All right. I hereby call to order the special meeting of the Bayon Board of Education. For the record, this is a public meeting of the Bayon Board of Education. It is 5:31, the 3rd day of March, and we are meeting
in the Alexander X. Okconor Auditorium. Excuse me. Can we stand for the pledge? >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. At this time, we'll take a roll call. Trusty Basher. >> Trusty Burke. >> Trustee Geski Rodriguez >> here.
>> Trusty Gonzalez >> here. >> Trustee Saniola >> here. >> Trustees >> here. >> Trustee Young here. >> Vice President Mio >> here. >> President Desmond >> here. Okay.
>> Up next is the approval of minutes for the February 2nd meeting. If I could have a motion. >> Okay, >> I'll second. >> Trustee Gdeski Rodriguez. >> Yes. >> Trusty Gonzalez. >> Yes. >> Trustee Sanola.
>> Yes. >> Trustee Scofane. >> Yes. >> Trustee Young. >> Yes. >> Vice President Mio, >> yes. >> President Desmond, >> yes. Okay, we have two separate sections to the agenda. The first part is the curriculum instruction. We're going to
vote on A1 separately first and then we'll move on to the B's. >> I'll second. >> Trusty Gdeski Rodriguez. >> Um, I just want to say thank you for getting this added to the special agenda. I know this was really important for that class. So, yes.
Trusty Gonzalez, >> yes. >> Trustee Saniola, >> yes. >> Trustees Clefane, >> yes. >> Trustee Young, >> yes. >> Vice President Magio, >> yes. >> President Desmond, >> I'm happy to do so. Yes. >> Okay. Now, we're going to move on to the
second section, which would represent items B1 through B32. I'd actually like to say something before we start. The trustees do not hire or fire anyone except the superintendent.
We get to vote and show our support or withhold support on items put before us. We cannot vote with personal opinions. Must be factual
and it must be completely and totally fair. So I don't want to give anyone any impression that anything that may get said or done today is of a personal nature.
We have a fiduciary responsibility that I believe we all takes very seriously. We want to do the right thing. I will say one thing about our athletics program. Hello.
It's not all about wins and losses. It's about how you treat one another. It's about the role models who are coaches, often teachers, and the the skill set that you bring to
your game and how you coach the life skills for our students. That's equally as important. I will also say that I spent a great
deal of time as has everyone else reviewing the new handbook or or employee handbook for coaches. We're aware that there is um a contract between
Danny George as the leader of the sports athletics and coaches. It is our understanding that he coaches coaches. He reviews and evaluates coaches.
Mr. George has not been here very long, but he's made an impact. It's a an impact we haven't seen in a while. It's always good to change things up every so often, but he has a philosophy
that he brings to athletics. It is about how the coaches coach, how they treat and respect students and vice versa. It's about all the
skills, not just athletic skills, but life skills. I actually believe in Danny. I think he deserves an opportunity to make his choices, but I also hold him accountable because
I believe him. I believe that he cares about the programs and more importantly about the students. So again, any votes today will
convey our thoughts about leadership, respect for students, and support for administration. That's all I wanted to say. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Before we vote, we do have
some cards. Uh first up will be, and if I mispronounce your name, I apologize. Salani. >> Uh, sir, just so you know, you have three minutes. >> Sure. >> Good afternoon and thank you for allowing me to speak. My name is Sali
Tanny. I'm a lifelong resident of Bayon. I graduated from BHS as did one of my daughters. The other daughter is currently enrolled in BHS as a junior. Forgive me for not knowing everyone on the board's biography, but I do know we have coaches, former coaches, and educators on the board. So, what I'm
about to say should be fully understood by them. I know most of the time this is a thankless job, but I'd like to take this time to thank you for stepping up and running for these positions. Thank you for the job you do, but in my humble opinion, we need to do better. The reason I wanted to speak today was
in reference to the spring sports coaching positions that are currently on the agenda. I have no dog in this fight. My oldest graduated last year and my youngest plays a fall sport. With that being said, how would any of you feel if you were kept in limbo for the position you applied for? How would you feel if
you knew that position started in 5 days, yet you have no idea if you had if you've been awarded that position or not? How is a coach supposed to do supposed to effectively schedule games, matches, create a training regimen, and basically prepare for a successful
season in five days when he or she doesn't even know if they have the job. And if you expect this all to be done before the start of the season, then maybe we should have Superman and Wonder Woman on this agenda. Just to give you an example, on September 16th, 2025, winter sports
coaches were voted in voted on and improved. That was 76 days before the winter season starts. 76 verse5. And one of those coaches had a time to prepare and he's coaching a semi-final game in the states right now.
