of the public to have advanced notice of and to attend the meetings of public bodies at which any business affecting their interest is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the provisions of this act, the Belvadier Board of Education has caused notice of this meeting to be published by having the date, time, and place thereof posted
with the Star Ledger and Express Times and submitted to the town clerk of the town of Belvadier on January 15, 2025. The meeting will be livereamed at www.belvadersd.org. Flag salute please to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it
stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. The mission of the Belv School District is to celebrate our past and empower our future while focusing on the four cornerstones of our district, tradition, excellence, academics, and community. We
strive to build confidence and promote collaboration. We encourage an equal partnership with our students and staff as well as its community members. We empower everyone to develop the best versions of themselves. The Belvadier School District is committed to shaping students into global citizens who take
initiative for their success and contribute to the continued excellence of the district. Our students are leaders in the decision-making process of their education and will be prepared to excel in the 21st century society. Mrs. Serbone
>> here. Dr. Zuppet >> here. >> Mrs. Duckworth >> here. >> Miss Stefen >> here. >> Miss Walton >> here. >> Mrs. Miss Wer >> here. Ms. White >> here. >> Mr. Cherelli >> here. >> Mrs. Gardella >> here. >> Mrs. Robbatham >> here.
>> The results of the November 4th, 2025 school board election are listed next on the agenda. Colleen White, Sarah Johnson, and Brianna Stritiff were elected. At this time, I'm going to administer the oath o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o oath of office to the elected
members that are present. Should be Miss White. If you want to go ahead and read the oath. >> I, Colleen White, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States in the Constitution of the State of New Jersey, and that I will
bear true faith and allegiance to the same and to the governments established in the United States in this state under the authority of the people. So help me, God. I call White do solemnly swear that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law for the office of member of a
board of education and that I am not disqualified as a voter pursuant to RS194-1 nor disqualified due to conviction of a crime or offense listed in NJS18A12-1 and that I will faithfully impartially
and justly perform all the duties of that office according to the best of my ability. You'll help me God. >> Thank you and welcome for three years. >> Congratulations. >> CONGRATULATIONS. >> At this time, I'd like to take nominations for the position of
president of the Beler Board of Education. >> I nominate Melissa Duckworth. >> Second. >> I nominate um Mr. Serbone. Second. Any
other nominations? >> And have a motion to close the nominations for president. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? Closing motions? >> I >> opposed. Close. At this point, we're going to vote on the candidates for president.
First, we're going to take I votes for Melissa Duckworth for president. Should I do a roll call? >> Yes. I I The way your policy is written says that the once people are nominated,
vote on the nominees order in which they nominate. So, it's not like vote for one or the other. It's one at a time. And the first person get a majority of seven. Well,
>> yes. >> Yeah. So, the first person to get a majority of the >> So, yeah, I would do her. You have to count them. >> Okay, >> Mrs. Serbone. >> Vote for yourself.
>> No, she no for me. >> Right now. So right now, according to board policy, >> you're voting on the nomination of Doug. >> Oh. Oh, I got >> Yes or no? >> So, we're going all around for
>> We're gonna go all around for Yes. >> Should have married differently, right? >> Should I get my maiden name? Uh, okay. Do you want to start over or can I just >> Mrs. Serbone? Okay. No. >> Dr. Zepath. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Duckworth. >> Yes.
Miss Stephen, >> yes. >> Miss Walton, >> yes. >> Mrs. Wer, >> no. >> Miss White, >> no. >> Mr. Cherelli, >> yes. >> Mrs. Gardella, >> yes. >> Mrs. Robotham,
>> no. >> So, there are six yes votes for Mrs. Duckworth. The next >> So, because it wasn't a majority. Yeah. Now go to the next person if they >> correct >> but >> but it is
>> no if our person reading the policy >> not necessarily how other reorgs have happened >> the fact that we're too short >> um for Mrs. Serbone. >> Yes. >> I'm going to go around again. >> Okay. >> So we're now voting for Mr. Mrs. Serbone. >> Yes.
>> Dr. Zith. >> No. >> Mrs. Duckworth. >> No. >> Miss Stephen. >> No. Miss Wolton, >> no. >> Miss Wer, >> yes. >> Miss White, >> yes. >> Mr. Cherelli, >> no.
>> M. Gardella, >> no. >> Mrs. Rotheram, >> yes. >> Okay. So now, >> now we have to revote till we keep going till somebody gets seven. >> Yeah. Basically, >> pretty much the rule is that the board is supposed required to appoint
somebody. So that So >> the policy says in the event no candidate receives a majority vote of all the members of the board, the procedure shall be repeated until someone receives a majority vote of all the members of the board.
>> We're 12 person. You need seven. >> All of the members >> receives a majority vote of all the members of the board. Meaning that we have a 12 member board. So therefore we need a seven member. >> Technically all members >> are not here. They have a 12 member.
