Plainfield Public Schools public meetings in 2021
33 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Work & Study/Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a Work & Study/Business Meeting on December 14, 2021, at Plainfield High School. The board will take action on a series of human resources items, including contractual appointments, leaves of absence, resignations, retirements, transfers, and stipends for intramural and extracurricular activities. The agenda also includes public comments, adoption of minutes, and recognition of outgoing board members.
- Approval of 11 contractual appointments, including teachers and a bus driver, with pro-rated salaries ranging from $28,210 to $84,785
- Acceptance of 6 resignations, including ESL and special education teachers, effective January 2022
- Acceptance of 2 retirements: Head Custodian Billy Driver (30 years) and Teacher Assistant Betty Howell (25 years), both effective 01/01/22
- Approval of intramural stipends totaling $21,318 and extracurricular stipends totaling $8,155
- Approval of Pre-K registration work for school nurses at $28/hour, up to 62 hours each
Special Meeting
This is a special meeting of the Plainfield Board of Education. The agenda states that no action will be taken. The meeting includes routine items such as call to order, roll call, public comments, and adjournment.
- Public comments limited to 30 minutes, 3 minutes per speaker
- Meeting held via Zoom
- Notice provided to Courier News, Star Ledger, and Tap Into Plainfield
Work & Study/Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a work/study and business meeting, including an executive session, followed by public comment and action items. The board is expected to vote on a large list of personnel appointments, including teachers, bus drivers, and assistants, as well as amendments to increase pay rates for home instruction and school nurse contact tracing. They will also consider administrative appointments, leaves of absence, resignations, and retirements.
- Approval of ~45 contractual appointments, including teachers, bus drivers, and assistants, with salaries ranging from $28,060 to $96,850
- Increase home instruction pay from $28 to $45 per hour for all certified teachers
- Increase school nurse contact tracing pay to $45 per hour, funded by ESSER
- Appoint Gayle Hughes as Coordinator, Student Transportation at $113,819 and Tina Jenious-Flood as Acting Vice Principal at PAAAS at $120,253
- Approve list of substitutes/hourly employees and transition to Kelly Education Services
Board Retreat
The Plainfield Board of Education is holding a retreat for governance training, with a facilitator leading Session #4 on governing with coherence and governance culture. The board will also take action on adopting a three-year Comprehensive Maintenance Plan required by the state, and will review reports on boilers at Hubbard Middle School ahead of the November 22 board meeting. Public comment is allowed on agenda items.
- Adoption of Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (2020-2023) for school facilities
- Review of boiler assessment reports for Hubbard Middle School
- Governance training Session #4: Chapters 5 & 6 on coherence and governance culture
- Public comment period per Policy 9322
Special Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education is holding a special meeting on November 3, 2021, at 5:30 PM. The agenda includes routine items such as call to order, roll call, and public comments, followed by an executive session for legal and personnel updates, including discussion of district/merit goals with Qwen Thornton from NJSBA. No other substantive actions are listed.
- Executive session for legal/personnel updates, including district/merit goals with Qwen Thornton (NJSBA)
- Public comments limited to 30 minutes, 3 minutes per speaker
- Meeting advertised in Courier News, Star Ledger, and Tap Into Plainfield on October 30, 2021
Board Retreat
The Plainfield Board of Education held a retreat to conduct governance training and address urgent facility needs. The board considered the rental of a steam boiler to provide backup heating at Hubbard Middle School.
- Approval of a 6-month rental of one 150HP Steam Boiler from Trane US Inc. for Hubbard Middle School
- Governance training session facilitated by Deborah L. Keys Write
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education met to approve several contractual appointments for teachers, assistants, and custodial staff. The board also reviewed staff leaves of absence, resignations, retirements, and salary adjustments. Additionally, the board approved a list of coaching stipends for the 2021-2022 winter athletics season.
- Approval of contractual appointments including Emma Aguilar (Bilingual Elementary Teacher) and Sheree Aramini (Chemistry Teacher)
- Approval of various staff leaves of absence for medical and personal reasons
- Acceptance of resignations from staff members including Robert Carlin and Caleb Dagnall
- Approval of salary advancements and adjustments for multiple district employees
- Approval of winter 2021-2022 athletic stipends, such as $7,951.00 for Michael Gordon (Basketball Varsity Coach - Boys)
Work & Study Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a work and study meeting with action items, including approving a $35,000 grant application for 21st Century Community Learning Centers and authorizing special education services for 170 students at out-of-district schools. The board will also receive reports on enrollment and other routine matters.
