All right. Good evening everyone. Welcome to the board of education's May 19th, 2025 meeting. Would you all please rise for the salute? stands nation and justice for all. Okay. This meeting
has chapter 231 PL1975. Mr. Paladino, would you please call the role? Thank you, Madam President. Trusty Gillis here. Trusty Leon here. Trusty Monise here. Trusty Misagia here. Trusty Pacheo here. Vice
President Darrow here. President Benamini here. We have a quorum. The New Jersey open public meetings law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have advanced notice of and to attend meetings of this board except where specifically exempted by law at which
time any business affecting their interests is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the provisions of this act, the board of education has caused notice of this meeting to be published by having same advertised in the Belleville times. Also, notice of this meeting has been mailed to the members
of the board of education, the burough clerk, all elementary schools, the middle school, the high school, Hornblower Early Childhood Center, and posted on the district website. Also, this meeting is being televised via the district's YouTube and Facebook pages.
Great. Thank you. Could I have an approval for our minutes from the April 28th, 2025 close session and public session? So moved. Is there a second? I'll second that. All right. All those in favor? I got it. You got it. Okay.
Good. And let's start with our uh report from our high school representative, Candy Dong. Good evening, everyone. My name is Candy Dong and I'm the student board representative. First, I would like to offer our congratulations to all the students who will be recognized for
their academic and athletic achievements tonight. In O news, on Thursday, May 15th, the SGO threw an unfor unforgettable spring dance, bringing together over 150 students for a night filled with music, ice cream, and dancing. On April 30th, BHS Life Skills
Kids participated in the 2025 Exus County Special Olympic Track and Fields. This event provided an opportunity for a athletes with intellectual disabilities to show off their talent and bring the community together. In new news, on Wednesday, May 21st, the spring concert
will be held in the auditorium at 8:00 p.m. The BHS environmental club will host its first ever Belleville Got Talent on May 29th. On May 31st, the BHS freshman class will be hosting a car wash at the Belleville High School horseshoe from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The flag football team will be hosting a fundraiser at the Belleville High School from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on June 3rd. Additionally, the senior awards night will be held on June 5th from 600 p p.m. to 11 p.m. Check out and follow the journalism club on Instagram at
Belleville Buccaneer to access Belleville High School's monthly newsletter with school news information, updates, and events for students, staff, and teachers. If you're looking for a place to do homework or receive extra assistance from the National Honor Society, CASA is here for all students
grades 7 through 12. The location is at 522 Courtland Street in Belleville, New Jersey, Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 p.m. Thank you. Thank you. Um Doc um we'll do reports now. Uh interim
superintendent Nick Parapotto cannot be here tonight. He's not feeling well. So we're gonna have Dr. Dia fill in for him. Thank you, Madam President. Um Mr. Peripado sends his apologies for not being able to make it and also his congratulations to our our uh recipients
tonight that are being um recognized and awarded. And uh moving right into that, I'd like to uh first present the Health Occupation Students of America Regional Competition. I'd like to invite up Mr. Joseph Leipo. Oh, there it is. Uh, good evening.
Tonight I have the the distinct pleasure of recognizing three students um who participated in the HOSA regional competitions. Um, Mr. Iello and uh, Ms. Ali are the adviserss. I don't see Okay. I don't see either one of them them
here. Um this year BHS started a HOSA club and and HOSA stands for Health Occupation Students of America. Um Ms. Ali and Mr. IEL were the two adviserss. Um they made students aware of the upcoming regional competition in in October. The students had six weeks to
practice. Um and they chose their area of interest. Um the first student I'd like to call up is Mary Angela Yamaku. stand right here. So, so Mary Angelou didn't take a written test during HOSA. Um, she decided to choose her own
interview skills. Um, she practiced with various faculty members in addition to her tour adviserss for several several weeks. She finished fifth as a incoming fresh or as a freshman here at Belleville High School. Um she went on she went from a nervous novice to a
confident interviewee and made herself and her school very proud. Congratulations the No. Stay stay. You You're nervous. You're no longer nervous. So you're you're good right there. There you go. All right. So, that I would like to call up Melanie Cardardoza and Jocelyn Ibraham if
they're here. So, at the same competition, Melanie and and Joselyn uh chose first aid and CPR. Um they diligently went to the two high school nurses, Miss Rebelloo and Miss Zucker, to help learning to to help for help learning prior to the competition. In addition to
books they read up on or studied the day of the competition. The girls were thrilled to learn that they made top five. But second place was never their vision. Because they finished in second place in the North Jersey regional competition. They qualified to compete in the New Jersey HOSA state competition. At this competition, the
girls had to perform perform first aid and CPR and were graded accordingly. They put together an emergency response bag with items donated from Claramos, the nurs's office, and our heart transplant liaison to our donate life club, Gino West Hovind. Out of nine teams, the girls finished third in the
state and qualified for the international hosa competition in Nashville, Tennessee. We are proud that they blindly entered this competition be based on their own interests and drive and they did so well. Mr. wanted to make sure that everyone knew that these three students are all
freshmen here in the Ralph Alon Medical Science Academy and we can't wait to find out what HOSA's future holds for the three of them. Thank you very much, Mr. Lupo. And congratulations to our students for representing the best, very best of Belleville High School. Uh, next we have
a special presentation uh by Dr. Pastor and Mr. Dr. Caleb Rhodess to present the uh BHS Building Men Awards. And uh I think at this time, Dr. Pastor, uh you're it's your show. Go for it.
And the audience to be a part of this So, good evening and thank you for joining us for a very special opportunity to honor and acknowledge our build BHS building men cohort. And I want to first thank not only uh Mr.
Caleb Rhodess, Mr. Charlie Getty, the board, our community, our parents for supporting this endeavor and giving a voice to students who often are not seen, are not heard, and
at times forgotten in our challenges. So, this building men presentation, I'm going to first take a minute to acknowledge these very brave young men. I know I see the heads already shaking. If you would join me in asking these young men to take a stand, turn around,
and let's give them the applause that they rightfully deserve. Thank you. Thank you. So, you know, there there's something magical about Belleville because we don't just talk the talk, we walk the walk. So, we saw that there was a need to support our
students. And in particular, as perhaps many of you have noticed, whether you've watched adolescence, if you have read the New York Times just last week, we are in a crisis for our young men, searching for an opportunity to not only
have their voice present in today's society, but an opportunity to succeed. And so, Belleville has stood behind building men with Dennis Moraldo, CEO. if you can please stand up. We're so honored to have you here tonight who has
supported the program. And if you have taken a look around our vestibule and in the auditorium, you can see and witness some of the wonderful artwork that these young men have been a part of. Uh, and I'd like to take a minute to thank Dr.
Joseph Patrino, president of Artfront Galleries to bring this work to life for our students. So, Building Men is a mentorship program that really focuses and hones in on pillars of excellence to help our young boys succeed, cope, and
become resilient. So, we piloted the program last year as a mentorship in the middle school and the data spoke for itself. Numbers matter. When we see a difference, we saw a 40% decrease in incident reports for our young men who were participating in the building men
program. We were able to see that young boys decrease their average referrals for behavioral discipline. And we knew that we had something in our hands. We knew that it was magical. But it couldn't be just that we stopped at the middle school. It needed to be a
district-wide initiative. So, thank you very much, Mr. Roads, for spearheading this and really saying that the high school needed this. So, here we are today, 2024 2025. We have five uh
building men groups that run across the high school. Two, one per grade at the middle school, seventh, and eighth grade. This year we were also able to implement building young men in every single elementary school. And thanks to Mr. Michael Vargas in the back
somewhere, we were able to sponsor the Eminem project which is mentor mentee mini mentor project where we take our middle school young men who are mentors to become mentors to preschool children. Yeah, it's really
cute. And if you take a look at some of the things that our young men are saying, it speaks volumes. Our young men are telling us,"I don't feel the need to pretend to be something I'm not." The building men group has helped me live a
better life. They're not only speaking about coping strategies, they're working on healthy habits and connecting with our mentors in the district who serve as role models. So if I can ask very kindly our male mentors in the building men
program please rise. So with the collaboration of our mentors and our mentees trends matter. And so while the year is not over, we are already seeing that our young men are more likely to ask for help.
Self-referrals for our men and building men have increased in some grade levels nearly doubled. And while I normally like to see trends of things decreasing, this is one statistic that I like to see the rise because the more you ask for
help, the better you are in good hands. And along the lines of finding solutions that are not only helpful but gains and opportunity for access in new opportunities, our writeups have decreased. We have seen that we have
gone from a five uh referral of five per student to at least one whole referral dropping down for our students. With our freshman cohort, which mind you, this is the cohort that already had building men last year. They have gone from
9.81 referrals to 2.67 referrals. That is remarkable. So, our cohort, the longer they're in it, the better the progress. Our academics, our building
men, young men are failing 21% less uh class classes than previous years. and we see a decrease in tardiness and attendance. So, we're not just building them up with emotions, we are working
with these young men to understand the academic expectations for excellence. And so, many of us have asked the question how we identified these young men. And these were at one point considered at risk or young men
who were struggling to find their ways. But we also understood that mentorship was one piece of it, but we needed to teach coping and resilience. And this year we brought on opportunities to explore artistic expression. So not only
did these young men explore with painting, as you can see, they are also were invited to participate with Dr. Iben Shakur who helped them put trauma and pain into lyrics. and they compose
their own hip-hop song. So, I'm very, very pleased tonight. Yeah, I know some of your faces. They're very talented. I am very pleased tonight to debut not only the process of what they
did to paint, but to come to terms with this song, turning nothing into something. I got to believe. Turn. My I'm feeling like I'm feel
things. I know for myself and queen special. each other. We need that. power. This is for T-shirt, not I don't know.
