kristopher Soto as Supervisor, Student Transportation ($91,657) and Debora Belfield as Director, Human Resources ($168,500)
- Accept resignations of two teachers and retirements of seven staff members
- Approve $70,994 in compensation for the 2020 Summer Learning Camp staff
- Approve $920 in class coverage compensation for 18 teachers
- Receive April 2020 enrollment report: 8,198 students
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education met via Zoom to address human resources matters including leaves, resignations, and retirements. The Board also reviewed compensation for various educational programs and class coverage.
- Approval of leaves of absence for Quincy McKeithan and Sherlyn Ragin
- Acceptance of resignations for Tiffanie Frazier and Dwayne Washington
- Acceptance of retirements for five staff members including Pamela Baumgartner and Laura Ferguson
- Stipends for Technology Vanguard Building Consultant not to exceed $88,000
- Funding for K-5 STEM Training not to exceed $29,000
Work & Study Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education is holding a virtual work and study meeting to discuss and take action on several items, including summer special education programs, budget transfers, and policy updates. The board will also consider a resolution opposing state legislation that would delay property tax revenue to schools. Most financial items are scheduled for formal approval at the April 21 business meeting.
- Approve Child Study Team summer schedule (July 1-Aug 14, 2020) at $71,440
- Approve Extended School Year program (July 6-30, 2020) at $83,190
- Resolution opposing A-3902, which would delay property tax revenue to schools
- Contract renewal with Frontline Technologies for $4,205.15
- First reading of 9 amended policies (e.g., nondiscrimination, attendance, health)
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education is voting on routine human resources actions, including the approval of 14 contractual staff appointments and substitute teacher hires. The agenda also covers the acceptance of staff resignations, retirements, and leaves of absence, as well as salary adjustments for existing employees. No major policy changes, budget amendments, or capital projects are listed on this agenda.
- Approval of 14 contractual staff appointments, including school nurses, teachers, and custodians, with salaries ranging from $27,121 to $93,950
- Approval of substitute teacher appointments at a rate of $110.00 per day, with a FY 20 budgeted amount of $1,155,000
- Acceptance of four staff retirements, including Xavier Baquerizo (Spanish Teacher) and Gregory McCray (Drop Out Prevention Officer)
- Approval of salary advancements for 10 staff members, including promotions and longevity pay adjustments
- Approval of an afterschool Tennis/STEM program partnership at F.W. Cook School at no cost to the District
Special Meeting (Executive Session)
This is a procedural agenda for a special executive session of the Plainfield Board of Education. The only listed actions are call to order, pledge, welcome, public comments, and adjournment; no substantive decisions or discussion items are listed.
- Special meeting (executive session) at 3:00 p.m. at Superintendent Conf. Room, Admin. Bldg., 1200 Myrtle Ave., Plainfield, NJ
- Public comments allowed on agenda items per Policy 9322
- Advance notice provided to Courier News and Star Ledger on March 10, 2020
Special Meeting (Executive Session)
This is a special meeting of the Plainfield Board of Education, held in executive session. The agenda is procedural, with no substantive items listed for public discussion or action.
- Call to Order
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Public Comments on agenda items
- Executive Session
- Adjournment
Work & Study Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a work and study meeting to discuss and vote on several action items, including the 2020-2021 budget presentation, a hot dinner meal pilot program, and various student trips and professional development. The board will also receive an enrollment report and consider adopting the 2020-2021 district calendar.
- 2020-2021 Budget Presentation
- Hot dinner meal pilot program at Nita M. Lowery 21st CCLC and Title I Ramp Up schools, funded by CACFP, $139,020
- Maxson Middle School ski club grant from Community Foundation of New Jersey, $3,425
- State Wrestling Tournament trip to Atlantic City, total cost $3,624.63
- Adoption of 2020-2021 District Calendar
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a business meeting on February 18, 2020, at PHS Cafeteria, 950 Park Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, at 8:00 p.m. The agenda includes public comments, committee reports, and action items on personnel appointments, leaves, resignations, retirements, and compensation for additional assignments such as coaching stipends. The meeting is open to the public and media per the Open Public Meetings Act.
- Approve contractual appointments including Regina Brown (English Teacher, $58,410), Robert Carlin (Science Teacher, $63,710), and Marcos Bayas (Supervisor of Intervention Programs, $119,680 prorated).
- Approve substitute/hourly appointments, including substitute teachers at $110-$125 per day and long-term substitutes at $261.05 per day.
- Approve leaves of absence for 8 staff members, resignations for Amanda Bigelow and Hinefia Cofield, and retirement of Freddy Almanzar (Security Officer, 28 years).
- Approve Spring 2020 athletic coaching stipends totaling $131,404, including head coaches at $5,735 each.
- Approve additional staff for Frozen Jr. musical at Clinton School, not to exceed $6,720.
Work & Study Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a work and study meeting with action items including the appointment of an acting vice principal and approval of several contracts for school programs and services. The board will also receive an enrollment report and discuss curriculum and instruction initiatives.
- Approve Brenda Noble as Acting Vice Principal at PAAAS, prorated salary $117,895
- Approve two plumber contracts: Robert Downey ($75,865) and John Gilligan ($78,865)
- Approve $13,440 for science curriculum writing for grades 9-12
- Approve $9,717.59 for Clinton Elementary's Frozen Jr. musical
- Approve $5,824 for Cook Elementary's tennis/STEM program at no cost to district
Organization Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education is holding its annual organization meeting to elect a president and vice president, swear in newly elected members, and adopt a series of routine resolutions for the 2019-2020 school year. The agenda includes appointments, designations, and approvals of professional services contracts. Public comment is limited to 30 minutes with a 3-minute speaking limit per person.
- Oath of office for newly elected board members Lynn B. Anderson, Willie Pat Hembree, and Carmencita T. Pile (terms to 2022)
- Adoption of the New Jersey School Boards Association Code of Ethics
- Designation of Investors Bank, Valley National Bank, and Industrial Bank as official depositories
- Approval of professional services agreements with DiFrancesco Bateman Kunzman Davis Lehrer & Flaum (labor counsel, $150/hr) and Capehart Scatchard (workers comp counsel, $150/hr)
- Approval of 2019-2020 municipal tax payment schedule totaling $27,248,202