What you guys are doing are basically setting these coaches up for failure. As the old verbiage goes, failing to prepare is preparing to fail. How can the board expect a better to better the athletic program at BHS while conducting business this way? As an as elected officials, personal
feelings should never come into play. Your feelings should be checked at the door. It's quite possible some people have negative feelings for some of you up there. Yet, you got the votes because the voting public felt that you can do the job. The fact that this agenda was not voted on and finalized last meeting
is unacceptable. To abstain because of conflict of interest is one thing, but to abstain because of personal feelings is unprofessional. All the board members that are up there were voted in to do a job. It's time to do it and not hide behind abstaining. Hopefully today we
can resolve the spring coaches situation and use this as a lesson for the upcoming fall sports. >> Last proceedings such as this does does no one any good. The past year have been following a lot of BHS sports as a whole. >> The winter and fall sports have been very successful and trending in a
positive direction. I also know that the 202526 fall and winter coaches were hired with ample time to prepare for the season. This is not a coincidence. And since I have another 30 40 seconds to talk, I would like to personally say
this. Personally, I know three spring coaches that are on the agenda. And in my opinion, if I had a child competing in these sports in these sports, Coach Hoffman and his staff, Coach Mio and her staff and coach Lango and her staff have the character and passion that would that I would definitely look for to
mentor my child. So, in conclusion, I ask you to vote and finalize this agenda. It's not to do it's if not to do if not to better the athletic program in BHS than to do it because it's your job. Thank you. Have a great night. Go Bees. >> Thank you.
>> Up next, Christopher Eert. Uh, Mr. Eert, you also have three minutes. Understand? Let me get right to the point. My son attended his very first BHS game back in 2018. In 2019, he attended every single
game. On the championship day in 2019, he had his own Cal Ripken game. After that game ended, I drove as fast as I could to get in Maven Point to catch the end of that championship. As the final out was recorded, my son ran onto the field to celebrate with the entire team and their
families. You would have thought he was on the team himself. He posed with the players, even hoisted the championship trophy above his head for photos. A few days later, Coach Hoffman's entire championship team along with their families, showed up at one of Luke's Cal Ripken games. In between innings, they
presented him with a signed championship baseball. That was the moment that Luke, myself, and my wife fell in love with BHS baseball. My son saw firsthand the culture that Coach Hoffman has built, a culture of inclusion, mentorship,
genuine care for his athletes. That experience meant everything to him. It made him dream. It made him believe. I can say this with complete confidence. There is not a single coach I would rather have leading and mentoring my son than Coach Hoffman.
Thank you. >> Up next, Shane Paradigm. Hello everyone. Um, I knew I was going to come play baseball at Bayon at a very young age. I remember going to almost every game as a kid and I knew that I wanted to be on that field right away. I saw everything that the program was
about. The study hall hours, the wait room every day, the cages I was able to use. More importantly, wearing bone across my chest. I was lucky enough to crack a spot on the varsity as a freshman and eventually won a spot on the field halfway through the year. It
was a year of up and ups and downs, but that's what b what that's what makes baseball great. Baseball allows you to figure out problems. It allows you to work as a team and the 20 guys sitting on the bench are just as important at the as the nine guys playing. I got to experience both sides. Starting
on the bench, learning how to be a great teammate. Coach Hoffman and his staff always preach that. Um, my experience here was excellent. It was the best. I wouldn't have done it much different except maybe beat that school in Jersey City my junior year.
Without this Coach Hoffman led program, my career would have been much different. I went on to play four years at Stonyie Brook University for coach Matt Sank, a baseball legend, and then my fifth year at Elon for Coach Mike Kennedy, another college baseball legendary
coach. Both in the top 20 all time and wins at the division one level. Coach Sank Kennedy and Hoffman all have something in common. They preach not only the game of baseball at an elite level, but also how to be a great man off the field.
I was so prepared to excel at the highest level of college baseball. I played first round draft picks. I played with current big leaguers. I played in almost every state. And all these experiences were incredible. But it was all possible because of the foundation that was set for me here at Bayon. I
just want to take the time to say thank you to Coach Hoff. Winning the championship in 2019 was a baseball memory that I will never forget. The best part was not winning. Not the personal success, not the fact, not the fact that we beat Prep, but the fact
that I was able to celebrate with the team. It was a brotherhood. And that team still is today thanks to the foundation that was built by Coach Hoffman and Balon Baseball. It's more than a sport. It's a family. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Up next is Ryan McNamera. Hello everyone. Uh my dad couldn't be here cuz he has work. So I'm going to speak on his behalf and also on my own behalf. So my dad has two sons, one being myself and one being my older brother. We both played for coach
Hoffman and we had a tremendous time. Uh, something my dad wanted to share was that coach Hoffman really turned the program around. When you look at the early seasons, Bayon baseball was solid, but not as good as they turned out to be. Throughout the time coach Hoffman
was there, he's won sectional championship, he's won county championship, and he was ranked as high as fourth in the whole state alongside Dell Barton when they had Anthony Vulpi and Jack Lighter. Coach Hoffman is a great coach and there
isn't a better coach that my dad would have wanted me to be with. Aside from his achievements, my dad noticed that he didn't just care about winning. He cared about the players off the- field accomplishments.