They're not sworn in yet. They're technically not members. >> No, but we have a 12 member board. Whether the members are here, whether they're sworn in, it doesn't matter. We have a 12 member board. >> That's But that might be a valid point. >> Yeah, >> they're not sworn in. Not sworn in. >> But if >> I hear what you're saying, >> even on a policy, right, when we've gone
without board members, we still need the majority of the 12 member board. >> So, what's tricky about that? >> Unfortunately, no question. But if they had completed their they could be here being
so it it isn't like there aren't members they could have been here being sworn in. So if they were here clearly it would seven out of 12 >> even if we not had me gone where short members had personnel matters for it requires a majority of the full membership. So I don't exactly. So in
the event is it possible to maybe have a discussion around why we have it why we're having this you know you know some people are split to maybe help understand I mean are we or are we just going to keep going around and nobody changes their answer that doesn't make
sense either >> sending >> well I mean I know the 12 number does but in this case voting >> at one time the rules might have been different but setting districts are >> you're equal have the right to vote on them. >> President,
>> so do we have a discussion about our >> He's reading the policy. Hold >> choice. Oh, okay. I was >> The policy doesn't say anything about the discussion. Uh I can't I can't think of we wouldn't have a discussion >> that public.
>> The policy says you'll continue the process. >> That's a public discussion >> till it's over. But it doesn't say one thing anything one way or another about the public. Does it is it a public discussion is the question. >> Um it's a per it's sort of a semi-personnel
related issue. I think that if you were going to have it's like when you elect a board member a little different not you know we're choosing a new board member you can have a discussion in executive session but if you do have if you're not interviewing the people having the discussion public
you have to kind of like public but I think it I think it would be possible to have an executive session discussion assuming I I I think the best thing to do is probably try again Now, I mean, we're all anticipating that it's not going to change. I I appreciate
it and I recogn So, I think at some point if it's clear that there's an impass, I think. >> Okay. So, we are going to vote one more time. So, at this point, we are going to vote
for Melissa Duckworth. Mrs. Serbone, >> no. >> Dr. Zepath, >> yes. >> Mrs. Duckworth, >> yes. >> Miss Stephen, >> yes. >> Miss Walton, >> yes. >> Mrs. Wer, >> no. >> Miss White, >> no. >> Mr. Cherelli,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Gardella, >> yes. >> Mrs. Robotham, >> no. Next, we're going to vote for Mrs. Serbone. Mrs. Serbone, >> yes. >> Dr. Zepath, >> no. >> Mrs. Duckworth, >> no.
>> Miss Stefen, >> no. >> Miss Walton, >> no. >> Mrs. Wter, >> yes. >> Ms. White, >> yes. >> Mr. Cherelli, >> no. >> Mrs. Gardella, >> no. >> And Mrs. Robbotham.
>> Um, I just lost my >> You're voting for Caroline. Thank you. >> Okay, with no change, we now can discuss if we can go into executive
or if we need to have public discussion. >> I I I think >> Okay. >> So, should we do the Are we going to do the vice president before? >> No, you can't. Oh, >> well, I was going to say if we're going to have to have the same thing,
if if we have the same situation, better to address them in one. >> We could have the same candidates. >> It's actually an excellent question. >> Or we can have the alternate of the one who doesn't get president. >> Yeah, >> I think you could go to exe wanted to skip president for now and go to vice president.
>> Could I'm just saying if we're going to wind up in having this potentially the same scenario, I'd rather have one executive session than have to do two. Well, why don't we talk about the both of >> if we can do that then? >> I don't know.