Not only are I'm not perfect. cracking jokes. I am so incredibly proud of our boys, our staff, our community, and the leadership to move this forward. You
can't just talk the talk, you have to walk the walk. So, I hope we made you proud. So tonight we begin our first and hopefully for many many years of celebrating success and places that are not always seen. We begin building men
awards ceremony. I'm going to ask when you are called young men to please stay up front. There are several awards. stay up front to receive so we can do our picture. Thank you. I have the pleasure of giving
out the first award is the authenticity award for his ability to inspire others by staying true to his values, fostering genuine connections and promoting an environment where authenticity is valued and respected. This year's building men
authenticity award goes to Ahmad Manley. Good afternoon everyone. Um my name is Mr. Price. I will be um presenting the commitment award. Um, so this year's building men commitment award goes to Zamir Bell Monk.
Zamir is awarded this award for his ability to cons consistently demonstrate unwavering dedication, perseverance, and responsibility. His reliability and long-term commitment serve as an inspiration to others. Nicely done, Zamir.
This year's award, this year's building amend award, excuse me, for confidence goes to Elijah Pickering for his ability to consistently display self assurance, positivity, and trust in his abilities. His confidence uplifts
and empowers those around him. Congratulations, Good evening. This year's Building Men Courage Award goes to Bryce Phillips. for his ability to show bravery in the face of fear, adversity,
or uncertainty. It It recognizes bold steps to stand up for what is right and remain strong and resilient. His courage inspires others to act with strength and integrity. Congratulations, Bryce. Good evening everyone. Felix Baragan Builder Middle School social worker
extension 2119. This year building man curiosity award goes to the only one Joshua Workman. Get up Joshua. Joshua Wartman for his ability to demonstrate a deep desire to learn, explore, and ask questions. His curiosity embrace challenges with an
open mind and inspire others through his passion for discovery and grow. I'm proud of you, Joshua. What's going on everybody? Good evening. Y'all all look great too by the way. So this year's building men's integrity
award goes to Xavier Ma. He gets this this award for his ability to consistently uphold honesty, strong moral principles and ethical behavior. His integrity has earned trust through his actions and has set a powerful
example for his peers and for others in the hallways. Good job uh Xavier. Good evening everyone. This year's building men leadership award goes to Khalib Love receives this award for his ability to inspire, guide and empower others
with vision, integrity and compassion. His leadership fosters collaboration and brings out the best with those around him. Congratulations. Good evening. Gary Anderson, math teacher here at Belleville High School. Uh, this building men resilience award goes to one of my favorite students to
teach, Sammy Santana. This award is for his ability to show strength, perseverance, and adapt, excuse me, adaptability in the face of challenges. His resilience inspires hope and motivates others to keep moving forward. Good job, Sam.
I'm sorry I didn't get to introduce myself the first time. My name is Richard Maldro. I'm one of the deans of students here at the high school. This year's building men respect award goes to my man Jeremiah Cook for his ability to consistently
treat others with kindness, fairness, and dignity while valuing diverse perspectives, listening with empathy, and fostering a culture of inclusion and mutual regard. Congrats, Jerry. Good evening everyone. Um, Mr. Bonia, school counselor here at Belleville High
School. This year's building man selfdiscipline award goes to Edwin Arca for his ability to demonstrate focus, responsibility, and control in pursuing his goals. His self-discipline allows him to stay committed even in the face of distractions or difficulties.
Congratulations, Edwin. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Dennis Morald, the creator of Building Men. First off, I want to say I love all you guys. So good to see you here today. I'm presenting the building men of the year award. And this award honors
students who exemplify all of the core pillars of success in the program. The selected young men consistently demonstrate these values, inspiring others through their actions, their character, and their unwavering
dedication to personal and collective growth. Their journey serves as a powerful example of what it means to embody true leadership, strength, and purpose. The freshman building men of the year award goes to Sha Sharp.
The sophomore building men of the year award goes to Tofi Abu Baker. The building men junior of the year award goes to Khalib Love. Look at that smile.
And last but not least, the Building Men Senior of the Year award goes to Elijah Pickering. And if anyone knows me, you know that I can't be left out of this. And building men is solely for the guys. But there is one award that I wanted to
honor tonight because I take it very seriously. When I see you, I see your struggles. This program was built for you. And I always say behind every strong man is a wonderful strong woman.
So here we go. This award, the building men road less traveled award honors a student that has demonstrated remarkable courage, integrity in his journey toward personal growth and leadership. This award recognizes those who have chosen a
path marked not by popularity or ease, but by purpose and conviction. He has faced obstacles, internal and external, with resilience, choosing to make decisions that may not always be comfortable or widely accepted, yet
grounded in character and intentional growth. This student's journey has not been defined by avoiding hardships, but by leaning into them with clarity and resolve. In doing so, he inspires others to seek meaning over approval and
purpose over popularity. A true testament to taking the road less traveled. It may not be easy, JJ, but I see you. This award goes to JJ Rivera Hampton. So, if we'd like to take some
pictures. Congratulations all building men. We're coming up. It's going to be Where am I? One more round of applause. Sorry. Awesome. You got anything else? Dr. Dia, Mr. Peravato had asked me just to remind
everybody uh you'll be receiving robocalls and reminders that there's a single session day Friday, May 23rd. This Friday and also uh district is closed Tuesday, May 27th. uh uh Monday, May 26th and Tuesday, May 27th for um
Memorial Day weekend and a snow day give back. That's it, Madam President. Okay. Thank you very much. Uh moving on to BA, Mr. Paladino. No comments at this time, Madam President. Just congratulations to all
these fine young men and their their uh the fine young men to the left as well, their mentors, the mentees. Great program, Dr. Pastor and to Mr. Rhodess. All right. And report from our state monitor, Mr. Egan. Good evening, all.
Uh, I'd like to, uh, piggyback on what Mr. Paladino said and everybody on this board. This is an absolutely great program. Uh, you're making everybody proud of you. That's the It's the kids as well as the staff. And just for the
record, uh I'm required to do um we have enough money to get through the end of the year without going into deficit. We're in good shape financially. Thank you. Thank you very much.
Do we want to take a a short break or are you guys okay sitting here for the rest of the meeting? It was a very nice presentation. Yeah, we could stick with us. Madame President, um I'd like
to call out of order a little bit and just uh present some some new business to the board. Yeah, very good. Trustee Munes. Good evening everyone. Thank you for being here with us tonight. Gentlemen, congratulations. I I feel inspired by
each and every single one of you. This is an incredible thing. Um you know, being a father of four boys, um you know, the importance of of the men you're growing up to be and the leaders that you're going to be in your community is is incredible. And I thank you each and every single one of you for
the work that you did and for our mentors, for the time you give and the full effort that you put behind them, you know, thank you so much. We need more people like you and and you know just from the bottom of my heart I want to thank you for being an example to my own kids
on uh on new business if I' I'd like to address my board and and our community and um and Mr. Egan, I'd like to take a minute um prior to uh just mentioning some of the things that I'm going to discuss at this moment and just um really want to want to thank Mr. Egan
for the work that he's done within this community. Mr. Egan's been with us going on what 11 years now shortly and uh Mr. Egan's been instrumental on passing a lot of the many the the many initiatives that we've had as a district. So, I want to just address a resolution that we've
been working on uh for a few weeks now, and I want to read it out loud to you because this is new business and it's not on the agenda. Um it will be in the agenda um possibly after this meeting. Um so, just bear with me as I read it. Uh the resolution is authorizing the
letter to the commissioner regarding the process to return for full local control. and the resolution. I just want to take the time to read the resolution to each of you. Um, also posted is going to be the letter that we would be sending on behalf of the board if it passes today.
