The New Jersey public the New Jersey public's meeting law was enacted to ensure the right 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 this provision 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 a star ledger and express times and submitted to the town clerk of the town of Belvier on January 15, 2025.
The meeting will be livereamed at ww.bevierd.org. Flag salute, please. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under
God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The mission of the Belvadier 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 version 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 a 21st century society. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Blum. >> Mrs. Serbone
>> here. >> Dr. Zith >> here. >> Mrs. Duckworth >> here. >> Mr. Scott. >> Ms. Stefen >> here. >> Miss Walton >> here. >> Mrs. Wer >> here. >> Ms. White >> here. >> Mr. Cherelli >> here. >> Mrs. Gardella >> here. >> Mrs. Mr. Wtham.
All right. So, we are going to move on to our student recognition. >> Hey, Mr. Hoy, are you out there? >> There he is. >> Excellent. So, Mr. Hoy is going to be joining me as we recognize the outstanding achievement
and leadership of our newly inducted National Honor Society students. The National Honor Society is a national organization that recognizes student achievements under the four pillars of the organization. Scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Membership in
the society is by invitation only based on students who meet the criteria set by the organization. At Belvadier's chapter, students are eligible for membership once they have completed their sophomore year of high school. In mid July, once grades are finalized, students who have met the minimum GPA
requirement set by our chapter receive eligibility letters. For the Belvadier chapter, students must have either an unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.7 or a weighted cumulative GPA of 4.0. Students then work on their application where they document their service hours and
involvement in our school and community. Students must also answer essay prompts based on the pillars of the society. Once the school year begins, a faculty council made up of teachers from different disciplines meets to discuss each applicant and decides if each candidate is offered membership. The
council is looking for well-rounded students who have committed themselves to their community and school, follow strong personal ethics, and volunteered at least double the expected graduation hours. All students should have 10 hours of service by the start of their junior year. The NHS is looking for a minimum
of 12 hours for membership. Once the faculty council votes on each candidate, members are informed of the decision. And these members were honored and recognized last month in November during our last board meeting. There was a separate event, so we wanted to make sure that we were able to recognize them
here as well. I'm going to start with the senior class of 2026. All right. There we go. No, >> there we go. Wonderful. All right. Thank you, Dr. Garcia, for uh taking the time here tonight and everyone on the board of education for your continued support
with our National Honor Society. Um obviously, as the seasons go on, commitments are there. So, we don't have our full crew here tonight, but we did have 22 new inductees uh last month in November, juniors and and seniors uh are
Please stand by. You >> want to use my mic? Yeah. >> This is this is lovely. Hello. All right. So, anyway, uh we had 22 members were inducted this last uh November at our uh induction ceremony. Uh we have a few of those folks here tonight. As Dr.
Garcia said, "These folks are are well involved in our community, have been involved uh in in different Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs, sports, our leaders on and off the field, in the classroom. So, it's great to have this opportunity. Once they get into the NHS, we have multiple different things that
we work on throughout the year. Our highlight being our blood drive, which uh we have twice a year. We had that in November as well. A lot of the kids donate as well as the rest of school and the staff. We do multiple service trips to Mirav, the senior community as well. our seniors just went um recently to
help out on cookie day with that. So, we have multiple trips. We have another one coming up in in January for that and really ways we can make our community and our school better. These are the best of our best and uh it's great to to be here tonight. It's been my my pleasure and privilege of being the
adviser uh for the last uh three or four years now. So, every year I'm I'm more and more blown away by the kids. So, thank you again for this opportunity. >> Thank you, Mr. Hoy. Okay. Addison Aggins, Sierra Chrisoy,
Dylan McGovern, Bailey Smith. Why don't we have You can come on up, guys. >> Yeah. Hand it to him. >> Where would you like >> um >> there behind?
>> Yeah. so the camera can see them >> and we'll do a nice group photo. >> Yeah, I'll take a picture. >> Thank you. >> You want to get in here, >> Dr. Garcia? All right, we have quite a few juniors. Jesse Valle, Troy Bomb, Vera Carson,
Alexander Ferrer, Cooper Foreign Stallone, Scarlett Foster, Wazal Wazalookski, Taylor Gulix, Nicholas Jones, Jada Larson, Bennett Linder, Olivia Maseri,
Autumn Maxwell, Lucas Ninnick, Brady Scott, Owen Schlifer, Alina Schat, Llaya Smith, and Sam Wlander.