The amount of hours that coach Hoffman put into this program doesn't go unnoticed. Whether it's setting up the uniforms for the team, ordering things, designing the uniforms, designing the hats, which he does a pretty good job at if I do say so myself.
The main thing my dad just wanted to say was he feels like any player that gets an opportunity to play with Coach Hoffman is in great hands. For myself, I could personally say I don't think there's one coach I've ever seen that cares more about their team than Coach Hoffman.
He just has so much passion and love for the game and so much love for the team that you wouldn't think that there's anything that matters more to him. Throughout my time of playing at Bayon High School, he was always there for me. Whether I was on the freshman, JV, or
varsity program, he was always there and if I needed anything, I knew I could always talk to him. My senior year, I actually started that season on the bench. I wasn't a starter. I wasn't the player that Coach Hoffman had on the field every single game, but he still made me feel like I was just as
important as the guy that was our starting catcher. When we won the county championship, it was one of the greatest feelings I ever had in my life. Being able to feel that with Coach Hoffman and all the other players, it was an amazing experience. One thing that I'd say about Coach
Hoffman to leave you off with, I had a recent conversation with him. He said one thing that makes him very happy is not just seeing the wins, the losses, the stats on the field. He loves seeing his players that played for him and the
careers that they have in the future. He wants to see his players turn out to be great young men and have great careers in their future. And I think that's a great thing. I feel like coach Hoffman wants to create uh great role models and he is a great role model to look up to.
So, whoever has a vote and say in who should be the head coach of Ban High School baseball, I feel like Coach Hoffman is the best candidate for it. >> Thank you. All right, up next is Ryan Raparelli.
Good evening. I'm here to speak on behalf of Coach Hoffman. I just want to let you know I have three boys. One graduated, two are currently in the program. Um, if not for Coach Hoffman and his baseball program, my kids would
not be attending Bayhong High School, okay? They'd probably be with me in Memorial. But Coach Hoffman does a great job. Teaches the young men not just about sports, but about community, about pride, and being loyal to the program
and to each other. Okay. So, what I'm asking for tonight is for everybody to vote yes for Coach Hoffman to approve him to run the baseball program the way he has in the past. Okay? Because let's
talk about the community. He's at every parade. Okay? Flag day. He's hanging up the flags with these young men. All right? And Buddy Baseball. Okay? Everybody doesn't want to look at that,
but he's with Buddy Buddy Baseball during the parade. Okay? He invites him down the field for a game. All right? And not only is it a great day for the young men, for Buddy Baseball, young men and women, but it's also a great day for
them because they learn and they see what community is about. All right? So, I'm asking you, Mr. President, you said you vote for the superintendent, right? you you hire him. Okay. Now, the superintendent the superintendent and
the ad have put up coach Hoffman. So, we we should trust that. We should believe in that. Okay. And let's see how the season plays out. But to make a decision to wait this long for a decision, I just
think is a it's bad taste. Leaves a bad taste in my mouth. But, um hopefully tonight you do the right thing and Coach Hoffman gets approved. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Up next is Justin Okconor. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Justin
Okconor, graduate class of 2020. Uh I'm going to be speaking on behalf of coach Hoff. Um he means more to this program than wins and losses ever could. He's a he's been a leader, a mentor, and someone who generally puts his players first on and off the field. He built a
culture of accountability, respect, hard work, and countless players are better people in this world because of that. Decisions like this aren't easy, but it's hard to ignore the impact he's had and the loyalty he's earned. It's not just about playing baseball or winning a championship, but it's about shaping a
young man who he will continue on to be in the real world. And Coach Hafier does that very well. He lives, breathes, and sleeps baseball. If you take someone like that out of this program, you might as well not even have one because there's no one like him that cares as much as he does. Not one person in this
room. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay, I might butcher this one. There's this one named Mo Carreri. >> Can you just state your first and last name when you come up? My name is Mu Kari. I'm a tribal member
of the Higua Yagua Dino K. I'm here to speak a few things. Parents are scared to speak up because they're worried their kid will be treated different next or their jobs affected. That should never happen.