Um, so it reads as follows. Whereas by letter dated May 13, 2014, the then commissioner of education ordered that the state fiscal monitor be appointed to oversee fiscal operations of the Belleville board of education
pursuant NJSA18A col7A-55 fiscal monitor statute as a result of as a result of repeat findings and materials material weaknesses in internal control reported by the
comprehensive annual um financial report um also known as CAFR now known as ACFR and whereas in addition the fiscal monitor the um the fiscal monitor the board received a state aid advanced loan
in the amount of 4162,426 to be paid over 10 a period of 10 years in the amount of 416,000 243 um in a 10 in in 10 monthly installments. And whereas the board has
made all required payments on a timely basis and whereas pursuant to the June 2024 ADFR by the board auditor. Uh the last payment will be completed with the board July 2025. State aid payment for
the year of 2024 2025 in the amount of $416,243. Whereas over the past decade, the Belleville Board of Education has taken any and all steps required to address the identif um the identified repeat
findings and material weaknesses weaknesses in internal control. And whereas in 2023, the Belleville Township Public School demonstrated demonstrated capacity and proficiency earnings in its um
recommended classifications to be a high performing district by Robert Gregory, executive director, division of field support and services under New Jersey Quality Single Accountability um continuum, also known as CUSAC. Um
whereas the state board of the state board of education upon the recommendation of the commissioner certified that Belleville board of education certified the Belleville board of education as a high performing district under CUAC for the period of three years by state resolution dated
October 4th 2023. And whereas pursuant to the fiscal monitor statute, the monitor is to provide oversight in school districts until the commissioner determines that all remedial actions required under the monitoring plan have
been implemented and necessarily and necess implemented in the necessary local capacity and fiscal controls have been restored to the school district operation. There's more. And whereas the the BEVA board of
education has met and exceeds exceeded all the requirements to return to local full local control by uh correcting the material weaknesses being classified as a high performing district and will make the final loan payment in its final 2024
2025 school state aid payment on July 1st, 2025. Now therefore, be it resolved that the that the foregoing um provisions that hereby incorporate by reference and be it further um resolve that the
Belleville board of education respectfully request the commissioner of education acknowledge that all remaining all remedial actions have been met and that the board of education has the local has the local demonstrated and local capacity
and fiscal control um to return the Belleville Township public school for local um sorry um township public schools to full local control ending the oversight of the fiscal monitor and be
it further resolved that the Belleville board of education the we resolve that the that the board president I hereby request and authorize to send the letter to the commissioner of education consistent with the terms terms in the resolution
seeking that the seeking the full return to local control to the Belleville board of education. I want to share some statistics that um that that we received during our last QAP instruction program uh we received an
82% fiscal management we received a 100% governance we received 100% operations we received 100% and personnel we received 97%. Um, I just want to read this out loud so everybody knows exactly what we're sending. Um, the actual
letter will be posted later on today, but I just want to reiterate once again, you know, um, it's easy for everyone to look at Mr. Egan because he is the face of our of our as our state monitor. Um, but I want to make it very clear, Mr.
Egan has been a very big part of the success that we've had over this district in the last 10 11 years and and part of the reason why we've been able to achieve the many things that we've been able to do. Whether you're whether whether you prefer to have Mr. Egan here or you
don't the reality is that he's been a major asset to this community. We simply ask that, you know, given that we've had a very successful last 10 going on 11 years now, um that that us as a board members and and the community would like
to return back to its full autonomy. So, and that's that's what my resolution is for today and I hope that we can um vote to send this letter forward. Okay. Yes. Thank you, Trustee Munis. Um and we'll have more time for each of our
board members to comment um during their comments at the end of the evening. So we What should we do? Yeah. Yes. I could sell you. Sure. Do it now. You want to add it?
We're going to add it to the agenda. So, you're voting to make a motion to add this to the agenda. Is that correct? Yes. Can I have a motion to add this resolution to the agenda to be voted on for tonight's meeting? So, move. And I'll second that. Or
everybody, all those in favor? I I Now it's So, now it's on the agenda. Um, which number will it be on the agenda? We asked the board secretary that question. We'll make it 6.1. Okay. So, for the record, board member
6.1 is the now just recently presented state monitor resolution. Mr. Paladino, we have to change this item number. Yeah, here's what we're going to do. 11.7. My suggestion uh board is that you make it
11.17 unless there's another.17 that I'm not aware of on 11. Is that correct board secretary? Is 11.17 available now? No, 118. 11.18. 118. Okay. So, you're going to put it on 11.18. So board
members, just for clarity sake, the board uh policy section of the uh and board action section is um section 11 at today's meeting. It's going to be
11.18 for the state monitor resolution. Is everybody okay with that, Mr. Board Secretary? Is that accurate? That's accurate, Mr. Bush. Okay, everybody set? Okay, we're good. Now we can move on. All right. Very good. So, could we have a motion to open public
participation? So, move. Second. All those in favor? All right. For our public participation, we have three minutes. First, we'd like to call to the podium Mr. Michael Sheldon. Can I just give this another minute for
the noise to Can I just give this a minute for the noise to abate? Okay. All right. I guess I can I can begin now. Uh, good evening. Michael Sheldon, 47 Floyd Street. Um, as you may anticipate, there's one agenda item and one agenda item only that I want to talk
about. No, it isn't 12.43, which is the double-sided lam laminator you're about to buy later tonight. Um, instead, I want to talk about 9.26. Uh, in a few moments, this board is going to undertake perhaps the single most important vote any trustee can
make, and that is the appointment of a new superintendent. Uh since the uh uh selection was identified to our community at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, I've been doing extensive research, sharing it with board members as well as our community. And needless to say, I have
some very serious reservations and misgivings about the wisdom of appointing this particular person as our next CSA. Uh I'm sure you're all aware that uh this individual was previously the superintendent in Sukakus just eight
miles away from Belleville. So so much for the nationwide search once again. But putting that aside, you know, I just I'm going to pause your time, Mr. Sheldon. Let me pause if I can. Okay. Um, and I just want to make sure that you know, and you're very experienced at
the microphone here, so I maybe don't have to say it to you as much as I would have to say it to other people, but I want to say it for the record that any person that you talk about at the microphone has individual rights, that individual civil uh rights, okay?
um where they could if they believed that you were bismerching their uh reputation for example right that they might have a private right of action against you understand and I you know I'm not your attorney I was I wasn't even your attorney when I was uh the board of attorneys I'm the singular
entity board attorney not any one individual but it's important that I say that right because this is an individual we're talking about so as we're talking about somebody uh generally it's important that you know that as you as you move forward okay I just want to make sure that's on the record that you're hearing what I'm saying understanding. Thank you. I'll resume your time. Okay. Now, I'm aware aware of
of the potential for liel Islam. That's why I'm not going to make any espersions. I'm just reporting what was in the press and what was issued by the the mayor of Sukauakus himself in an official press release. Uh this individual apparently previously served
for eight months in Sukauakus and uh was effectively let go and put on paid administrative leave. Saucus has only 2,000 students. Our district has nearly 5,500. It's so it's a fraction of the size. This individual has only
apparently eight months of previous experience serving as a CSA in a district that is small compared to Belleville. For someone with such limited experience as a superintendent, I can't understand why you, this board,
would want to have this individual serve as our next CSA. So, I am asking you at the very least to table this motion tonight so that more research can be done. Look at all everything that was been discovered in just 48 hours. I
would like to have more time for the community to fully vet this individual. You said at the beginning of the year when you started the superintendent search, you wanted to see someone by July 1st. We have 43 days before you meet your your deadline. I think it
would be in everyone's best interest to table this motion tonight and then give us all a bit more to to make sure we're all in agreement that this is the right person to subsequently lead our district before you make that decision. Once you
ring a bell, it really can't be unrun. So, I realize my time is almost up here, but I'm asking you to please not vote on this matter tonight. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
Sheldon. Mr. Michaelon. Good evening. Mike Mone, 387 Union Avenue. Uh, president of the largest bargaining unit in the district, the Beville Education Association, consisting of educators, our teachers, our counselors, our CST, and our nurses.
I say that um with emphasis because we are the largest bargaining unit in the district. We we house all the education that is going on in this district. And it just is it puts me in awe to know that this
decision was made after three emails to our president of the board, Miss Meanie, Miss Meanie Bennett Meanie, where I asked to be part or even one of our exec members to be part of the committee to
screen the final candidates. So on April 17th, I emailed Miss Bennett asking making this request. On uh the the uh 22nd, she replied back that she had spoken to Mr.
Egan and Mr. Egan had reached out to me, which Mr. Mr. Eaggan had reached out to me and he did say that he agreed that this was very important that I should be part or that the BEA should have representation to in the making of the single most important
decision made by the board of education which has to deal all with our education. So, we want to talk a lot about test scores and we want to talk a lot about, you know, what are we doing for our kids and we want to talk a lot about prek and we want to talk a lot about education, but we don't want to
include our educators in that decision. That is the problem. That is the biggest problem with this district for the past 15 years. We don't want to include educators in decision decision- making on education. Mr. uh Mr. Egan did speak with me said that it was
absolutely you know a great idea that I should be or we should have representation to on the uh screening committee on the interviewing for the final candidates. So then I know this to be fact because I always preface at the
end or I actually end each one of my conversations when they're in this manner on reflecting on what it is that we decided on. So I reflected and said Mr. And so when you get down to the final candidates, I'm going to get a
call from you or the board or somebody. Yes, Mr. M. That will happen. So I think it was a couple weeks later on May 2nd, I realized that we were down to our final candidates. So I reached out to Mr. Egan and I said, "Mr. Egan, uh, am I
going to be getting a phone call soon? Is anything going to happen?" And he said, "Oh, I think we have a misunderstanding." the what I thought what my understanding is is that you were going to meet the superintendent once we we uh appointed him and I said that is definitely not what happened.
