By Lois Staas
NEWS Correspondent
The Bellmawr Board of Education Reorganization last week was notable because of several pointed questions and comments from Bellmawr Council and the public.
After regular business and reports, Councilman Louis DiAngelo inquired as to why the district required the services of an architect for a consultation fee.
Bruce B. Finkle, Business Administrator/Board Secretary, gave some examples. One instance was the conversion of the Industrial Arts Room. Another was to locate the source of water from the recent deluge that was entering the building.
DiAngelo said, \”I have no objection to your architect, but we would be glad to help if we can.\”
Next, Councilman James DiAngelo stated, \”I am really not trying to come off as adversarial as to comment to \’mind my own business\’ because I have no input here.\”
When asked how much the board had spent for counsel in negotiations to date, the board responded $10,000 of the allotted $12,000.
D\’Angelo asked, \”1500 word changes in the contract have already been negotiated, and that is not including salary and benefits. What is going to happen when you reach your $12,000?\”
Board President Ron Henry responded, \”We are going to look into our new solicitor Ronald W. Sahli.\”
D\’Angelo quickly questions, \”And how much progress have you made?\”
\”We cannot discuss that,\” returned Henry.
\”I can tell you,\” shot back D\’Angelo, \”Nothing practically.\”
D\’Angelo observed that Sahli had already left the meeting before it ended.
\”We can reach him by cell phone,\” was the reply.
D\’Angelo said, \”Last year I asked you to be careful of the way you were going. Some of you got it. Some of you did not. On one decision you got it right. I congratulate you on your selection of Mrs. Castiglione as superintendent.
\”I strongly suggest you let the administration run the school, and let the superintendent, faculty and staff do their jobs. We have a budget meeting Thursday, May 3 at 7 p.m. at the Borough Hall.\”
Board member Frank Filipek Jr. said, \”It did not go the way you wanted it, but I can assure you, your comments were thoroughly discussed, and I do not think anyone looked at you and said to mind your own business.\”
D\’Angelo\’s final comment was, \”What I am concerned about is not the outcome, but how did you get to that point? What triggered that outcome? You should have never gotten to that point.\”
Recording Secretary for Bellmawr Park PTO Gerri Brennan was concerned that students had only one marking period of Spanish once a year.
Superintendent Castiglione clarified that this was for exposure to a foreign language, not mastery. Bell Oaks Principal Anthony Farinelli added that Spanish was also part of cycle courses and scheduling constraints played a part.
Bellmawr Park PTO Treasurer Sissy Gordon asked about the decision for a two hour delayed opening on the morning of the 16th.
The Superintendent responded that the decision was in response to the Governor\’s declaration of a state of emergency because of flooding.
Bellmawr Education Association President Mr. Biel added that the decision was an appropriate one because of the distance some of the teachers needed to travel.
\”It took one teacher two and a half hours to get here and just make it on time.\”
When asked why the independent phone system was not used, Board member Jody Mangus explained that it takes 48 hours for the system to engage.
Ron Henry enumerated the sources for information in emergencies—Channels 6, 10, 19, 29 and KYW.
Resident Mary DiMattesa expressed concern that the playground equipment that the PTO purchased for Bellmawr Park could not be used after school.
Park Principal Elizabeth Calabria noted that had been the policy since before she became principal. \”The playground is used during the day at recess and lunchtime. Alternate grades share the time. There is safety issues involved.
The Board promised to look into the situation since teachers were not available to supervise the playground during dismissal.
During the regular agenda Board Member Jamie Casey reported that the recent lockdown \”went very well. Captain Mulroy was quite impressed with the way students and teachers conducted themselves.\”
Mrs. Betty Sheppard said that administrative contracts were in negotiation and the committee was waiting on dates with the BEA.
Ms. Mangus relayed that the policy committee needed to meet in May and review policies from 1964 to get a handle on updates.
Frank Filipek, Jr., was anticipating two meetings. One is with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the other was with Shop-Rite funding to kick-off a healthy eating/fitness program this fall.
The superintendent said, \”Thank you all for your warm welcome that you have shown me in these past seven days. \”We will share good times and maybe difficult times. We will work through these together.\”
Bell Oaks Principal Anthony Farinelli said, \”Thank you Mrs. Rose, Mrs. Kolody, Mrs. Kassert and all students and staff for Pride in Education Day at the Bellmawr Fire Hall.
Congratulations were also in order for Student Mock Elections. Filipek praised the activity; \”This was a great learning tool for the future, to get votes out.\”
On Administrative Professionals Day outstanding staff was lauded: Mrs. Coyler, Mrs. Crane, Mrs. Giuliano, Mrs. Jombe, Mrs. Siedzikowski, Mrs. Finn, Mrs. Straccialini, and Mrs. Funk.
Another thank you went to the custodial staff that has done a great job all year: Mr. Cook, Mr. Wells, Mr. Harding, and all substitute custodians.
Bellmawr Park Principal Elizabeth Calabria announced the Spelling Bee, the first ever in town! Students from the Boro public schools, Annunciation, and St. Francis were involved.
Bellmawr Park Leadership Committee has instituted a professional development activity, \”Tea and Topics.\” Members Ms. Jen Tofts, Mr. Doug Sexton, Mrs. Chrissy Monanero, and Mrs. Debbie Foster will gather with staff to share new education ideas.
The second grade students spread joy this Easter by creating baskets for the elderly at Genesis Senior Housing in Cherry Hill. Each student designed a card and basket to deliver to those who do not receive many visitors.
Ethel Burke School Principal Frank E. Jankowski, Jr., shared several of his schools activities. On Earth Day the First Grade showed respect and care for the Earth by cleaning up the schoolyard.
On Arbor Day students wore green and gathered around the tree that was planted last year to sing songs.
The school voted to \”adopt\” a flying squirrel at the Woodford Wildlife Refuge. Committee members were Ms. Melissa Kormann, Ms. Colleen Cullen, Mrs. Linda Keyek, and Mrs. Kathy Vespe.
Computer teacher Eileen Barr communicated that Pre-K students are progressing with the Starfall literacy program. First and second grade can now hone their keyboard skills through Dance Mist Keyboarding, and third and fourth graders are creating Power Point Presentations.
Mrs. Kilgus constantly updates the website. Photos of every activity at the Park and Burke schools are added regularly.
In the future both the Board Workshop meeting and the Board Regular meeting will begin at 7 p.m.