Come on up here. >> You move faster. Come on. >> There you go. >> Good job, guys. >> Wonderful job. THANK YOU. MR. HOY, THANK you as well because I know this is a lot of work goes into
this um and the council of teachers who are are a part of this process. So, thank you all. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And kids, you are free to leave. You do not have to stay here. >> Okay, that is your present. Merry Christmas.
>> NICE JOB. OKAY, SO NOW WE are on to our student representative report. >> Okay, good evening everyone. First to report, the future educators of America had a very >> Give her the mic. >> It is. >> Yeah, it's it's just not close enough
cuz we're not hearing her. They had a very successful breakfast with Santa last weekend with the staff's children. The students who are acting as teachers aids will be helping with class parties next week. They will be planning a snow Olympic event for children who do not celebrate Christmas on the half day.
Their next project is to get ReadAcross America week planned on in the conjunction with the elementary schools. Leo Club does not currently have any events. In January, they will be helping the Lions Club with their chicken dinner and raffle. Next, the high school music department
successfully put on a holiday concert to a full house on December 11th. The musical has been cast and rehearsal rehearsals have begun. Seniors in the musical department will be rehearsing and performing with other seniors from area high schools in January at
Philipsburg High School. Nick Jones will be auditioning on the piano for a place in the North Jersey Region One Band or Orchestra on January 10th at Clifton High School. Finally, the FFA's recent citrus fruit sale was a great success. They would
like to thank everyone who supported them with a purchase. They also just recently finished their toy drive, and they appreciate all donations that help make the season brighter for others. In addition, the Floroculture class is finishing up their holiday sale, which includes wreaths, centerpieces, and poinsettas. Lastly, they have begun
planning for FFA week in February. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Yes. And you are free to go too. We will not hold you either. >> Thank you. >> But you can stay if you want. But
thank you so much. >> Go for it. If there's any whoever's sitting on that side, if you want to come and sit in the front, you're more than welcome to move over. >> I don't. >> Yep. Everybody else pretty much. >> Okay. >> Parents. Yep.
>> Okay. So, now we are on to committee reports. >> Mr. Bl. >> Sure. You want to do that in between there? Yeah, >> you can go for it. Is that Committee reports. Are we doing
>> Yeah, you want to do committee reports and then we'll do it. Okay. Yep. We'll do committee reports. >> Um Okay. So, an update for the policy and curriculum meeting. Um we met two weeks ago. We actually reviewed a ton.
Uh so, we reviewed policy 0167, which is for public comment. um and met with the attorney how we can tighten that up so that our um speakers within the cluster have sufficient time um
during our 30 minute limit. Uh we also reviewed our policy 7510 for use of facilities. So there's still some work to be done on both of those policies, but we had really good conversation around how we can improve and tighten up those policies.
Um we also discussed policy 6470 which is the booster club policy. So we will be um discussing a bit more on revising them and making sure um that those policies are tight and well and very clear.
We reviewed policy um 6470 which is around purchasing policy which is on the agenda today for first reading. everybody did get a chance to review that. Um, we updated language to require
a second level of approval if payments must be made prior to board approval. We also talked a bit around student cell phone use, which is policy 5516 in coordinates with the grant that we applied for. Um, we have not heard yet, at least I don't think, from the grant,
so we did not make any changes to that policy, but we did have a pretty healthy conversation around it. Um, we reviewed the curricular updates to ensure that we were in line with the state guidelines and the that adoption is on the agenda for tonight.
And I also just wanted to add that I currently have the old policy binders. Um, Shelley was very helpful and Dr. Garcia in getting to me them to me last week. I created a spreadsheet that has the the policies in the binder versus
the corresponding policies that we have today. There are some policies in that binder that we do not have. Um and it's quite a large task. So I will need some help and I don't know how we want to go about that. Um, but there were some
policies that we used to have that we currently don't at least that I couldn't find matches like the policy 1120 which is around a board of education meetings which listed out specific information that was required at certain times to be provided to the board which I thought
was really helpful. I couldn't find anything corresponding with that today. So, I think there is probably some gaps. Um, and we also did talk about Oh, wait. Is that what I had? Oh, no.