When uh one name feels too protected to question, that's not leadership. That's fear. The family speaking up is Latino and black and brown. So, we have to ask, would this be handled the same way if they were different? Because every
family and player deserves the same respect. And let's be real, telling the kid you're not a Lindor while cursing him at cursing at him is not compliment. That's embarrassing. These are kids. And when you say that to a Latino
player, it feels targeted. That's culturally cultural insensitivity. No coach is bigger than the children. So I'll say again, I'll say uh plain, are we protecting reputations or are we protecting kids?
Play with that and don't be afraid to vote no and finally do the right thing. That's about it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Up next is Tesha Mateo. Good evening, coach. You brought the
team together. You see what you're capable of? So, this right here that we have is exactly what I wanted to clear my son's name when he was embarrassed in this program. And you're correct about the new athletic director. He is
phenomenal and he tried to do something so right. He had a restorative circle. And in that restorative circle, it came out nine months later that there was a sexual rumor about my son and someone touching my son that never happened. And you know who knew about this? Coach
Hoffman and I have here numerous emails to him about my son's mental health. No reply over and over when I opraed and there was an incident on April 9th with my son 2024. And I want to let everyone know that I had the same sentiment about Cole
Hoffman. I thought he was great. Wow, my son's going to play for him until I reported an incident and everything changed. And now we have an email from an employee of the housing authority, Tom Adisano. He's sitting back there. His name was redacted. Don't know why.
He's an adult. What kind of files are these? That's strange. Protecting adults. However, the minute that I reported that, everything went left. No one protected my son. No one wanted to talk to my son. He was a problem. So, it's great that you're all getting together right now. I knew you were
capable of that. And that's what should have happened for your teammates because as a coach, it's a mentor, it's a leader, and it shouldn't be retaliation, discrimination, and any of that treatment. And Miss Rodriguez, Trusty Rodriguez, I have your email here from
January 12th, 2023, when you emailed the superintendent and mentioned the bullying in the program because back then there was a huge bullying incident that the entire town knows about, including parents sitting here and no
one did anything. Nothing. No HIV reporting, nothing. So, because the athletic director did the right thing, got them all together. I'm thankful for that one player that said, "Mikey, didn't you say one of us touched you sexually?" He said, "What?" And Coach
Hoffman knew and did nothing. Months and months and months did nothing. My son never said that. I never said that. I know all of these boys since little league. And as a coach, his job was to protect all of his players. But for some
reason, Michael Matteo wasn't important. 3 >> and I I don't understand that. Thank you. Please vote no and protect these children. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Uh up next, Mark Meadow. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My
name is Mark Mandal. For those who of you who don't know me, I'm the former super welterweight champion of the world. And the reason I say that is because I never fought in amateurs and had no experience in that. And uh I just want people to know that as coaches, you
need your coach more than anything in the world when you're doing the sport that he's teaching or training. That is the most important thing to have a good relationship with with your coach. All right, guys. If if you want to get go to top to the top of the game, pay
attention and respect your coach. God bless you guys and have a great day. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Up next is Michelle Okconor. Hi, good evening everyone. My name is Michelle Oconor and my son
Justin Okconor was a 2020 graduate of Ban High School. He was fortunate to have played varsity baseball all four years of his high school career under head coach David Hoffman. I'm here today to express my strong support for Coach Hoffman and his continued role as
varsity head coach. Coach Hoffman has demonstrated an unwavering commitment not only to the success of this baseball program, but most importantly to the growth and well-being of the student athletes he mentors. He goes far beyond the responsibilities typically expected
of a head coach. He treats each player as if they are family, creating an environment built on respect, accountability, and support. My husband and I can attest firsthand during a time when my son made a poor choice and his grades began to drop. It was Coach
Hoffman that reached out to us as a family. It helped my son recognize the impact his decisions will make on his future. His dedication goes beyond the field. He actively follows up on his players academics, encourages their personal
development, and ensures they understand the importance of balancing athletics and education. Coach Hoffman takes the time to understand each athlete individually. He helps them build confidence, discipline, and life skills that will
benefit each of them well beyond these walls and fields. Coach Hoffman is extremely passionate about the game of baseball. Of course, he wants to win a county championship, even a state championship, but what varsity head coach would not want that for their team
and their school? That is what my son and his teammates strive for when they won the 2019 Hudson County Championship against rivals St. Peters Prep. To this day, my son still talks about that as being one of the greatest moments in his life. So, please think about the future
of your student athletes and show me another individual who combines leadership, mentorship, and caring the way Coach Hoffman has consistently shown for this program over the past several years as head coach. Even though my son
has graduated, my nephew is currently a junior on the varsity team, and I strongly support the continuation of David Hoffman as varsity head coach. His presence is invaluable to the students, the program, and our community. Thank you for your time and the opportunity to
speak to you. >> Thank you. >> Up next is Maria Casmir. Good evening, everyone. I'm here to read a letter on behalf of my son Good evening, trustees. My name is Justin Hoffman and I'm the son of Bayon
High School's baseball coach, Dave Hoffman. I'm currently a junior at Immaculata University, and I truly wish I could be there tonight to support my dad and all of the spring coaches, but tonight is my home opener. I know my dad would have wanted nothing more than to
be there watching me play, but I felt it was more important that he be present at the board of ed meeting tonight because that's the type of commitment he has always shown to his players and to this district. I'd like to speak to speak about my dad, not just as a coach, but
as a father, a teacher, and a mentor. I've played baseball since I was four years old. My dad coached me in Cal Ripken and again in high school. To be honest, it wasn't always easy for either of us. Being coached by your dad comes
with high expectations. And sometimes I didn't understand why he pushed me the way he did. But as I got older, I realized he never coached me differently. He coached everyone the same way.