I'm just looking up the language for a second. The Bad Board of Education in the County of Warren will journ into a close meeting to discuss >> personnel SLboard members. Yeah, but the more I think about it,
>> we shouldn't go into >> I just I I was thinking it makes sense to go in the executive session, but the open public meetings act is very specific about the nine things. I'm not I'm not sure that >> so we can talk about it. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. Um my thought on it is that uh while I feel Mapone puts in a lot of time and a lot of work, it's for me it's a not yet. I'm not saying that her time wouldn't come in the future in my brain. Um I just feel it's
a not yet. That's that's my my decision. >> I'm kind of on Robin's page. I just Carol I think it's someday you will be a great president. I just don't think it's today. I think you need just a little bit more seasoning as a board member because I think many of us and I'll put myself in this category overstep like we
like there's no tomorrow. We need to stop that. We need to get ourselves back on track and I just think a year, two years, you'll be perfect. >> And and just to piggyback on that, you are getting us back on track on on so many things and it is so much appreciated. I mean, I sit on committee
with you and I appreciate you really appreciate. Um again, it's just not Perfect. >> So, the reason why I nominated um Carolyn was and I think Melissa, you're doing you, you know, a great job. It's not it has nothing to do with anything
that you have done or or haven't done, but I know that you have a life and you're busy and things of that nature. And it just for me, I think we have a very hands-on board and something, you know, and I felt like having someone who's a little bit more hands-on would
be, you know, more beneficial to the efficiency of the board going forward. And there's just been some things like even when we had our um board retreat. Some things that I think probably should have been known and some things that should have been, you know, maybe a
little more education on your PE on your end as the president. And it's not I'm not trying to, you know, dismiss all of your >> Don't take any of this personally. So, please don't please don't be afraid to offend me because I'm not taking because I don't want you to think it's anything, you know, that you've done or anything like that. But I do think that we have a
new superintendent and I think some change and the old ways need to kind of be set aside and have a fresh start. So that's why and Carolyn is like great with detail and I think you would come up to speed very very quickly with everything that you do and and how you
um categorize everything and how you have everything like ready to go on the spot. you know, you have a mind where you retain a lot of information and I just felt that she would be a great new asset to this, you know, community that we're trying to build and beneficial
more for the school, too, because we have to look at some of the things that have gone on in the past and have they served us well going forward. So, just a fresh start is kind of where I was coming from and I I still think that whether or not you've been on long enough, I think you will catch up very quickly.
So for me it it was not about either individual's abilities or skill sets. It was we do have a new super and at least for and that's a big change and we've have a lot of other change um and we do
have a lot of us who are newer to the board itself. So I thought keeping one thing keeping stability at least through this year um especially since given Dr. Garcia has only been here uh I don't think is it three months officially yet? >> No.
>> Um it feels like five years. >> It does. Right. But I know yes she uh two more you know >> she and our current board president have already been working together closely on stuff and I thought out of respect for Dr. Garcia to be able to continue that
and not have to restart that. So it really wasn't about either person's abilities. I think they're both great people and have different skill sets. It was really about continuity at least through this year given that Dr. Garcia
is only been in her role just shy of 90 days. So that was my thought process. >> I um I think that it's good to change things up through and having a rotation of positions. I think that um you know
personally I was board president after one year sitting on the board and I think that if you're engaged and willing to learn that you will be successful. So I don't judge whether you've been on the board for one year or less. Um, I think
Carolyn has certainly demonstrated uh her contribution to the community and the district and I think that she would lead us very well into um our future strategic goals that we've been discussing. I think that Melissa has
done a wonderful job over four years, >> five, >> has it been? It's been a very long time and I think that it's important um you know that other board members have the opportunity to sit in that leadership role and develop because there will be
board members that will want to retire and um you know from a transition standpoint. It's not fair to the district to only have one person in that role all the time and not give others the benefit to lead the district in a
successful direction. Um, I understand the fact of a new superintendent, but work goes on and people adapt and we can't anticipate what's coming down the pike in the next six months and we can't live by all the what-ifs and sometimes
we need to take risks and we need to try new things and I find that this poor can sometimes be a very hesitant of trying new things and I think this is a good opportunity So given we are short two voting members this evening even after discussion if we
wind up in this with the same votes what what's our course of action? Well, unfortunately, I'll see you. And there is a handoff process. Correct. It's not like Melissa go >> the handoff. Melissa walks away and
Carolyn comes in at that. >> That's all it is. >> That's not true though. Like one board member wouldn't let another board member fail. So, >> but we don't have anything written that that has to occur. It will be up to Melissa what she chooses to do. I don't know why Melissa wouldn't act.
>> I don't either, but I'm just saying I wouldn't screw anybody. She doesn't have to do anything. >> I guess the question is right. It >> the different that it's one vote is the difference, right? If we're at six. So for those who voted for Carolyn
is, you know, is there something that that is of uh like is there something that might change your vote? >> Do you really want to do it? >> I mean,
I think we could ask the same question to Melissa, >> right? Melissa, do you want to change your vote? It like >> it doesn't help, >> right? >> We have to be, and this is this is why I'm staying with Melissa, not with Carol. I started to say this, but I want to just make sure I articulate it as
best that I can. >> We as a board have overstepped and overstepped and overstepped in the last 6 months or a year. >> Can you clarify what your definition of >> I don't want. We're in public session, so I don't want to call people out, so I'm not going to do that. But overstep is we've had board members go directly
to um principles and they should never do that. We have board members going to a quasi athletic director should never happen. There's a chain of command. We have people spewing things out in public that came out of executive session. We have executive session of one district going to an executive session of another
district. There's been so many things we have screwed up on in the last year. Little bits, little bits here and there. And I would really like to make sure in 2026 that that doesn't happen. And I think Melissa has the most experience. Carolyn will get that. You will be experienced in a year or two in those things that we need to be trained on
this year. And governance is a big one we all need to be trained on. So that's that's my explanation of why I'm I'm voting for Melissa and not voting for you. But I think you should take this year and you should learn all those things so you're ready to be president next year. You have all that experience. You've had all that training. Get any
extra training you can. We need to rein ourselves back in. But Marian, that's exactly why I'm voting for Carolyn because that those standards and those governances should have been communicated out and that has never happened. So when you're >> trainings though and people don't listen
to the training stand up here and tell us do not ever do this and the next day somebody does it. >> But but again that's why we have princip we have presidents because you have to you're going to have people who who say things and do things and whatever and you have to have reminders and that's the thing. We have to have a a set of
standards that are in our face. Yeah. It's our our board norms. We never even had board norms. >> We don't need them. We have >> You just said we do need it. It's the same thing. It's governance. It's the same thing. It's those kinds of things like articulating when a when a board
member could go to a a principal or things like that. >> Did Kathleen not give us all that information? Did Kathleen not say you never do that? You never circumvent your board president. Kelly >> or Kelly? Sorry. >> Kelly. But this year is what I'm saying. We didn't have those years previously. Yes, we have.