That is definitely not the conversation that we had. So then I re reached out to Miss Bennetti again on the 17 uh 17th and I reiterated at this point that I spoke with Mr. Egan and Mr. Egan came up
with the different story and then again I think on the 20 the 14th and then again on the 17th May 17th I said hey do we have any answers for this and I did not get a reply. Okay. So I yeah I know
we have the end of it. I understand that. I I understand I just I'm just thinking if you can wrap it up because we Yeah, I am gonna wrap this up. Um because I'm going to speak again anyway so it doesn't matter. Right. You got five minutes of the next session. Five minutes. Great. We'll speak more on that, but I just wanted to say that I thought we would have a better
relationship with this board um in where when you're making these decisions on education, you would come to the educators and I don't think that's what happening. So, thank you. Would you? So, I I'm going to preface this by
saying that Miss Bennett Medi reached out to me as the board attorney um at different points uh to discuss the concerns that you have, Mr. Molo, which I understand. I mean, I think the board hears what you're saying loud and clear. you are the dulyeleed representative on
behalf of the largest bargaining unit in this district and I don't think anyone takes that for granted. The problem is although there may be some districts who do allow non board members into the
process without the permission of every candidate who is seeking the position of superintendent. It's actually an illegal engagement in the process and I'll explain why.
The board members are all governed by state law. They're governed by the the school uh school ethics act and the code of ethics for board members. And so if any confidentiality with respect to this
process or any other matter is ever breached, then the board members themselves would be responsible or at least potentially accountable by those seeking to hold them accountable under the circumstances.
Non board members are hard to hold accountable. And so if for example there was someone in this process other than board members who went public with the fact that a particular candidate for example was in the mix here and let's say it got
back to their employer and there was any sort of jeopardy whatsoever. The board could be responsible and you know what it's like anybody knows when they apply for a job and they don't necessarily want their current employer to know that they're applying for a job. This is the reason why you really can't have
non-board members in the selection of the chief school administrator. Now what we do and how we try to open that process is we have you know the search firms like uh in this case it was uh uh
yeah the Mr. Cuchar Dr. Cuchar's firm that that that did pull together the process. I know that there's some, you know, certainly was some input and the importance of input is uh in a community like this is uh significant, but the the idea of interviewing candidates as as as
employees for the position is just not legal or feasible in some cases. Again, it happens sometimes. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but legally speaking, I can only give my best advice as as the attorney for the board. So, please don't take this out on Miss
Benetamini. This is my advice that I gave to to the board president. Thank you. That's it. Okay. So, we have next we'll call Ruben Rodriguez to the podium.
How you doing? Ruben Rodriguez, Cedar Hill Avenue. Um, I want to talk about uh well, now 11.18. Um, I do I don't know, M and 5.6. Uh, Mr. Egan, I'm I'm sorry you were
absent last month. Um, I did have some words that I I hope you got a chance to watch them on the the live stream um that we were told you were watching. Um, basically I'm just curious as why 11.18 is even needed, if someone can explain why if if it's paid off. And for the
last five years while I sat sat here at about 80% of the meetings that I attended, um, every single week, Mr. Paladino would read off a prepared statement saying that we were financially sound and everything was fine. So basically, I'm just curious why
we even need this resolution. Why isn't it just once the bill is paid, Mr. Egan just does the right thing and walk away. So that's pretty much my question as far as that. Um, as far as the other agenda item that everybody was talking about, um, uh,
good luck. I hope you guys, um, just, you know, um, search in your hearts and make the right decisions. And uh you know just remember as as big as the uh um you know just remember the biggest stakeholder in this the biggest stakeholders in this town are not the
teacher union or the teachers but the biggest stakeholders in this town are the parents. So always just try to remember that um the parents and the children are the biggest stakeholders, not union leaders, not politicians, not um pseudo state employees that want to
uh you know elevate their uh their salaries. It's uh it's the parents and at the end of the day it's the parents and the children um who you should be thinking about first and foremost. Um but uh again, thank you again for last month. I know it was a little fiery, but
I appreciate uh your time and listening to me. Have a good evening. I'll see you later. Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez. And I'm not sure how to pronounce this name. The last name is Abu Baker. Aubacher. Anyone else want to come up
and maybe not? Okay. Do I have a motion to close public participation? So move. All those in favor. Excuse me, Madam President. Was I'm sorry I couldn't pronounce your
name. You can come up to the Let's reopen. Motion to open. So move. Second. I'll second. All those in favor? Okay. Yeah. Come on up to the podium. Good evening. Um, my name is Leia Diaz. I'm here with
my husband Kevin Diaz. We've been living in Belleville for u six years now and we're coming tonight as parents. So, our three-year-old daughter um she's about to start prek3 this September. We are really excited about I'm gonna pause your time for a second. Is this related
to the agenda? Yes. There's an item on the agenda that this specifically relates to. Yes. Okay. Fine. Go ahead. I'm sorry to interrupt you. I'll resume your time. Um, so my three-year-old daughter who's about to start prek3, she's the reason why we decided to participate in this meeting and get
involved. Um, we found out about the new superintendent opening through Facebook. Um, to be specific uh on the uh Belleville parents page and as the gentleman mentioned, after reading some of the negative comments, we got
concerned as parents. So, we decided to look further and do our own research. Social media has a way of amplifying negativity and it's easy to get caught up in all of that. And I'm here to say that I trust this board. I trust I know
the board has spent countless of hours interviewing candidates and will present us with the best option. I trust that they have uh our children's best interests at heart. I know this choice didn't happen
overnight. I know you've done the work. I know you've had conversations and you made the call. you will make the call that will be the best for our school and our children and to the community. I hope that we can all focus
uh on what's important, our children, and less on the Facebook drama. Let's focus on what really matters here. That's what I want to say. Thank you. Thank you. Motion to close participation. Madam President,
yes. May I speak? Okay. Yes. With with respect to the superintendent search, I was assigned as a uh the monitor to uh review and and work on the selection
process. Not that I and I'm prohibited from appointing or even recommending the appointment of anyone. I could say that the the uh the search that was conducted by Dr. Coochar
uh came in with a number over 10 15 candidates. One was better than the other and we we did multiple interviews. Oh, I'm sorry. Take that back. The board made multiple interviews that I was present for and my job was to make sure
it was a a positive search, a fair search with no other outside influence. And I sat through everything and the current candidate
uh rose to the top after meeting all these um uh other superintendent looking to apply here in Belleville. He uh he came across better for for the
things that Belleville needs more than some of the other longer and more experienced superintendent. Uh he hit all the right items uh and he the
board recognized his abilities and we've reached the point where we are now. postponing a search is is is is not helpful because we we want to get the to be able to get the ground hit the
ground running by July 1st and if if possible before that and we're in a position to do that with regard to Mr. Manon as as as the board attorney explained that there were other restrictions
about he his participation in in in the interviews that that was explained to him. He he didn't hear me. I guess the bottom line is and I'm saying this to the board.
Uh you've done it you've done a a wonderful job with the search. You you've uh found out um you found out discrepancies but weaknesses in uh
many of the um other candidates. But once again, this current candidate rose to the top completely completely. Especially uh the last interview. I just thought that the
public should see hear that. Thank you. Thank you. Did we properly close the participation? Mr. Paladino, did you get There was a motion in a second, I think. Right. We made the motion in the second. I didn't hear. Okay. Okay.
All right. So, moving on to agenda items on personnel. Do we have a motion? Second. Uh, actually, what we're going to do with this one is we're going to pull out the superintendent. I think we decided. So, we're going to vote first on
9.1 to 9.25, then 9.27 to 9.31. Right, Mr. Paladino? Okay. So the motion so moved.
Yeah. Motion second and the second. Second. And any discussion on these agenda items? Hearing none. Mr. Paladino, please call the role. Trusty Gillis. Yes. Trusty Leon. Yes. Trusty Monise. Yes. Trusty
Misagio. Yes. Trusty Pacheo. Yes. Vice President Darrow. Yes. And President Benamini. Yes. All right. All right. And now we'll go to the agenda item 9.26. Do I have a motion? Motion. Second. And is there any discussion? I I
would I would like to jump in. Yeah. Yes. U Good evening everyone. Thank you once again for being here with us tonight. Um I just want to highlight this item and and and thank you Mr. Egan for highlighting some of the process that we went through. um the insinuation that this was a decision
that was made frivolously and that we didn't actually do the work and vet the candidates that we had. We had 35 candidates that got whittleled down to 11 that got whittleled down to five and then we got whittleled down to our top two three very difficult candidates.