Fair, honest, accountable. If anything, he was harder on me because he never wanted anyone to think I got special treatment. What I appreciate most now is that the lessons were never really about
baseball. He to taught us how to handle failure, how to respect teammates, how to represent our school, and how to carry ourselves when nobody is watching. I've seen firsthand the type of person
my dad is behind the scenes. I've watched him sit in the emergency room with an injured player long after a game ended. I've watched him call players at night to talk about grades, attendance, and choices that they were making, not
because it was required, but because he cared. I've watched him spend hours making sure every kid felt valued, whether they were a starter or someone who rarely saw the field. Some of my favorite memories, other than
the state sectional championship game, of course, were Saturday mornings helping at Buddy Baseball or serving Thanksgiving meals at the senior citizens soup kitchen as a team, putting up the flags in honor of veterans for Fields of Heroes, and reading to
afterare students each holiday season. >> 30 seconds. >> He always reminded us that wearing Bon across your chest means you represent more than yourself. You represent a community. My dad bleeds maroon and white. He's a product of Bound High School. My sister and I are products of
Bound High School. He made sure we grew up proud of that. Even now, he shows up to my college games wearing his state sectional championship jacket like it's part of his everyday wardrobe. To him, Bon isn't just where he works. It's part of who he is. As his son, I'm proud of
him. Proud of him as a dad. Proud of him as an educator. and proud of him as a coach. But what makes me most proud is hearing former players come back years later to visit him. Not to talk about Windsor stats, but to thank him for helping them become better men. For
those of you who don't know that side of my dad, I encourage you to talk to the players he has coached. And I know wholeheartedly that they will agree with everything I've said about his dedication and devotion to his students, his players, Bon High School, and this
community. Thank you for your time. Good luck to all of the spring coaches. Go Bees. Stingers up. Sincerely, Justin Hoffman. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Up next, uh Thomas Addisano. Good evening. My name is Thomas Addisano
and I thank you for letting me have the opportunity to speak on behalf of Coach Hoffman tonight. I've been part of the baseball parent association for the past six years and president for the past four. When my son was a freshman, I would get asked quite often, why am I doing this? Why am I volunteering my time? The reason why I did it was
because I believe in Coach Hoffman and I believed in the program he was running. And if I could help out in any way, I felt I needed to. My son made varsity his junior year as a relief pitcher and a backup middle infielder. At times during that season, I thought my son deserved more opportunity. Perhaps to
play over a struggling player or perhaps to pitch more frequently. But I didn't complain. I trusted the process. But more importantly, my son trusted the process. And by doing so, he had his base best baseball season the following year when he earned MVP honors voted by
his peers. I know I know as a board and as as a school you receive a lot of negative emails, negative phone calls or negative complaints regarding teachers and coaches. And as you know, I know firsthand parents will go above and beyond to make up lies and false accusations to try to get their way. So,
I would like to tell you a quick story which I feel shows coach Hoffman's character behind the scenes. Going into the summer season of my son's senior year, my son was a starting pitcher and starting middle infielder. However, it got cut short after he sustained an injury. He was shut down all summer and
fall and had to rehab all winter. A week before the season started, my son decided to have a talk with coach. Keep in mind, my son was one of three underclass pitchers that year on the state sectional championship team. So, it was a safe bet to say that he was pencled into the starting rotation, if
not the closer. He told coach that his injury felt worse when he pitched and he did not want to pitch anymore. Coach told him that he had no issue with his decision and whatever he can do to help keep him on the field. Coach reached out to my wife and I to discuss his injury. He told us he will help in any way he
can. To me, that shows his character because if you know baseball, you know how important a starting pitcher and a closer could be. My son had a partially torn hip labum. A s a surgeon told him he would it wouldn't get worse, but he had to have treatment to manage the pain. Coach helped us set up a therapy
plan throughout the season that that not only worked with his baseball schedule, but also his academic schedule. During the season, after a few backto-backs, coach saw my son was laboring a little. He sat him down for a game, and the trainer told coach it wouldn't hurt to send him an additional. That additional