- Approval to submit $35,000 IDEA 2004 Part B grant application for 21st CCLC special education expansion at Barlow, Evergreen, PAAAS, PHS, and summer camp
- Resolution to provide out-of-district special education for 170 students, with individual costs listed (e.g., $73,924.68 at Academy 360-Lower School, $104,632.08 at Academy 360-Upper School)
- September 2021 enrollment report: 8,208 students, up from 7,835 in June 2021 and 8,157 in September 2020
- Executive session at 6:30 p.m. before the public meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a business meeting on September 21, 2021, to take action on a range of personnel items, including contractual appointments, administrative hires, resignations, retirements, leaves, and transfers. The board will also adopt minutes from August meetings and hear public comments. The agenda is primarily administrative, with no major policy or budget decisions listed.
- Approve 28 contractual appointments, including teachers and assistants, with salaries ranging from $28,060 to $82,845
- Approve 5 administrative appointments: Data Systems Supervisor ($111,140), Coordinator Student Transportation ($101,625), Coordinator Student Intervention ($122,074), Acting Vice Principal Washington ($120,253), Interim Principal PAAAS ($149,734)
- Accept 13 resignations and 6 retirements
- Approve 8 leaves of absence and 9 transfers/reassignments
- Approve $5,600 for English/Spanish translation team at $28/hour
Work & Study Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a work and study meeting on September 7, 2021, starting with an executive session at 6:30 p.m. and a public session at 8:00 p.m. The board will consider action items including approval of a comprehensive list of field trips for the 2021-2022 school year and professional development resolutions. The agenda also includes reports from the board president and superintendent, and recognition/awards.
- Approval of field trips for 2021-2022 curriculum guides, including locations such as Alstede Farms, Liberty Science Center, and Rutgers University
- Professional development resolutions
- Executive session at 6:30 p.m.
- Reports from Board President and Superintendent
Special Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education held a special meeting on August 30, 2021, that consisted entirely of procedural items. The agenda included a call to order, roll call, a report from the Board President, and a 30-minute public comment period. The meeting concluded with an executive session where the agenda explicitly states that no action will be taken.
- Executive session scheduled for 5:35 p.m. with a note that no action will be taken
- 30-minute public comment period with a 3-minute limit per speaker
- Advance notice provided to Courier News, Star Ledger, and Tap Into Plainfield on August 24, 2021
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education is adopting minutes from July 2021 and approving the Human Resources report for the 2021-2022 school year. This includes provisional approval of 29 contractual staff appointments, acceptance of 10 resignations, and approval of various stipends for summer programs and data consultants.
- Provisional approval of 29 contractual staff appointments for 2021-2022, including teachers, counselors, and secretaries.
- Acceptance of 10 staff resignations, including English teachers at Plainfield High School and a Transportation Coordinator.
- Approval of stipends for School-based Data Consultants/Test Coordinators not to exceed $49,280.00.
- Approval of ESY summer remote learning support for Cook School teachers, totaling $7,760.00.
- Approval of Fall 2021 athletics and band camp stipends, including $3,360.00 for summer camp instructors.
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education is holding its July 20, 2021 business meeting, with an executive session at 6:30 p.m. and the public meeting at 8:00 p.m. via Zoom. The board will consider a large human resources report covering appointments, leaves, resignations, retirements, and transfers, plus adoption of June meeting minutes and public comment.
- Contractual appointments for 2021-2022, including teachers, a school nurse at $93,100, and a computer applications teacher at $94,600
- Administrative appointment of Marie Maldonado as Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction/Bilingual/ESL/WL at $123,430 plus $2,000
- Substitute secretary appointments at $19.00 per hour for summer 2021
- Acceptance of 14 resignations and 8 retirements, including principals with 20-27 years of service
- Approval of 15 staff transfers/reassignments for the 2021-2022 school year
Special Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education is holding a special meeting on July 14, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. The agenda includes routine items such as call to order, roll call, and welcome, followed by a 30-minute public comment period. The board will then enter an executive session, which is closed to the public, before adjourning. No substantive decisions or discussions are listed on the agenda.