Once we got to our our final candidates, it was an extremely hard decision. I mean we were literally conflicted. we were cancelling um we had to cancel one appointment because we just couldn't finish absorbing all the information that we we were we were consuming uh for
these last few months. Um with that said, you know, Google works both ways, right? So the community goes ahead and Google's information and the same way that they that that the candidates Googled information on us as a district, we also did the same is actually one of the statements that we made uh to every
single one of the candidates and these questions were asked. um a lot of your concerns that you have as a community are the same concerns that we had as a as a board and we ask those questions during the meeting. You know, the the um one of the things that I hear over and over is that you know uh we have to wait
and we have to stop to making decisions um to wait and hear what the community wants to do. We hear you. We we're part of the the groups that also go and make anonymous posts and say things and and give their opinions. At the end of the
day, every single member here is the one that is sitting with every single fact, every single detail, every single search, is asking the same questions. Sometimes we'll even ask questions based on some of your concerns that we bring into our meetings. So, nothing was done here without thinking of you as a
community cuz the way you flip the bill, so do we. We're we're part of this community. My kids are in this town as well. And the decisions that I'm making are not just my decision as somebody who's paying taxes here, but it's also as somebody who is raising kids in this community and is making decision not just for the best of my kids, but for
yours as well. So, I do care and and and the and I just wanted to make that statement, you know, and to Mr. Mon, you know, I've I've I've worked with you for a few years now, and we've had great conversations. We've had great negotiations and I've been a part of every single negotiation that we've had
with the with the teachers union. The the the statement to to say that we don't care what the teachers say is one of the most ridiculous things that I I I can say I've heard out of all the things that are said to us as board members because every decision that we make
we've made considering the hard work that our teachers do. We love our teachers. We really, really, genuinely care for our teachers and we know that they have the hardest jobs in this building. What they do does not go unnoticed. So, the insinuation that we don't care and that we're not going to
consider how it's going to we're going to help them, every possible tool that we can give these the the our staff, every possible every ounce of help that they've asked for, all the PD, everything in negotiations that's been asked for, we've always been you you can attest to it. You've been you've been a
part of every single one of them. you you know that we are very forthcoming when it comes to uh doing things for them. So to say that we didn't want to we didn't want to hear from them as we made this decision. They were part of how we made this decision. So, you know,
I it's a shame that, you know, a lot of conversation goes on outside and, you know, and and honestly, I would hate if my own one of my kids was part of these Facebook groups because we come in here and we argue and we you call us out for HIV cases that we have within our
district, but then you guys go on Facebook and the way you guys talk to each other. Man, I'm glad my kids are not not part of that Facebook group cuz it's a shame. You tell us to set the example here, the example has to be set within the community, too. because I know that I set the example within the community when I when I do things and I
say things to to Dr. Alfonso, you know, every single one of our candidates that, you know, out of the 35 people that we had, it was not easy. I you know, I I you know, kudos to Mr. Cuchar because he did he he he said the first thing he said to the to us when we started this
was I am not going to make this easy for you guys. And he didn't. He gave us 35 very solid individuals that that sat with us during the meeting. We when we got down to our top last two. I mean, we were I think we were at a point where we're like, you know what, whoever gets it, we're all going to be happy because
we know that we put in the hours, we put in the work, we put in the days, we put in all the effort necessary to do it. So, I'm excited to actually vote on this agenda. I'm not embarrassed about my vote. I'm not embarrassed of the fact that this is being put on the agenda like if I didn't do the work because I
know I did the work and I can stand here and or sit here with my fellow board members and I know that they did the work. I mean this was probably some of the best conversations that we've had in years of doing this. Like they it would they were incredible throughout this
whole process and we came together in such a way that I'm very proud to be here sitting next to these people next to me because they really put in the work. They asked the questions. They tried really hard. And as conflicted as we were at the end of every single night to have the insinuation that we don't
care, it it's it's just not true. It's just not true. So if we however we vote tonight, whether you vote yes, whether you vote no, it's your own personal reasons for why you're voting this way, but to sit here and say that we didn't do the job, it's just not true.
Anyone else? Uh, yes. I'd like to go on the record. I I have a prepared statement because I'm not as good as Mr. Munes and can do it off the cuff. I had to actually type it out, but it is from the heart. So, uh, please be assured that all the trustees up here have spent countless days and and multiple hours
mulling through all the data that we received and did not come to any decision lightly. I know for myself, I have long agonized over this process, just talked to my wife about it. She knows the emotional roller coaster that I've been on for the last couple of weeks, just wanted to make sure I was doing what was right and really in the
best interest for our schools and our students. Many applied for this position, which was hard enough in itself to whittle down from the 35 that we did have come in. But then we also had the opportunity to meet face toface with several candidates over the course of multiple locations,
uh, drilling down further into their plans for our success. Some had many differing ideas, but others stood out and brought real meat to the table for our district. For me, entertaining candidates that were too far of a distance away really wasn't an option
because I really wanted someone who was close enough to this area to spend the quality time needed here to get to know us and we weren't considered just a footnote to a very long commute that they had to get here. There was a certain amount of commitment that I wanted to see from our next superintendent.
I also personally and many of the board may not know this. I had the opportunity and the privilege to spend time on the phone speaking to many colleagues, trustees and acquaintances of Mr. Alfonso and all them unilaterally supported him. The direct message I
received from all the people I spoke to was his unwavering support for the children which should be the primary reason and focus of this district. He is a real champion for the underdog is what I heard related several testimonials which really speaks to his
character. I know the court of general opinion is very divided depending on whose social media posts you subscribe to. However, if Mr. Alonso is allowed to become successful as our new superintendent, then ultimately our whole district becomes even more
successful under his leadership. We have been moving in the right direction for the past couple of years with a lot of the right people already in the right places. Right here is where we also need to give honor where honor is due to Mr. Parapata, Dr. Dia, and Mr. Paladino who have all made great strides
up to this point to carry the mantle and they should be commended heavily for all the work that they've undertaken since we've been without a superintendent. Now, with this additional support structure being put in at the head and everyone standing together by lifting each other's arms up to do the work, we
just need to continue to march this this district forward. And for that reason, I'm throwing my support behind Mr. Alonso. Okay. Anybody else? I have something. Okay. Um, I also prepared something. Um through our superintendent search, our
board was deeply committed to finding the right leader for our schools. Before we even began the search process, we came together for thoughtful meetings to shape the superintendent profile. We dedicated over 20 hours to in-person interviews and group discussions and spent many additional
hours individually researching and reviewing each candidate. The field was full of truly exceptional individuals, which made this decision even more challenging. With all of that, I do wish we could have had more time. However, if elected, I do believe Dr. Alfonso will
support our staff and will inspire our students to reach their full potential. Yeah, I'll say I'll say a couple words. I just want to start off by just thanking everyone sitting up here uh working as hard as we did uh throughout this entire process. I know there was no
uh we we searched, we vetted, we did everything we had to do to make sure we were giving uh the Belleville school district the best uh product possible. Um like Mr. Daryl said, uh I too made phone calls to find out about Dr. Alphonso and all I got was positive
responses as well. Uh, you could harp on that he has limited experience, but everyone sitting here at one point you had a job where you were a rookie and and you had no experience yourself, but maybe 10, 15 years later, you're one of the best at your job. So to judge someone like that right away and write
them off, I think is a little unfair. And then on top of it, if you want to look up articles and things that will happen in a certain district, maybe dig a little deeper and see what else has happened in that district over six, seven years. I think that's something else that should be talked about uh instead of just being left out of
context. Uh with that said, I feel I feel comfortable. I feel confident in our decision tonight and I too have uh my vote and support for Dr. Alphonso. Thank you. Okay. Good evening. I'm just going to say on my own words a couple of things.
Uh this is really really hard decision and as everybody know we have a lot of time doing this finding the right person trying to find the right person and I think Dr. Eric Alonso is good for the
for the community. Um, I'm not supposed to be here today because I have family member and problems, but I'm here trying to help the community and supporting him and my boat. If I do it again, I'm so proud of
this to be in this process as my first time doing, you know, and this boy, but if I have to do it again, I vote for him. Is that Thank you, Dr. Majio. Okay, good
evening. We all worked together very, very hard. You've heard from everybody how many hours together we sat. We've all sat at our computers, made phone calls, done the research, put in the time. So, for those who think
that we didn't and we took this decision very lightly, I think at this point you've heard that that's not the case. Dr. Alonso came to us. We sat and had several interviews with him and every
time he sat before us, he was not only energetic and passionate about what he could bring to the table, but he was transparent about who he is, where he comes from. And one of
the most important things that hit home with me and and really made me feel that he would be a good fit here is when he described where he came from, his
upbringing and the fact that he is or was the same child that many many of the children here in Belleville are so that
he could connect and relate to our children and that would help influence a lot of the decisions that he will be able to make here because he'll be able
to relate to them in a way that many of the others that were on the candidate list couldn't. And I thought that was very very important. He's committed to working with all of the
stakeholders, the parents, the children, the teachers, the administrators, the community, the mayor and council, the police, firefighters, everybody. He is committed to being a part of our
community. And I believe that will help all of us, the village that we need to be to raise our children and to prepare them all to be the successful adults that we want them to be. And I
wholeheartedly welcome Dr. Alonso to Bumble. Okay. Very good. So, one thing is for certain, uh, hiring a superintendent is one of the most important decisions that a board can
make that we can all agree on. Um, we we received a lot of great resumes. We did a lot of research, a lot of interviews. Uh, we researched candidates themselves and the districts that they came
from. The superintendent process is a confidential one. uh it is a private one um for for many reasons why uh and we did get a lot of resumes and I'm sure those folks are probably watching our meeting this evening um so it is
confidential but I thank all of them for coming before us and I think everybody knows how I preface each one and that is um you know you're brave for being here and you're courageous um and that we
appreciate it for all of the the folks that uh interviewed. Um I do look forward to getting to know our next superintendent should he be elected. Um and with that said, why don't we call for our vote? Okay. So for
item number 9.26, do we have a motion? So moved. Second. Well, and Mr. Paladino, please call the role. Trusty Gillis, I'll abstain. Trusty Leon, yes. Trusty Monise, yes.