game was against prep. And even though my son wanted to play and was cleared and was cleared by the trainer, coach stressed it was more important to keep him on the field for a long hall than for one game. And to put it in perspective, at that time, my son was batting in the top three of the order and was the starting second baseman. So,
I'm sure I'm sure there are many other instances where coach went above and beyond for his players that we are unaware of. So, I'd like to conclude with this. Before you make any decisions, remember for every negative email, negative comment, and negative phone call you receive, there are many positive ones that you're not hearing
about. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Up next, Julian Gonzalez. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Julian Gonzalez and I'm a graduate of 2020 and I was also a member of the 2019 baseball team. When we talk about the future of
Bon High School, we aren't just talking about wins and losses. We're talking about leadership, character, and the person we trust to mold these young men of this program. Nobody is as dedicated to this program as coachman is. While the lights are off and the gates are locked, he's putting work behind the scenes that most people never see. He
cares about Bon High School in a way that is personal to me. This isn't just a job for him, it's a mission. He isn't just coaching for the high school season. He is tirelessly developing these kids to make sure they have a path to play at the next level. The greatest testament to his character
is he treats his players once they hang up the BHS jersey. I am a product of that mentorship. After my college career, he didn't just congratulate me. He brought me back to coach alongside him. He's the type of guy that would take the shirt off his back for you. He continues to invest in
us long after the game is over. He helped me navigate life outside of baseball and he's helped me start my own career in coaching. He's more than just a coach. He's the backbone of his program. Thank you. Up next, Stephen Yurch.
My name is Steven Urchek and I support Coach Hoffman. Thank you. Good job. Up next is Steve Your First. I just want to clarify, Miss Desmond, to start off the meeting, you stated that the board does not hire a fire. As you know, that's incorrect.
Recommendations from superintendent to the board. You vote on it. Yes or no? So, I believe that first statement was misleading to the crowd as we started this launch. What I came here to say is that I support coach. Thank you. Up next is Jody Marky.
>> Good evening everybody. I'm happy to stand here and share most of the sentiments um supporting Coach Hoffman. Um it's amazing to hear how integral Coach Hoffman was to the most wonderful day in so many children's lives. I'm here tonight to talk about Coach Hoffman
and him being a part of the worst day of my ch children's lives. Um, three years ago, my husband passed away and my three boys lost their dad. And when the doors opened at his funeral, the first group of people to walk in was 20some teenagers in mismatched suit separates
there to support their teammate. This was something that coach Hoffman had fostered in his players. He didn't tell them to. He creates an environment where these children want to show up for each other. He creates an environment of support and love for all
players, for players who sit the bench, for players who start every game. On senior night, my son was escorted onto the field with his brothers and myself, as all the other players are. And there's a special moment on the mound to honor those seniors. And that
same team showed up again when we turned around. And it wasn't just myself and my sons on the mount. It was the entire team. They showed up. They walked behind him. And without saying a word, Quinn knew that he was loved and that he was supported. And that even though his dad
couldn't be there, Coach Hoffman had created a team of support, brothers, family to be there for him. He didn't have to do that. Nobody told him to do that. It's just who he is as a person. And I'm grateful for that. The
things that he does with the team in the offseason are tremendous for all students. When you think about study hall and wait room, buddy baseball, flag raising ceremonies, all of the things within the community, these are the things that our children need to be doing when they're not on the field. It
keeps them busy. It keeps them out of trouble. It makes them do their homework so that they can get out and get the other things done, too. And all of that is coming from Coach Hoffman. And I fully support him being rehired for another season. And I urge that if for some reason we don't want him to, we have a little bit more respect for the
things that he's done for this program and let him coach this year, own his final season, maybe for the district, train the person that's coming up next and not just throw somebody new in there five days before the season and really just honor what he's done for this
program and what he does for all of his players. I will never forget what he did for my children and I'm grateful for that. Thank you. Thank you. >> All right, up next is Anthony Demo. Mine's a little bit more uh generalized.