>> This is turning into an argument right now. And honestly, like Maryann, you should be able to voice your opinion. Then it goes to Tyler for 2 minutes. Her voice, her opinion, then it goes like this is what we're talking about with the chaoticness of >> and that's where I'm saying a president has to set kind of standards and that's
where that's that's the guidance I've been looking for. Not not that, but just like knowing like like you know knowing the roles between the board and between the super things of that those it's things go we do tend to go rogue and we go off on different tangents. So it's
it's having that person being able to rein that in in a in a you know professional and and you know environment so that nobody feels as if they're they're having their hand slapped or being yelled at. And it's just that's I think what I'm looking for
also and having two new members. We have to have a we have to have some sort of like process in place to help new members get on board. I've never had any of that. So that's another right and and when we sat in our there's just we need that is what I'm saying. So it's change
is what I'm looking for because we need to help new members get on board and we need to help them understand what those what those rules are, what the governance is, not just from the training but also from you know our you know our our president and vice president help people along the way and
that's kind of what I've been looking for I think for you know a long time and not being able to really understand it or articulate it until we've had some of those trainings and then I'm like why didn't you know why wasn't has really kind of, you know, communicated out. And
so, it's some of those reasons as to why, you know, I would like to see a change and someone who is a little bit more hands-on and has a process that is put in place. And I mean, you're you're on policy, you're processoriented, like, you know, all of these things already to be able to really streamline and keep
the board in line with how we're supposed to be. And that's and run the meetings, you know, so we don't go rogue. And it's you have to have a strong voice in order to do that. And that's just why I felt like a a change would be good.
>> Give Carolyn vice president give her your vice president to understand the role. >> I don't think that's fair though to what Tyler's saying how we expressed ourselves and I think that it's not our
job to each other. It's our job to express our preferences and then if you know um and then we do and then we look to C for direction if nobody's going to change their vote quickly I pulled up the actual statute
statute have a policy statute doesn't have a doesn't have a that's just in your polic But the statute says it fails to elect the president
>> and there is a a deadline. Right. Right. That has to be this week at the organization. >> Right. I thought that it was the first weekend. >> The organization meeting has to be held. >> Yeah. >> Anyway, >> right.
So now the issue is so I don't know the legal answer some statute some laws say that have to be elected vote a majority membership. This your policy just says a person with
30 vote of all of the members >> 10 not 12 but the full membership of the board that's probably >> haven't had decision. >> No, I meant >> we've had a tie before but it was changed.
>> But then somebody changed >> somebody changed their vote. So >> it's sort of like a tie. Tell us legally, can it be a 10 member board or is it a 12 member? >> Well, the the full membership of the board is 12. So, it says a majority vote of all members of the board. All right.
Right now, there's only 10. >> That's what I'm saying. So, was it 10 or is it 12? John, >> I'm just glad John's here. >> Me, too. Don's not so sure about that. >> I'm sure >> I just read that. You were probably
>> I was I was just reading the statute there. >> I'm gonna I don't know that I'll be able to do anything. Well, there's the first boy. >> Why am I >> It'll happen here in Bel. >> I know. It bothers me. Really bothers
me. >> No, it's I didn't even realize that it was still off by like it got so late. >> It's hanging on the wall, right? >> Could you want me to climb on the table to do it? >> No. >> No, please. >> No, but after >> I thought it had been changed.
>> And I haven't had dinner. I haven't had dinner yet. >> Get on the table. Oh, I didn't I was I was gonna I had >> I meant to grab but I I opted to walk >> maybe I don't know what's
>> Yeah. Yeah. That's because I found some stuff that may help me. >> No, I'll call a recess. We can go. >> Okay. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Let's let Dr. Garcia >> have a little mini report. Might >> as well do that. >> It's very well.