Uh, Trusty Misaga, yes. Trusty Pekco, yes. Vice President Darrow, yes. Uh, President Benamini, abstain. Moving on. Motion passes. Moving on to there's nothing for curriculum and
instruction. So we're moving on to resolutions for board action and board policy. We have items number 11.1 to number 11.18. Do we have a motion? So move. Second.
Yes. We called those together. Yeah. Sorry. Uh did we get a motion and a second? Yes. Second. Hold the role. Sure. No, no role yet. Trusty Gillis, yes. Uh, Trusty Leon, yes. Trusty Monise, yes. Trusty
Misagia, yes. Trusty PCO, yes. Vice President Darrow, yes. President Benamini, yes. And moving on to resolutions, purchasing and business services items. Yeah, she Liz has a question. Yeah, we
did 925 and then we did 926. We have nothing for 10. She she included that. It was in the first. Yes. Okay. A big night
tonight. Okay. So, back to purchasing and business services items 12.1 to 12.99. So, move. Do we have and a second? Second. Mr. Paladino, please call the role. Sure. Trusty Gillis, yes. Trusty
Leon, yes. Trusty Monise, yes. Trusty Misagia, yes. Trusty Pacheo, yes. Vice President Darl, yes. And President Benamini, yes. All right. And 13, resolutions on
finance, items 13.1 to 13.6. So move. Second. Second, Mr. Paladin. Uh, any discussion? Mr. Paladino, please call the role. Trusty Gillis, are we doing separate 137
and 138? So, items 13.1 to 13.8. Any discussion? All right, Mr. Paladino, please call the role. Trusty Gillis, yes. Uh, Trusty Leon, yes. Trusty Monise, yes. Trusty
Majia, yes. Trusty Pacheo, yes. Vice President Darrow. Yes. President Benamini. Yes. Okay. And our final remarks from the public. We'll start off with Michael
Minion. Yes. Okay. So, I just want to make a quick comment because it was set up here. I'm sorry. We have to do a motion to open public participation. So, move. I'll second. And all those in favor? I Okay.
Okay. Ready? Ready. Go. I haven't even started your time yet. You're even getting bonus time here. Not on purpose. I need it. So, I just want to comment to Mr. Rodriguez um because he made the comment. Um I just think that it's I'm I'm sorry that he doesn't see all that
the Belleville Education Association does. And I don't think he understands that the Belleville Teachers Union is all 450 plus of them. It's not any one person. I'm not the Belleville education uh uh union or association or the teachers union. I I represent what they
say. I have a finger on the pulse of them, but uh I don't I'm I'm not the union and neither is our exact. It's all the teachers and our teachers spend, you know, a large part of every single day with our Beville children. So for you to say that you know the parents are the
most important uh I think that the kids are the most important and I think that we represent the kids. So that's enough said about that. As far as Mr. Munes would you Mr. Moon use what you said about or actually with the board attorney talking about um the legalities
of having a union representation um in the interview process. Well, I think that maybe we should have made one of those qual we should have made it a qualifying factor that the superintendent agrees to have the teachers association representation in
the screening. Otherwise, maybe you're not fit for us. Maybe we don't really want someone who's not going to be a team player. Okay, so that answers that question. Moving on to another remark that Mr. Mun said. Well, Mr. Mun's caring is showing. Okay, so I want you
to picture this. What kind of message do you think you would say to the next superintendent by having an association representation of all the biggest large the largest uh of uh bargaining unit in the district representation on the interview panel. You know what that
would say? That would say we are a team and we expect you to work together with our team because now you are part of our team. That's what that says. Okay. So the message would have been sent right then and there to our next superintendent is we work as a team here. We're all a team. And that's I
think the biggest problem, right, is that we have board of education, we have administration, and and we don't have a team. We don't have everybody working on the same page. Okay? We need everybody to be working on the same page. the your most successful testing uh uh districts
are those districts where your superintendent, your board of education, your association, and your administrators are all on the same page. That's that's your most successful um u u districts and you'll find that. Um and
then to Mr. Monise's uh uh new addition to the minutes. I I have to say I think that's got to be the worst thing we could do is write a letter to the commissioner wanting to be free of a monitor. Okay. Um the success of this
board over the fa over the past 12 years was mostly because they united behind an excellent leader in our past superintendent, Dr. Tomco. Um he really helped keep the the past 12 years of
abuse or 12 years ago, let's say, not tw the past 12 years, 12 years ago before you guys came in came into this uh uh district. We were we were struggling. We were struggling with a lot of political, you know, uh corruption. A lot of things
were going on then, right? And Doc came in with Mr. Egan and they kind of squashed that, which was great. And uh this is a testimony. I could show you a testimony to what happens when you're without leadership for a year. And nothing bad about Mr. Parapado. He did a
great job, but he's also everyone knows that he's not here permanently. So therefore, how good of a leader could he be if everybody knows he's going to shortly be exiting, right? So just to give you a quick uh summation and ask a question is um we have a member currently who filed an affirmative
action a while ago reporting hostile work environment sexual harassment bias crimes of b bias related um acts. Okay. There was an investigation on it. We do not have any conclusion to that investigation. I hope we're taking notes because we're expecting that we have
some answer to that. that member did not get any uh writing of what the conclusion of that investigation if there was even an investigation. We don't know. We were told that there was. We also have a level gre three grievance on that same administrator who has a
history of abuse of teachers and CST members and whatever our let's say let's say our educators a history okay we presented that to the board at a level three. We were told by the board attorney that, you know, right now we we don't want to go through with that level
three. We're going to deny it because it's under investigation. We haven't heard anything about that investigation. We haven't heard whether it's going on. We haven't even heard I if if it is going on, where it is now, what's the update on it, or if there was a conclusion to it, and what that outcome
was. Um, we also have another board, another member who's our vice president who has an affirmative action um, reporting hostile work environment, sexual harassment, bias crimes, and bio bias related related acts. Also, an supposed investigation. My questions
are, is there investigations on these? If there are, where do we stand with them? What's the update on them? And if they're concluded, what is the conclusion? Who's going to get those conclusions? Right? Who's going to get those? what what what went on with those investigations. Um and lastly, I want to
say that we also uh have a lawsuit with many of our members. Okay. Again, an investigation we don't know. We're not finding out anything from this board on where where do we stand with all these investigations. We would like an answer
to that. Great. Thank you. Can I um respond to some of his comments, please? Yes. I would just just and I I'm saying this only to make sure I earn my keep here, Mr. Munis, but make sure that we do not specifically respond as to the details of any investigation.
No, just to what he referenced towards me, not that's fine. Yep. So, u Mr. Mon, um I agree with you. Mr. Egan has been invaluable to our district and I echo your sentiment in that because uh I think every single person here that's gotten to know him over you know
thankfully I have almost six years of getting to know him and not because he's sitting here and not because I requested this resolution. This resolution is not a reflection on Mr. Egan. This resolution is a reflection on wanting the the position of the state monitor um removed from our district. Nothing personal Mr. Egan. I think he's been
extremely valuable to our district. Not only that, but the many successes that we've had in our district have been thanks to the fact that he worked in conjunction with Dr. Tomco for all of us and and the board to achieve it. Separately to your statement that you speak on behalf of all the members when
when but the statement is coming from you as far as it goes with um our not wanting to share the message that we work as a team. It's a shame that you can come to this meeting and say that we don't work as a team when
every single negotiations we've sat in front has been a clear expression of wanting to work alongside our teachers. And when I when I reference you, I reference you specifically, not all your all your teachers. I think it's it doesn't have to be said that I have the
utmost respect for every single one of our teachers and every single one of our staff members because they are they are the veins that keep this district running. but separately to for you to insinuate that we're not willing to work with them and that we're not willing to share the message. We as board members stand here representing our community
and we as board members stand here representing our children. We stand here sit here representing our our staff and every single employee that that that is is the responsibility of this board. So when we do that, we we we we make sure that we emphasize how important it is to
work well with you and your team during negotiations, well with our teachers, well with our building principles, give our principles the the the muchdue um ability for them to really run their building because it's their building,
right? and and and they're the first layer of of administration that reports to our superintendent and and therefore to the rest of us. So there is camaraderie, there is partnership, there is a clear message that we do send we
did send and continue to send to uh Dr. Alonso that we want them to work very well with every single person that is under the responsibility of every single member here on the board. So, you know, I I to to say that we don't care or insinuate that we don't care. It's not it's just not the right answer. So, I
just want to clear that up because, you know, we have every good intention for every single person that we are responsible for. And it's a big weight on our shoulders. This isn't a rubber stamp how some people like to say. This is a big weight on the shoulders of every single member here, me included. I
literally come here like I before I came to this meeting tonight, I had to sit with my wife for a little bit and just express some of the uh the nerves that I was feeling tonight because I know how big of a deal this is. And I'm I'm I'm fortunate. I have a wonderful wife. I have wonderful children. I have very
open communications and with them and I tell them the things that are going on within our district and I and I ask for their their advice and and and I can always, you know, I don't know what a year from now is going to look like. I was speaking that with one of our community members today. I said I don't
know what a year from now looks like. I just know that based on all the qualifications that were here um presented to us, he rose to the occasion. And if I have to make a decision on this a year from now, knowing what I know at this moment, I would still say yes, you know, and I hope that congratulations to you, Dr.