um coaching after school, freshman football 7 years ago, coaching wrestling with coach Luciani for a number of years, known a bunch of coaches, all different sports. And basically what we're doing to the spring coaches is embarrassing throughout the state. We're a laughingtock because this board
decided to play games last meeting and the fact that we didn't put up spring coaches until later than we've ever done in history is a joke. It's an embarrassment. The fact that anybody can sit up there and vote no for every spring coach, including Tico Barrett, who was just honored at the Jets
facility for for coach of the year and he doesn't even have a job technically yet, it means that you guys are using your seats in the wrong way. All right, Trusty Geski wasn't even here last week, so it's not including her. But we have people abstained from every single coach. If you're that conflicted, you should not be on the board. That goes
back to Trusty Geski's statement with the reorg meeting about conflicts where Miss Desmond, you said that's not an issue. Apparently last meeting it was because you had three people abstained from an entire section of spring coaches. That's not just one. Trusty Majio did the right thing. He listed his
line item that he had to abstain from and voted on the rest. That's what you guys are supposed to do up there. You're not supposed to abstain from an entire section because nobody in this town even though this town knows everybody related to everybody. It's like down south. It's really creepy. But you can't be related
or have a conflict with every single spring coach, spring assistant, everybody to sit there where you just abstain or you literally blanket vote no for everybody cuz that's including Tico, coach of the year for I mean that's kind of it just shows your character and you
guys definitely sorry you guys definitely showed it and it's very disappointing that this is what's representing our town right now. You know the ones that voted yes, the ones that did it right, I thank you for it. Yes, you weren't here so it's nothing with you. I think you said it right with the reorg meeting. The conflicts as much
as people think that it's not a big deal, it is because it just showed their character last week, last meeting. And it's embarrassing and it's something that every other school that we're a public school. We we don't sit there and go out and get from all over the state like Prep and other parochial, but when
people are looking to come here, they're looking to see how people treat their staff and their coaches. I don't know as a coach from this in this town in this school. I wouldn't want to coach again with this board right now because you guys decided to play games with my kids' future. My son plays football,
wrestling, and Danny George has been a freaking godsend for this athletic program and he put these guys up last meeting and you guys said no. Or you decided that you didn't want to take backbone and make your call to say you have a problem with somebody, write the line item out and call it out. So
jeanizing now my kid's future, his friends, everybody who's been putting work in in the offseason for every sport. All right. And baseball specifically, it's been awesome. Bringing coach Paradigm in. Don goes from zero period to football weight room
to wrestling practice and then he stays there for a hidden 7 to 8. Kids out of my house from 7:30 in the morning till 8:30 at night because of what's been built here and what Danny has put in with the athletics and what we have. All right. Stop embarrassing us. Do the right thing. Get these spring coaches on
board. You guys want to do something afterwards, that's the time it plays, not 5 days before the season starts. Other towns have their teams already set. They're already practicing. They're doing stuff. And we don't even have coaches approved. It's a damn joke. Thank you.
>> All right, that's all the cards we have. Can I have a motion for B1 through B32? >> Mr. Castle. >> Sure. >> Quick question. Um I think there's um discrepancy with the public. They we just um for some reason we not going to
hire the coaching and stuff like that. We didn't receive the spring coaches until the day of the board meeting or a couple of hours before. So how Mr. Siani says it was 73 day for the fall. We only
had 76. We didn't go 76 day. We got what? >> That day >> that day. >> So we don't even have a choice for that. So to everybody that think that we just got the 73 days and we're going to do that's totally inaccurate.
>> So well just to be clear, we did have a meeting a week before committee meeting that the coaches were discussed. >> I put a motion to go to close session. >> I Yes. I
>> I just wanted before we close this >> we do not hire and fire. We support or withhold support of the recommendations. That's our ethical responsibility. However, I didn't withhold my support. So, >> in any case, that that's the way the
board works. I don't want to misrepresent anything, but that that is the way the board works. and you can ask the attorney. Um, in any case, I do have to say we did have it at the um, committee meeting. It may not have
been complete, but I think it was. Um, I do want to thank the administration for regrouping, reintering, and reposting. And I do not like the fact that it's
done this way, but here we are. And I do believe the right thing will be done. I make a motion for the B1 through B 32.
>> I'll second. >> We do have a motion and a second. I'm for nothing but I thought I say a motion for close session about 15 minutes. >> Okay. Do you have a one? What do what are we discussing in close this session?
>> This coaches. >> So we can't discuss that in close session. >> All right. So we going to vote the way that we have to vote and >> we take it from there. Let's go. >> So each of those members were riceed and they asked to be discussed in public. We can't discuss this in executive. >> That's what I'm saying. So
>> but you they were rised and they agreed to be here. So if you want to >> they did agree >> you can have this discussion in public but we can't have it in executive session. That's >> so just to clarify this um each of the
individuals from B1 through B32 received what's called a rice notice which means their employment can be impacted by the vote of the board. It's up to them whether they can have that vote or discussion in public or in private. Each of the members through the
BEA said that they wanted this in public. >> Okay. >> So, we are not allowed to go to executive session to discuss this matter. >> All right. Thank you. That's a good clarification. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, is there discussion in public or are we going to move forward with the
vote? >> No, we can go for a vote. >> Okay. So, I have a motion from President Desmond and a second from Trusty Young. Is that correct? Yep. Yes. >> All right. >> Trustee Gdeski Rodriguez.