- Public comment period of 30 minutes, with each speaker limited to 3 minutes
- Executive session scheduled after public comment
- Meeting held via Zoom
- Notice provided to Courier News, Star Ledger, and Tap Into Plainfield on July 8, 2021
Special Meeting - POSTPONED
This special meeting of the Plainfield Board of Education was postponed. The agenda contains only procedural items such as call to order, roll call, public comment, and adjournment, with no substantive decisions or discussions listed.
- Meeting postponed
- Public comment period of 30 minutes, 3 minutes per speaker
- Executive session listed on agenda
Special Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education is holding a special meeting with an executive session and public comment period. The main item is a presentation by the superintendent on the Safe Return Plan for the 2021-2022 school year, including a September 2021 reopening plan. The board may take action on these items.
- Presentation of Safe Return Plan SY2021-2022
- September 2021 Reopening Plan
- Executive session for legal/personnel updates
- Public comment period (30 minutes, 3 minutes per speaker)
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a business meeting on June 15, 2021, with action items including the approval of personnel appointments, reappointments, leaves, resignations, retirements, and transfers. The board will also discuss the July 2021 in-person board meeting and a strategic plan RFP, and recognize teachers and support staff of the year.
- Approve new hires including Tonja DeCaro ($80,580), Amber Ho ($64,720), and James Stradford ($54,765)
- Approve administrative appointments: Dr. Clyde Griffith (Supervisor STEAM, $124,150), Vanetta Solomon (Vice Principal PHS, $120,253), Miguelina Gil-Landisi (Principal Evergreen, $138,353)
- Accept 7 resignations and 3 retirements, including Tim Spaur (ESL Teacher, 11 years)
- Approve 40+ staff transfers/reassignments for 2021-2022, including principals at Cedarbrook, Maxson, Emerson, and Evergreen
- Approve 12 leaves of absence and 4 returns to payroll
Work & Study Meeting - POSTPONED
This Plainfield Board of Education Work & Study Meeting was postponed. The agenda included discussion of July 2021 board meeting dates and the strategic plan, plus a monthly enrollment report. Action items included approving contracts for Rosetta Stone licenses, STEMScope instructional materials, and professional development courses.
- Rosetta Stone district licenses for 13 sites, total cost not to exceed $152,100
- STEMScope instructional resources for grades 6-8 science, physical science, biology, chemistry, total cost not to exceed $967,672.51
- Frontline Recruiting & Hiring Virtual Certification Course for Cheryl Bynoe, $695
- Instructional Coaching Group training for 50 participants, $26,500
- NABSE conference attendance for Dr. Diana Mitchell and Mark A. Williams, $4,228.54
Special Meeting
This is a special meeting of the Plainfield Board of Education. The main item is a discussion of the strategic planning process, led by Gwen Thornton from the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA). The board will also hear a report from the superintendent and take public comments on agenda items.
- Discussion of strategic planning process with Gwen Thornton (NJSBA)
- Report of the Board President
- Report of the Superintendent
- Public comments on agenda items (Policy 9322)
Board Retreat-POSTPONED
The scheduled Board of Education retreat for May 22, 2021, was postponed. The original agenda planned for a governance training session facilitated by Deborah L. Keys Write.
- Governance training regarding Chapters 5 & 6: Governing with Coherence and Governance Culture
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a business meeting with action items including personnel appointments, leaves, resignations, retirements, and summer program approvals. The most significant item is the approval of summer learning academies (ESY and Learning Academy) with a total cost not to exceed $689,620, funded by various grants. The board will also discuss in-person board meetings, a board retreat, and the RFP process.
- Summer learning academies (ESY and Learning Academy) for K-8 students, total cost not to exceed $689,620, funded by Learning Loss Grant, Title I, Title III, and FY22 Summer School stipends.
- Contractual appointments: Lisa Bergamotto (Guidance Counselor, $68,085), Stephanie Coleman (Speech Therapist, $65,770), Haritha Tottempudi (Instructional Support Coach, $78,330).
- Approval of 6 substitute appointments, including long-term substitute teacher at Clinton at $261.05/day.