>> First, welcome back. Um, just some positive news. Um yesterday um office of special. Um, also the district is very generous, >> supporting.
Um, also a the community session. Um we are very much looking forward to it hereating. We will all be here. Um but
purposes >> we can't all go though, right? Because if we all go check we're covered with that. Great. Just a little bit of >> At this time, we are going to take a
10-minute recess. >> Favor. >> Check out the wrestling. We do that. >> I would say yes. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I post. >> Hey, recess. >> I thought you did. >> Dr. Garcia is having the
session >> like two bucks. I couldn't get something at the snack stand. >> Will they will they take Will they do this? >> He didn't work. >> No, no. >> Return to our business meeting. >> All right. And as best I can determine
using my iPhone, you know, here in the meeting, uh, I think my original opinion about what all the members of the board mean means is I I is I'm consistent with what I've found. I I think that, you know, I mean, there could be an interpretation that someone had asked
earlier. Well, right now we only have 10 members, but since the the policy specifically says all members of the board, it doesn't say all members present at voting, which is another alternative, which would be like a typical Robert's rules thing. If this was a normal motion, most motions, unless there's a specific statutory
provision or something that requires the full membership of the board, most of them are just a majority of the members present voting. But this particular policy says the person that gets a majority vote of all the members of the board of education. So the I can't find
anything exactly on point for this, but I found an a attorney general's advisory opinion from the New Jersey attorney general in the context of what constitutes a quorum of the board. And it said in that opinion, it said all the members of the board means the full
membership of the board. And that's the closest thing I could find. And so that's I think consistent with what what I thought earlier. So I I I still I'm of the opinion it should be seven seven members. Uh so where the does that leave
us the law the everything and the policy does say that you're supposed to keep voting on but obviously at certain point you know there's going to be a stalemate. the policy and the law also says that if you can't elect someone, then we it's got to go to the county
superintendent to to make the the decision. So, I I mean, I would suggest perhaps you vote one more time uh on president to see what happens. At that point, we could go to the vice president vote.
Uh because if a vice president isn't elected tonight, it's the same thing. the county superintendent would pick a uh a vice president as well. So, my suggestion would be try again or as many times as you want. If you if you think a
couple votes would help, you you could you could vote for president, you know, 20 more times if if you think would help. But my suggestion would be to try again to vote for uh for president and then we could proceed to try to see if we can
elect a vice president. Um, and either way, you know, if neither of those things happen, it goes to the county superintendent and we'd have to reach out tomorrow to the county superintendent and she would decide what to do. Um, beyond that, I think we could
continue with the meeting with the business administrator, board secretary presiding if there are other items on the agenda that need to be completed just to to the extent they can be. Some things like committee assignments probably won't be able to happen tonight. Many boards don't do them tonight anyway because they have to get
the input from the people with what they're interested in. But some of the other things probably could be voted on and and done. So, >> okay. So, with that, we are going to do one more vote um for president >> in reverse order.
>> Mrs. Robotham. >> Yes. >> Wait. Wait, wait, wait. What are we doing? But you said reverse order, so I thought >> my fault. >> We are going to vote um on Mrs. Duckworth for president. Mrs. Robbatham, >> no. >> Mrs. Gardella,
>> yes. >> Mr. Cherelli, >> yes. >> Miss White, >> no. >> Miss Wter. Mrs. W. >> No. >> Miss Walton? >> Yes. >> Miss Stephen? >> Yes.
>> Mrs. Duckworth? Yes. >> Dr. Zepath. >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Serbone? >> No. >> And now we're going to vote for Mrs. Sabone. >> Mrs. Robbatham. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gardella. >> No. >> Mr. Cherelli?
>> No. >> Ms. White? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Wer? >> Yes. >> M. Walton? >> No. >> Mrs. Stefen? >> No. >> Mrs. Duckworth? >> No. >> Dr. Mr. Zepith, >> no. >> And Mr. Bone,
>> yes. >> Okay. At this point, um, as Mr. Croo just said, then the election of the president will be given to the county superintendent tomorrow. And the county superintendent is aware that it will be coming. Next, we are going to take nominations
for the position of vice president of the board of Belvar of the Belvader Board of Education. Do I have any nominations? >> I'll nominate Tyler Winer. Nominate Mr. I'll second that one.