>> I I have a few words. So, I'm sorry that we are here today, right? We are. We're here. My priority are these students sitting in front of us today. My priority is the continuity of the experience for all of these students,
these coaches and staff and being impacted. I share the sentiment of President Desmond when we are putting our trust and into the people we have appointed and we have heard nothing but phenomenal things
here today. Um I appreciate all of the words and opinions here today and that is why I am voting yes because these students before anything else are the priority here today. So my vote is yes through all of
B1. Okay. Trustee Gonzalez. I am going to trust this administration in few things, but I'm going to vote no. So that's my vote. No. >> Trustee Sanola. >> Yes.
Trust Clefane. >> I agree with Trustee Geski that um we don't want to do our students requires any kind of disjust injustice. So I vote yes for this. >> Trustee Young, >> yes.
>> Vice President Mio, >> yes. President Desmond. President Desmond. >> I voted yes the first time. I'm voting yes again. And I do want to commend
Danny Gregory for the changes he's made in all of the athletics. It is about you. That is all the business I have, but we do have one other speaker. Uh, Miss Andrea Russitar, >> just a reminder, ma'am, you have three
minutes. >> Yes. >> For the second time in less than a year, I find myself needing to speak at a board meeting about insurance matters. I was here late in the summer because of increases in health insurance premiums
that I thought were not appropriately told or in we were not in appropriately informed about early enough. On February 26, the friend asked if I knew that our vision insurance was expiring as of February 28th, 2026, to which I replied
no. After contacting union leadership about this issue, I still have questions. If the intent of the board of education or central office was to suspend vision coverage through Metropolitan Superior Vision as of July 2025,
ostensibly because it provided a duplication of services already provided by the board. When were employees ever notified as to that fact? I do not have any documentation reflecting that end date and do not recall being told of a
limited two-year contract when that insurance was first offered to us in July of 2023. According to our contract, the board must provide 90 days advanced notice to the association of its intent to make changes to any health insurance coverage. I would consider a change in
vision division coverage to fall under that umbrella. Additionally, if the end date was intended to be 6:30 2025, why would we be suspending coverage in the middle of a school year effective 228 2026?
That is an odd time to be ending a contract. Typically contracts run it for a calendar year from January through dece December or for one school year from September through August or for a one-year term from the date of contract
inception. None of these scenarios seems to apply to the vision coverage that expired as of 22826. Lastly, if the insurance coverage was scheduled to lapse as of July 1st, 2025
or even as late as February 28th, 2026, why when we had open enrollment in November of 2025, was vision insurance included in the choices with monthly costs listed and dates of coverage clearly indicated as being from January
1st, 2026 through June 30th of 2026. I understand that vision coverage was never explicitly mentioned as a benefit of employment in our printed contracts, but why would an employee assume they no longer had that coverage if vision
insurance was explicitly listed as an option in our open enrollment documents in November of 2025. Had I been notified by the board or central office that my vision coverage was being cancelled as of 228, I could have moved an existing mid-marchch
appointment to one in midFebruary. I fully understand that the board of education reimbures up to $150 for glasses separate from what the vision insurance once covered, but this unannounced change in expected coverage is going to cost me a minimum of an
extra $150 out of pocket. >> Ma'am, your time is expired for >> towards groceries. Add that to the hundreds of dollars extra that I paid in insurance premiums for New Jersey Direct 10 that I didn't expect. >> Thank you, ma'am. Your time is expired. That budgets had to be changed. Moving
forward, a little more transparency, communication, and respect for employees pocketbooks when it comes to health related insurance matters would be appreciated. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> President.
Did it change? >> So, the this is a supplemental plan that was added on to our new plan that expired after two years. Hence the reason the board decided to give above and beyond their regular CBA agreement $150 reimbursement and we added that to
this collective bargaining agreement. What is being discussed is above and beyond the CBA and was a two-year add. That's question. >> Thank you. >> Anybody? >> All right. I'll need a motion to adjurnn. >> I move. >> I second.
>> Okay. Trusty Gdeski Rodriguez, >> yes. >> Trusty Gonzalez, >> yes. >> Trusty Sanola, >> yes. >> Trusty Scofphane, >> yes. >> Trusty Young, >> yes. >> Vice President Mio, >> yes. >> President Desmond, >> yes.
>> Motion's journ. Thank you all for coming.