Alonso, and I hope that, you know, you're able to rise to the occasion how we um feel that you can. Thank you. Um I'm going to skip around the signin sheet because I just found out that the person that I uh confused their name earlier is a student. So,
let's get him up here to speak. To Abubacher, I'm sorry about that earlier. Um, hello. Hi. Uh, good evening. Uh, my name is A Baker. I am one of the students in Hold on. We want to hear you. Sorry. Sorry. Um,
I'm one of Can y'all hear me? me. Um, hello, my name is Tiki Alba Baker. I am one of the students in building men. Um, they had asked me to speak. No, I came up to them yesterday and asked if I could speak today. And you know, they were very
hesitant. They thought we didn't have that much time. And um, I really just wanted to say that this Billy men has changed me as a man, as a person, as a student um, off on the court, off on the field, uh, in the class. outside the
classroom, outside of school. Um, if you were to ask my parents when I was younger, um, if I would be here today, they would not tell you no. They would not tell you yes. They would tell you no. I was a troubled kid. I was, you know, getting out of tr getting in trouble. Um, my grades were not very
good. And, uh, I was not mature. And I came to high school thinking like, why am I here? you know, and this new program, Dennis, this guy came in with kicks, you know, these new kicks, and you know, like I just judged him off his appearance. I'm like, why do I even want
to be here? And, um, with each meeting, he opens us up and he tells us like it's okay that as men to express our feelings. Um, it's okay as men for us to feel these emotions and to speak about uh what we're struggling even if it's uh
in the classroom. um if it's on the court or um at home or anything like that. And um I see myself from the beginning beginning of the year. Um I definitely see the maturity in myself. Uh my peers uh my teachers um my family members, my parents definitely see the
maturity change. Uh my grades definitely reflect that. And I think with each and every single meeting um I grow more mature, I grow more intelligent and um I become more calm. So um yeah, I love
this program very much and uh that's really just what I wanted to say. Thank you guys for listening to me and uh I hope you have a great night. Great night. Thank you. All right. Now you can go home. You All right, Michael Shelton.
if not tonight by by sometime tomorrow because the OPER request as Mr. Paladino so loves to hear from me that OPER request will be be going in later later this evening. Uh, I was going to talk about the
nationwide search business, but I'm basically beating a dead horse in that regard at this point. So, instead, I want to uh turn to another matter. And um, in a moment, Mr. Jonathan will probably tell me, Mr. Sheldon, don't talk about that. I don't expect any of
you to respond to about what I'm about to say, but I have to say it in any case. Sorry, I forgot my clock. All right, don't worry. I got you. Okay, you I'm sure you do. All right. Uh, and what I want to talk about is a good friend of mine, one of our most beloved and
respected teachers here in Belleville, Da Arena. As um, many of you are may be aware soon all of Belleville and the world for that matter will be aware. Um, imminently she's about to file a very
significant lawsuit against the board of education. And in that lawsuit, there's a litany of charges including sexual harassment, gender discrimination, hostile work environment, etc., etc. She has now fortunately gotten the
support of multiple colleagues of hers who are not only going to corroborate her charges, and I understand that she's got a mountain of evidence, documentary, digital, etc. I won't even go down that road of what that that evidence
apparently reveals. It'll be up to a court and a judge to uh make that decision. But uh some of her colleagues are also going to at the appropriate time share their own similar experiences that Diana has had to endure. Now, Diana
was apparently in the process of um when Minister Mion retires becoming the next BEA president and you know that may be part of the uh why part of her lawsuit why certain actions have been taken against her. When that lawsuit is filed,
which will become public domain, um all of us will learn the names of the defendants and it's apparently a pretty extensive list. um those defendants uh probably the least of their worries is going to be the civil complaint
because again based on what I have learned um some of the things that Diana is going and her accounts are going to be presenting actually rise to a criminal level. So you know it's one thing to be civily charged and possibly lose your license, your credentials and
your pension. Criminal charges can land you in in prison. Now uh I As Mr. Mion had said a few moments ago, um the whole union has been waiting for some substantive action to be taken.
Apparently, things have kind of been swept under the rug. But even though I'm very critical of Mr. Egan uh to his credit I want to uh thank him for apparently now intervening and he's conducting his own investigation
independent investigation under his authority of state monitor and uh using the Mandelbound firm which he himself retained to help him with this investigation. Now, if and when Miss Arena submits or files the lawsuit and
the list of defendants, co codefendants appears, um lo and behold, we're apparently going to see that some of these codefendants have direct ties to the town hall political machine. So, when you now have certain board members here, and just very recently, the town
hall gave holder has entered his opinion calling for Mr. Egan's removal. And you got certain board members, five board members here, by the way, had almost their entire campaigns financed by our town hall gavvel holder. But maybe it's
not a coincidence that at long last, even though for many years I've been asking the board to consider asking the the DOE commission to remove Mr. Egan and return autonomy, I'm now doing a complete 180. I want Mr. Egan to stay here for as long as DA's lawsuit may be
pending because again based on what I have learned if Mr. Egan goes in all likelihood so will DA's lawsuit be conveniently swept under the rug. And so you have to wonder maybe now why certain
members of this board want to get rid of Mr. Egan is because the moment Mr. Egan should go away. DA's lawsuit basically has all of the wind taken out of its sail. So I want all of Belleville to realize this. Yes, one of the leading advocates these last few years for Mr.