Um, do we have any other nominations? >> Move the nomination. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> opposed >> extensions motion to close. At this point, we're going to vote on vice
president. >> I'm I'm with you, Joe. I feel like this is >> because we're we're holding our vote for president. We have a person nominated now for both positions. So, if I vote for one for vice president, then I
basically take her away for president. >> Yeah, it's a tactic. I don't think it's I don't think it's a tactic, but it just doesn't make sense. >> It can be though. >> It can be, but that was not my intent. >> I didn't second it for that reason either. >> I thought that was the better position
for her, so that's why I second it. >> But it is weird. >> Shall I do the votes, Mr. Board of >> Well, you have I mean, if if no one gets elected, >> it will also go to the county tomorrow, >> right? >> So, I mean,
>> what if she does get elected? That's a good question. Yeah, that's the question. >> You know, she >> Okay. >> You can't force somebody. >> Well, then she would decline the nomination. >> She declines the nomination. Now, >> I don't know.
>> We're asking you. You're the attorney. >> Yeah, I know. My two cents, >> but >> but then declining it takes you out of it >> entirely. If if if >> Right. depending on what the superintendent would say. >> I think we should have >> the county superintendent would say the
next day. Yeah. >> Vice vice president president just because that's what should you not get it you might want >> and it would already be gone. >> Here's the only So look I think just trying to work us out of this.
>> We all the best I can. I I think that I appreciate what everyone's saying. I I I I >> What is the Can I see the policy? It's >> not in there. >> We don't have I have it on the list. >> No, no. I want to see what it says about
Did both I think both get referred to the county superintendent. >> Look, if they both get referred to the super the county superintendent, then chances are they're going to split it. Wouldn't you think? >> I mean, I don't know. >> Assume why would they just pick out of
the blue? But I I don't know. I don't know. >> Good question. >> All these new things in Belair. It looks like the best I can read this. It says elect board officers. That's right. So it said board >> officer. That's both president.
>> Then it goes to the county. >> So I don't think I think you can say we're not going to elect a vice president. Someone could perhaps could have the election. You've got two people nominated or someone could say
look I don't think. But in that case, it's not like it all gets referred to the county superintendent. So what I'm saying is the county superintendent isn't may not may not only pick the president, they she may pick president and vice president. That's fine. >> I'm going to have you speak on this.
Just I'm sorry. >> But I mean, in all fairness, I mean, let's just be clear. >> There are 10 people here. Six of those 10 people voted for Melissa. I know that's not the policy. Four of those 10
people voted myself then in the vice chair president who was nominated the second time which is fine. So if we look at this logically as like a human being and take the policy a little bit out, wouldn't it
make more sense, come to a decision that we would nominate and vote for the two people who were looking to have in charge in those positions? Like when they do go, does it have to be >> It's not in our policy. I know it's not
in the policy, but if we're think like you know what I'm where I'm going, Alissa, with this. >> I got it. >> I mean, I think perhaps you could >> because I don't think anyone here is contentious, and I don't want to go to the county superintendent with this idea that the Belvadier board is contentious. I don't really feel like we are.
>> Another I'm just throwing this out as a possibility. I'm just trying. Another possibility would be to to try to reach a consensus and you'd have to revote. reach a consensus of like maybe it makes sense for one person to be president and one person to be vice president. >> I don't know whether I'm not sure what >> which is similar to what was done
previously and then there was a co-presidential spirit in the very beginning even though there had to be people in each position. >> Let me say and this is a very interesting subject. >> John, you have a mic. >> Oh, sorry. It's an interesting Thank you. >> that
>> in my band I'm the one person they don't give a microphone to. um very I'm not used to it. So um there's other districts that I've represented and currently represent where there's a president and a vice
president and they there's I represent another district right now in Mars County that has a president and a vice president and they it's not official but they essentially work together as a dual role. So, in other words, it isn't it's not that they're co-president. There's a
president and a vice president, but when they go to things or they do, you know, they do stuff together and if they need to talk to the lawyer, for instance, they both call uh together and we have a discussion with both of them. So, that they both they are in a sense to some
extent serving jointly. But I and I just throw that out there because you it's a good question. I I'm not aware of anything that would allow there to be a co-president, but I have been in situations where the president and vice president >> work close together, >> work together sort of in a joint way
without it necessarily being, you know, in policy or something like that. >> That's >> and I will say ever since I've done this and Maryanne's been there, that's how we've worked because I'm not always available all day long. I'm in surgery
and stuff. I can't answer my phone. So, she'll take that if she can or if it needs to be a quick thing. There's never ever been I've never ever been only send anything to me ever. As I've always been like, send it to the two of us. Please send it to the two of us. One of us might see
it, one of us might not. You know, if I can't make those phone calls, she has. So, I've never it that's never been an issue. I I don't ever plan on being that because I'm one person. Like Tyler said, we all have lives and we can't be 24/7.