- Acceptance of 3 resignations and 5 retirements, including Joyce Todd (Special Education Teacher, 36 years).
- Approval of 32 summer athletics positions at $36.00/hour, plus 2 nurses at $36.00/hr.
Public Hearing 2021-2022 Budget - Work & Study Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education holds a public hearing and work/study meeting on the 2021-2022 budget, with action possible. Key items include adopting new instructional resources, approving summer programs, and discussing the budget with presentations from Kelly Education Services, Apple, and a Plainfield Benchmark presentation.
- Adoption of HMH Into Reading (K-5) and Savvas Envision Math (6-8/Algebra I) for $3,281,067.48
- Approval of 2021 summer school at PHS for grades 9-12, cost not to exceed $68,040.00
- Approval of 21st CCLC/SBYS Summer Learning Camp field trips, cost not to exceed $9,000.00
- Approval of out-of-district special education placements for 3 pupils, total $93,930.00
- Revision to 2021-2022 district calendar: July 5, 2021 as Independence Day holiday for 12-month employees
Board Retreat ***POSTPONED ***
This meeting is a Board Retreat that has been postponed. The agenda includes governance training (Session #3) on the superintendent governance mindset, along with routine items like roll call, public comment, and adjournment. No substantive decisions or proposals are listed.
- Board retreat postponed
- Governance training session #3: Superintendent Governance Mindset
- Facilitator: Deborah L. Keys Write
- Public comment on agenda items (Policy 9322)
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a business meeting with an executive session and public comment period. The board will vote on a consent agenda covering personnel actions, including appointments, leaves, resignations, retirements, and stipends for athletics and programs. The meeting also includes a presentation from HealthLinks Incorporated and adoption of prior meeting minutes.
- Approve new hires: Brian Bannat (Math Teacher, $74,890), Alize Duncan (Senior Case Manager, $60,550), and others
- Approve administrative appointments: Destiny Simons (Asst. Supervisor of IT, $91,068), Tyrone Williams (Director of School Safety, $95,000), Perry Medina (Principal PHS, $139,524), Dr. Jean M. Gordon (Director of Curriculum, $157,515), Carletta Jones (Director of HR, $150,000), Rashon Hasan (School Business Administrator, $155,000)
- Approve 20 leaves of absence, 1 resignation, 2 retirements, and 1 return to payroll
- Approve athletic stipends totaling $20,021 for spring/fall 2021
- Approve stipends for Barlow After School Academy (not to exceed $30,344) and ELA curriculum writing (not to exceed $5,040)
Work & Study Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a work and study meeting with action items, including approving grant applications (notably an $8.6M CRRSA ESSER II request), placing 10 students in out-of-district special education programs, and contracting a consultant for HIB training. The board will also receive reports on enrollment and other routine matters.
- Authorize application for $8,593,900 CRRSA ESSER II grant plus $551,512 Learning Acceleration and $45,000 Mental Health grants
- Approve $399,573.81 in out-of-district special education placements for 10 students (e.g., Bonnie Brae, Kohler Academy)
- Approve $500 HIB workshop for Transportation Department by Sigma Community Enrichment Initiative
- Apply for $20,000 Close Up Virtual Civic Education grant and $550,000 21st CCLC continuation grant
- March 2021 enrollment reported at 7,817 students, down from 8,198 a year earlier
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a business meeting with action items, including approval of minutes and a comprehensive Human Resources report covering appointments, substitutes, leaves, retirements, reassignments, salary adjustments, and stipends for athletics and curriculum work. The meeting also includes public comment and recognition items.
- Contractual appointment of Mary Borja as School Nurse at $94,600
- Approval of 5 retirements, including Jo Allyn Henry (34 years) and Janice Woods (23 years)
- Athletic coaching stipends totaling $54,914 for spring 2021
- Curriculum writing stipends up to $6,720 for secondary math
- Data specialist stipends not to exceed $49,560
Work & Study Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a work and study meeting, starting with an executive session and followed by a public session where action may be taken. The main items are a presentation of the 2021-2022 budget and a report on February 2021 enrollment, which shows a decline from the previous year. The board will also consider several action items, including professional development contracts, a grant application, and a partnership agreement.