Egan to be retired to Autonomy Institute to be returned to Belleville. But Belleville needs to know of the bigger picture here. And when when Diana does file that lawsuit, you all realize why certain elements in this town, including the town hall, would like to see Mr. and
disappear. So with that said, I thank you for your time. Have a good Memorial Day weekend. Is that it? Yeah. Sorry. Yeah, I'm just going to say that um the the fact that you know whatever ends up happening with the state monitor situation, I mean this was a vote by the
board to send a letter to the commissioner asking for more independence. That's what this was tonight. But whatever happens is not going to to change anything in terms of the board's responsibility to investigate what it needs to do to fulfill its statutory responsibility, its ethical responsibility to do so. And
I know there are some allegations that were made tonight, but we really can't speak specifically to the um investigation. I mean, what you've raised is obviously like deeply serious and we have to take that into consideration. Everything that was said tonight by Mr. Mon and by Mr. Sheldon, but please don't take our please I mean
please don't take our silence on this issue as as as anything other than the fact that we really can't say much. Um as you know there there are we this district conducts investigations regularly and I I think uh I think that you know I think you guys know that
especially Mr. Mone who's been working with this district for for many years. So that's all I want to say. Thank you. Can I can I also add to that that it's it's you know it's a shame that you you you just admitted that you continuously have been asking for uh the resolution
that took place tonight. You know, I would have actually thought you may have been happy about that, which is crazy that you're not, but separately, again, like I said before, this has nothing to do with Mr. vegan, but I'm one of those board members that he's, you know, hypothetically uh trying to tie to Mayor
Melham and whatever post Mayor Melham puts on his social media. He's my he's um probably a little closer than that. Um so I will say to insinuate that we
would not care about our staff and what could potentially happen to one of our members is ridiculous. So, I I I I reject your insinuation that for some sort of political gain or whatever whatever conspiracy theory is going
through your head, I don't know. But to try to tie that to the fact that I I my my campaign was ran by the mayor and he made a post sharing his opinion. Um he has every right to do that same way that you do and same way that every other person does here. And I'm not going to
argue on his behalf because I'm not I'm not I'm not here to argue on his behalf. I'm arguing for me. For you to sit here and say that I would not defend our staff and and and and legally make sure that things are being done the right way is a joke. And because you want to come here and you want to come up here and
you want to start some new MichaelSheldon theory, you go ahead and you do that. And you go ahead and you do that. Listen, I'll go back and forth with you. I'm not the one that's very I and that's fine. That's and that's got nothing to do with Okay, Trusty Munz. No, no, no. I'm I'm I'm not done. I'm
not done. When you come here, we stay very quiet. We We're very respectful to you. We let you say and think and see and and and make whatever ties and whatever insinuations you want to do, and we're okay with that. You know what? We signed up to get beat up a little bit. And I'm okay with getting beat up,
but I'm not going to stand here. I'm going to sit here and be okay with you insinuating that I or any of the other members here are going to willingly stand by and let anything happen to any of our staff, any of our employees, any of our members here. So, I I I just that
insinu I reject that insinuation. If you're going to come up here and you're going to accuse me, then you you better be ready for me to come back at you. Okay. Thank you, Trustee Munz. Ruben Rodriguez. It's like I'm in the upside down. Um, Ruben Rodriguez, Cedah Hill Avenue. How
you doing? Um, first and foremost, I'd like to welcome Dr. Alfonso. Well, congratulations. Um, I look forward to you uh, you know, doing a good job. Uh um I don't know much about you, but there's no way I want you to fail. So, I
want you to do a good job. Good luck. Um and I just hope you, you know, um say what you want about Dr. Tomco. I just hope you're as uh what's the word? He answered every email. So, I hope we can expect the same for you. Um I do have a question. I I need a question about
policy, school policy. Now, from what I understand, and like I said, my kids don't go to the high school. Um, so I I don't really know cuz they they were younger when they were going, but is there a policy that any and all communication between teachers and students are solely done through
whatever you use like Google Gmail or Google Docs or Ghat or something like that? Um, is there are there is there a standing policy that no students should be directly text messaging teachers and vice versa? Um, so I know you guys don't
always answer, but I just I don't know all the policies and rules. So I would like an answer to that when I'm done. Um, because I have talked to a number of parents, uh, teachers, uh, excuse me, high school parents in light of some things that happened in the past. I have spoken to some parents and some parents
say they don't think it's a big deal and they've said, "Oh yeah, the teacher texts my kid, you know, about homework or whatever." And I just want to know if that's um if we think that's copacetic. Um, that's really Oh, I'm sorry. I I digress. I do want to say that that um
presentation tonight of the I'm sorry, boys becoming men. Honestly, it was probably one of the best presentations you've ever had. You know, it was run very efficiently and it was the the the young man that spoke. I'm going to look forward to watching him um going
forward. Hopefully maybe he'll be sitting up here with you as the student rep. Um he spoke very well for someone without a script. I could tell you that's not easy. Um some of us just make it look easy, right, Mr. Nunes? Um and
uh uh but I I have to say that was really I was really impressed by that by that whole presentation and I think that's one of the best programs I've ever seen. If I can make a suggestion, um I don't know if Dr. pastor is still here, but when we have these presentations and we have a room full of
parents, which as you can see, we really never have. I'd like to see the, you know, try to encourage the parents maybe to stay for a few minutes, try to see what goes on, try to see what's going on because once, you know, once Mr. Munz started reading that uh the resolution,
it kind of becomes legal ease and people kind of like, I don't want to listen to this. I want to leave. But this is important. And um despite what certain people want to say, the parents are extremely important. Twice I appear I heard here um some man who I remember the first
time I met him was when the district illegally fingerprinted our children back in 2019. Um and he actually came to me outside of the cafeteria down here apologizing to me and swearing up and down. Mr. Rodriguez, thank you for your
input. I assure you the teachers did not want to be involved with fingerprinting the children. The board of ed forced us to do it. Uh those were that gentleman's words which uh he'll go nameless. Um that being said, a lot of things
happened over the last five years and my children were in the district for 13 years between the between the both of them. I've never had one single problem with a teacher. I've always supported the teachers. I was an HSA member for almost 10 years and I worked very well
with uh all of our principles that we had. Many of them were very helpful. Uh when my daughter had a problem, Miss Ven Miss Veneri in school three helped me out taking care of my daughter. She was a big help. Um me and Tom Miss Dr. Tomco always had an outstanding working
relationship. Um, but I think it's funny how this one man who's trying to turn uh the BEA into a pack if you want to be honest and we're going to call, you know, we're going to call people out and start saying things. Um, especially someone who's not elected and decided to
use my name standing up here. But I I think it's just I think it's hysterical if you want me to be honest with you. And one of my favorite quotes that I'm looking down at this paper. I don't know why because I don't have anything written down. But one of my favorite things that ever came out of this board
was from former president Christine Lampereelloo. My apologies. I hope I pres I announced that right. But I'll never forget what she said. It was uh I'm going to say it was September or August of 2021 and she sat right up
there. And I could look up the minutes. You can look up the minutes. I look it up. Mr. Sheldon's good at looking it up. And I'm going to take the same extra minute that whoever took in the beginning. So you can just pause that. And what Christine Lamperillo said was Mr. So and so it's not a full minute by
the way. Okay, whatever. Mr. So and so trust me. I'm going to finish it with this nice quote. Actually, hell with it. Use my name. I'll use your name. Mr. Minion, Christine Lampereelloo said, "Nobody has worked harder against us to reopen this district than you." So when
you sit there smug with your crossface putting my name in your mouth when I've done nothing but tried to advance and help this district even in the fact that my I've had to pull my daughters out and spend over $30,000 a year in private education aside from the $8,000 I spend
for in this school district. For you to sit there and use my name is laughable. when our former president of the board of ed actually called you out for hurting our children as we know that you actually tried to hurt our children and we're still suffering from the learning
loss that we had to hear Dr. Tom Co call forever. And I challenge you on any given day if you would like to use my name, feel free to come up and speak to me and we can take it online. We could take it however you want and we could debate this any way you like. Other than that, have a pleasant day. Okay. You
want to take it or No. You're already done. We can go out back. No, no, no, no, no. There's not going to be anybody going out back. Not going to be going and just everybody. Okay. You're in the same community. Please, guys. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Stop. Stop. Stop. No. But there's no responses and back and forth.
It's not a debate. We have an we have an update on that policy that you had a question. Uh Mr. Rodriguez, just to bring it to your attention. So there is policies 3283 and 4283. Once again, I'm probably going to have to look at it internally with so many policies I'm looking at because it
mentions pagers which I know have been out ofdated for a long time. Uh but there is specific about electronic communications between support staff members and students. So it is in there. It does definitely need another reading as well as other readings that we have a lot of lot of policies to review. I'm gonna be very busy the next couple of
months. That's all I can tell you. Thank you. All right. And our final speaker tonight, the very brave Dr. Eric Alonso. Good evening everyone. So, uh, it's a roller coaster of emotions for me. As some of you heard in
the interview process, this is something very personal for me, which I'm going to get into. Uh, real quick, I just want to address the community and introduce myself. First and foremost, I want to thank a few people. I want to thank God for making this possible. I want to thank my wife for her selfless support.
This morning, we were at her graduation and she's sitting here with me tonight. So, thank you for that. And thank you for Thank you to the board. Thank you for your trust in this appointment. So, good evening Belleva community. It is a great honor to stand here before you today selected as the superintendent of
schools for Belva public schools. It is a trust placed in me that I'm excited to join in a community that is so deeply rooted in its culture, its diversity, and its tradition. This role is not just professional for me. It is a deeply
personal mission. As a son of immigrant parents who Spanish was not my native language, I had many barriers. Not only language, financial, housing, at sometimes worrying where my next meal was going to
come. I'm not supposed to be standing here today. So that is why it is so personal to me. Those experience shaped me to the core of who I am and ignited my life's purposes. To champion students who may not yet see the full scope of
what's possible and to ensure they have not only the inspiration to dream big, but that we ensure they have the resources to achieve those dreams. I get chills. I just got chills right now thinking about building men. And it couldn't have been a more appropriate time. We need more programs like this
and we need to get behind programs like this. I was very lucky to have one educator who held me accountable. We need more of those in our communities to prevent these statistics. I shouldn't have been the
exception. And with a program like Building Men, it seems like that is going to become the standard, a standard of excellence that hopefully we could all get behind and support in this district. I believe in leadership that is present, visible, and engaged. You
will find me not in offices, meetings, although that is part of the job of course, but I'll be at school events, PTA meetings, weekend programs, community events, truly trying to immerse myself in this community as a Buccaneer. Belleville deserves a leader
who is here to stay, to plant roots, and to help this community flourish for years to come. And if given that opportunity, which started today, I don't plan on going anywhere. This will be home. Together, we can cultivate a
district that is defined by opportunity, collaboration, high standards. These are non-negotiables. We do not make excuses for our students. We ensure their success by working collectively as a community. And we make sure that everyone is supported, celebrated, and
seen. I want to thank you all for the opportunity to serve and I look forward to building something that is indescribable together and making Belleville public schools not only the standard in Essex County but in the state of New Jersey. And real quick
message for my native Spanish speaking families. Thank you board. Thank you everyone. Have a wonderful evening. I look forward to working with each and every one of you. Thank you. Okay. Do we have a motion to close participation? So moved. And a second.
Second. Okay. Um, all those in favor? Yeah. I Okay. Do we have any uh committee reports or closing remarks that anyone would like to make tonight or we're just ready? Okay. Have a good evening everyone. We'll see you next
month. Motion to close. Motion. to adjurnn.