This is not, you know, our life 24/7. We have jobs and stuff. So, it's always been a partnership. I've It's always been that way. I've reached out to some of you been like, "Hey, can you look this up? Can you find if there's
something there because you know I this is what I'm finding." So that's never been out of the question. I mean, I don't know what somebody else wants to do and that's fine, but you know, I think that's always been beneficial to have
somebody who help take it and help bounce it and do things that you can't always do. So, I think that's 100% fair. I think they should be in it together because God forbid one person can't for
any reason, medical, whatever, the other person, it's easier for them to step in because they already know what's going on, not being kept in the dark. So, I've never that would never be my intention ever. >> Melissa, would you be interested in vice
president? I know we didn't put a nomination because the assumption was that you like, you know, president, but would you be vice president? I'm open to anything. >> So, can we reopen nominations? >> Yeah,
you could. Someone can make a motion. >> I motion that we reopen nominations for vice president. >> Second, >> I think so. >> For vice president for vice. >> Well, hold on before we before we put a
motion on the table. So, it Right. I if if you open up the nomination and hypothetically it's for Mrs. Duckworth and Mrs. Serbone, we're going to wind up with the same scenario,
right? So it it's I'm not sure what one fouls out. >> I mean, what I think you don't have the laws the policy says you're supposed to elect somebody. If you don't elect
somebody, it goes to the county. So, um, you've already got you've got the nominations. The nomination a motion was passed to close the nominations. So, right now they're closed. I mean, if someone want, you know, some I've heard some people say we that we don't even think we should vote on vice president because we haven't decided on the president.
>> Yeah. I think the the concern is >> the concern is if we don't nominate vice president, then the county superintendent can just pick out of a hat, right? I mean, I'm sure that they won't, but they could, right? And so, I think that that's most likely why we
don't want that position open. Um, at least in my opinion. Then if that person doesn't want to take it, then are they >> have to then are we starting all over again? Right. I I'd like to eliminate some of that.
>> I mean, I'm happy to take that position if you know, if you for all want me to. I mean that's I would love to learn more go along go along with it. >> Well, right now you've got two nominations. Um I don't you know if we
don't want to vote if you don't want to vote don't go you don't have to vote and then it's going to go to the county superintendent. >> You might be better off going there. I don't know that I'm not comfortable with with voting on a on a on a vice president when we don't know who the president is cuz the whoever doesn't get president might want vice president.
>> Yeah, I understand. >> You'd be locking people out of >> Yeah, you're locking them out of >> and you're taking votes away from the rest of the board members really in that end. So, I mean, if it's all taken to the superintendent with what was
nominated tonight, that would be >> by the way, she'll decide >> what she could take into account. >> And the it'll the county superintendent will decide what to do. I mean, it she may say, I don't know what she'll say. She may say, "I'm going to nominate a president and then you guys vote on the vice president." Or she may say, "I'm
going to do both." I, you know, she'll have to decide. And she may have a process. She may ask for people to apply. I I don't know that she just, you know, it's up to the bottom line is it's up to her >> and it'll >> How is the decision made? Is what's the process? >> I don't know that I don't know that there is a formal process. It's up to
her. But I think she could have a process. It she may not just randomly pick people. I don't I don't think she would do that. I But I don't know how it would work. It would be up to her to decide and she'd have to let us know. >> Pick the president. We come back at the end of January. Advice there.
>> It's She might say that. It's, you know, >> on our suggestion. >> Yeah, we could even ask for that, you know, so that she might, and by the way, as as I understand it, she's aware that this is happening because I think the superintendent, you know, tried to reach her. So, she's aware this happening is
basically is saying if we don't elect them, we'll have to notify her tomorrow and then she'll she'll take it from there. >> Notify her tomorrow. >> Yeah, let's notify her tomorrow. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, with all of that said, we are
going to continue with the rest of our meeting. Um, as far as board committee appointments go, Dr. Garcia has passed out all of the committees that we're going to have. So, you would take a look at that. And if you could send Dr. Garcia your interest um maybe your top
three. >> Is Dr. Garcia standing in the president? >> She's just going to collect the information and then the president would assign the committees. >> Okay. when they take um >> I'll just collect and then forward to whatever decision is made by the county super
>> because I I just want to make sure that we did have a although we only met once we had an instructional council. >> Yeah. Is that included in the curriculum and instruction? So it would be >> anything that would that would fall
under there. >> Okay. >> But that that one also included uh teacher representation. Yeah, there was >> so >> as those topics were appropriate those that represent. Okay, >> thank you. >> Will there be teacher representation
that council or only based on those topic topics as Virginia said >> if and when then it would be based on topics? >> The contract specifies that there is an instructional council and specifies how many board members are on it and how many teachers are on it and is actually independent of these. It can be curriculum people and instructional
people on that council, but it is a completely different committee. It's really a union thing, not a board thing. >> So then we need to add it. >> No, because that is not >> but but we need members to be board members. >> The president will appoint members. >> Okay. But I I I guess it wasn't clear that we were still doing that.