- 2021-2022 budget presentation
- February 2021 enrollment report: 7,835 students, down from 7,921 in January and 8,201 in February 2020
- Professional development contracts: Rutgers CMSCE ($1,050) and Frontline seminar ($790)
- Application for Restorative Justice in Education Competitive Grant ($500,000)
- Pilot partnership with Smash High for tutoring at Barlow and Emerson Elementary (no cost to district)
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a business meeting on February 16, 2021, with action items including a $12,000 contract for board governance training, approval of multiple staff appointments, leaves, retirements, and stipends for after-school programs. Public comment is allowed for 30 minutes.
- Contract with Write Keys 2 Consulting, LLC for $12,000 for board governance training
- Approval of 6 contractual appointments, including teachers and a family liaison, with salaries ranging from $28,060 to $78,330
- Approval of 9 substitute/hourly appointments, including home instruction at $28/hr and bus assistant at $15/hr
- Approval of stipends for spring athletics coaches totaling $34,410
- Approval of stipends for Barlow After School Academy ($30,344) and Cook Twilight Program ($30,464)
Board Retreat
The Plainfield Board of Education is meeting for a retreat focused on governance training, facilitated by Deborah L. Keys Write. The agenda includes sessions on board norms, goals, and strategic planning, with no formal action to be taken. Public comment is limited to agenda items.
- Governance training session on 'The Governance Core - Mindsets for Efficacy'
- Discussion of board norms, goals, and strategic plan preparation
- Public comment period (Policy 9322)
Work & Study Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a work and study meeting with an executive session, followed by a public session where action may be taken. The agenda includes reports from the superintendent and committees, with presentations on student accommodations, the FY2021-2022 budget, and a track naming. Action items include professional development contracts, grant applications, and a special permission request for a nonresident staff member's child.
- Rutgers University literacy training for Washington Community School staff, total cost not to exceed $7,000
- Approval to submit 21st CCLC IDEA Supplemental grant application for $25,000 for afterschool services at Barlow, Evergreen, Maxson, and Plainfield High
- Contract with R. Inoa Consulting, Inc. for 21st CCLC programs, total cost not to exceed $18,000
- Special permission request for kindergarten-age son of employee Nicholas Gore to attend Plainfield Public Schools
- January 2021 enrollment report: 7,921 students, down from 7,983 in December 2020
Business Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education will hold a business meeting on January 19, 2021, with action items including personnel appointments, leaves, resignations, and contracts. The board will also receive reports on enrollment and recognize School Board Recognition Month. Public comment is scheduled for 30 minutes.
- Approve Tyrone Williams as Director of School Safety and Security, prorated annual salary $95,000
- Approve employment contract for Assistant Superintendent Mark A. Williams
- Approve stipends for Technology Vanguard Building Consultants not to exceed $126,000
- Approve winter 2020-2021 athletic coach stipend for Shawn Simmons ($4,385)
- Approve personnel appointments and leaves of absence
Work & Study Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education is holding a work and study meeting with action items, including approving the 2021-2022 district calendar, authorizing a grant application for student learning loss, and approving the preschool operational plan. The board will also hear reports on enrollment and finances, and may take action on professional development attendance.
- Adoption of the 2021-2022 District Calendar
- Permission to apply for Addressing Student Learning Loss Competitive Grant up to $156,425
- Approval for Zelda Spence to attend Beyond School Hours conference, total cost not to exceed $378
- Approval of Early Childhood 2021-2022 Preschool Operational Plan Update serving 1,605 preschoolers
- December 2020 enrollment report: 7,983 students, down from 8,079 in November 2020
Organization Meeting
The Plainfield Board of Education is holding its annual organization meeting to swear in newly elected members, elect a president and vice president, and adopt a series of routine resolutions for the 2020-2021 school year. These include readopting policies, designating banks and official publications, appointing officers and committee members, and setting the meeting schedule. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy changes or public hearings.
- Oath of office for new board members Eric J. Andrews, Josely Castro, and Jacqueline Workman (3-year terms)
- Designation of Investors Bank, Valley National Bank, and Industrial Bank as official depositories
- Approval of $47,759.00 maximum travel expenditure for 2020-2021
- Adoption of municipal tax payment schedule totaling $27,248,202.00
- Appointment of Lerch, Vinci & Higgins as auditors at $150-$175 per hour