>> It's in the contract. We don't have a choice. >> And the CST >> just to be clear >> that the that instructional council is it's not on there specifically because it's not specifically a board. >> That's specifically for the board. But
we will have board members dominate and that'll all be >> it would make the most sense for anybody who's on curriculum and instruction. But yeah, >> um also with the student activities and the community relations, the community relations didn't necessarily start out
as an actual committee. So that was more >> so one of the reasons that I recommended that as the committee is because we are working on our relationship with the community. Um so I think it's important to keep that specifically on there um to
continue to build. And then student activities, I'm guessing that's where the sports, >> sports, um, enrichments, arts, anything like that. Okay. So, if you would like to email your interest to Dr. Garcia, then when
we have a president, they will then assign the committee appointments. >> And when is that deliverable due? It's >> um I would say I don't know how long we're going to have for the county super to make her decision.
>> Um but I would say by maybe next Wednesday >> more than enough >> and then proceed from there. >> Okay. um if when you send it if you could just specify like what your preference is. So maybe an order of preference.
>> Okay. At this time we are going to move into the agenda portion for our reorganization and we are going to vote on items number one through four. Do I have a motion for items one through four? >> Motion second.
Is there any discussion? >> Shel, I just have a comment. I knowingly will not be present for February 25th. >> You will not be present. >> Any other discussion, comment? Okay. This will be the vote on items one
through four. Mrs. Serbone, >> yes. >> Dr. Zepath, >> yes. >> Mrs. Duckworth, >> yes. >> Miss Stefen, >> yes. >> Miss Walton, >> yes. >> Mrs. Wer, >> yes. >> Miss White, >> yes. >> Mr. Cherelli, >> yes. >> Mrs. Gardella, >> yes. >> Mrs. Robbotham, >> yes.
>> And at this time, we're going to go to public participation. To ensure fair and efficient meetings, the public comment session will be limited to a total of 30 minutes at the discretion of the presiding officer. When you approach the micro microphone, please state your name, city, town, and group affiliation. Each statement made
by a participant shall be limited to three minutes. Time may not be yielded to other participants. All statements must be directed to the presiding officer. No participant may address or question board members individually. Please understand that public comment portions of our agenda are not question and answer sessions but are offered as
opportunities to share your thoughts with the board. The board may or may not respond to public comments. However, all comments are considered and they will be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Please be courteous and mindful of the rights of others when speaking. Comments may not be abusive, obscene, threatening, or irrelevant. The
presiding officer may interrupt and or warn if necessary. Please understand that the board will not be responsible for the content of comments made by the members of the public. Members of the public are questioned that they are speaking at their own risk and any statements that they make that are directed at a particular individual or individuals may subject them to legal
liability for a defamation. Please also understand that students and employees have specific legal and privacy protections. The board will not respond in public to comments about students and employees. Do we have any public comment? I have a question. Do we um Is there a
more efficient way to >> One second. I want to wrap up public comment. >> Yeah. What's it? >> Hold on. >> I'm waiting. I'm holding my breath. >> Okay. So, no public comment >> unless I'm sorry. It was yours as a public member of the public.
>> No. Um, but I didn't know since that's already um posted publicly the agenda and because you provide copies to the public when um they arrive and they're sitting on that seat over there. Um, can we get like a little like white like
clear stand to post that and then you don't have to read all that publicly? >> That that's it's actually been discussed in the policy committee already that we can have a streamlined version. And I think it will be I I I'm sorry that I'm jumping in, but I I attended I attended a recent policy committee meeting and
>> well, not the verbiage before the I think she's talking about the verbiage. >> No, I understand and I think we talked about that. The idea is you could decide perhaps it could maybe read once in the beginning and then there's various options and because it is in the and you
can refer to the you can and it is also possible to refer to the >> what's in the agenda there's >> refer to the public >> there's there's various ways that could be done and I think that um >> so it could be done and it's a lot of words and it certainly I and I've I've said this myself
>> you need a >> it doesn't have to be done it certainly doesn't have to be done in So there's various ways it could be handled. The one thing to remember about that is >> it's always it's important to have something that's consistent and presented so that it makes it easier to
enforce. So it so so it's but it was actually we've actually discussed ways that that could be streamlined a little bit. >> Okay. >> So we that yes the answer to your question is yes it can be streamlined. >> Okay. So we'll hear about that from either policy minutes or continuing business followup. >> No.
>> Okay. But minor comment about that the people here present in the beginning might be different than the people present in the end because they come after executive sometimes. So if you read the full in the beginning but not in the end or not not in the end at all then those not hear it at all unless it's
>> Yeah. I'm curious about the please refer to approach. >> Okay. So with that, I would like to know if there's a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion second. >> Second. >> Got enough for tonight.
>> And then the meeting is journed at 7:44. >> Oh, wait. All in favor? >> I. >> Anyone opposed? Any abstensions? Motion carries.