That's all I have for policy. >> I just I think um the policy for booster clubs is 9191. I'm not sure if it was that differently. >> So, I just wanted to make sure that that was >> I didn't catch the numbers. >> Oh, yeah, it is. Sorry, I read the 6470
which is for purchase. I just had them >> Yep. >> duplicated. >> Okay, that was it. >> Oh, no, wait, two more things. Sorry. >> No, no, go for it. >> We reviewed in regards to curriculum some district benchmarks. Um,
and then we also talked about the addition to some dual credits for our high school around agricultural science and landscaping, egg mechanics, egg science and floriculture. Um, which I believe is also on the agenda to review
>> and that was everything. >> Yep. It was quite a hefty meeting. >> Yes. >> Yes, it was. >> Good question. The the I zoned out for a minute. the policy book you said that you were corresponding with. Is that a Belvadier book?
>> Yes, it's a it's our old policies from school boards. >> Okay. >> Um that >> How old do you know? >> Like how far back? >> Just don't know. Um >> six, eight, eight years, I'm going to say at least. >> Yeah, the dates were in the 2000s.
>> Brian was still on the board. So, does anybody remember when Brian went off? >> Yeah. >> Right before Right when I started. How long you been on? >> I'm gonna say six or eight years. I'm I'm stay with that >> before. So, yes. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. And they do have game after that
>> that they were approved in which I did put in the spreadsheet. Now, honestly, I only really got through like four or five because it takes a while to compare and contrast. So, >> it's not a it's not a oneperson job for sure. Um and we should definitely take the time to review it because I do think
we're missing things. >> I think we I know we are. I know we are. Is that something that Strauss Esme would do? >> No. Strauss Esme agreed to give us a new policy book, but apparently did not agree to compare our policies with the new policy book. Okay. >> So that's where the gap comes in. When I
went back and looked at the emails, I want to say the emails are from 2017. So there's a date for you. That was apparently the agreement. >> Okay. >> But is NJSBA going to a um they're going to do the complimentary right >> policy? Okay.
My concern was, you know, as we go forward, we make changes to our policies based on things that happen and we need to, you know, we need to fix stuff, right? So, we had made all those changes to those policies in that book, but then when we switched to Strauss estimate, those changes got left behind. So, they
were changes we felt important enough to make and now we don't have. >> Yeah. They might not be they were they could be changes that weren't even required by law or a policy that wasn't required by law, but the district needed. So those wouldn't be in there because Strauss me estimate is just
giving every policy update by laws and by what has changed and what is needed. So anything that was in there that wasn't a legal requirement, Strauss Esme wouldn't have even had some of those policies because they were ones. >> Yeah. And they were pretty specific.
Like the one had that school enrollment, teacher to student ratio, all of this, a whole ton of stuff would be reported to the board by October 30th of every year. Right? So it seems that they're more processoriented around fitting in the the state policy
plus how to kind of implement it as well. >> Interesting. >> Okay. Any other questions on that meeting? No. All right. Tyler, you want to >> Oh, sure. Um, pull it up again. Sorry.
Okay. So, personnel, community relations, and sports ad hoc. um from the personnel perspective. We kind of reviewed some additions to the organizational chart chart and talked a little bit about some of the challenges that are being experienced with the
current structure and you know just looking for ways to make sure that we're covering um all bases and keep things moving forward and improving to for the best for the school, students, teachers. Um we are also looking to build the ESY program and what that's going to look
like. Um, we had some we had two candidates I believe for the special service coordinator. Is that the right right area where we did? Um, and I think we kind of sat on one which is on the agenda I think at this point at now.
We talked a little bit about having a preschool instructional candidate. Um, and that's an important um, role because it has to have certain certifications and training. So, we have someone I think also is on the agenda. I don't know. Okay. So, we have someone of
interest at this time. Um I'm not sure where we are right now with that and how far that's gone, but that would be be a shared service um employee also. And we are looking to do some interviews with certain um teachers for long-term
social studies program. I think Mr. Carabinos was completing a second interview, so we'll see where that goes. That one's actually on the agenda. >> Okay, that one's on the agenda. So, that went well.
>> Um, sorry that we're a little behind with this. And then we are recommending some tenure which I believe is also going to be on the agend. We have the sidebar carpenter. >> No, we have a candidate. We have one person that's going to >> Oh, they get to speak for him. >> Yeah,
>> it's February or March. We have >> Yeah. And then we have the sidebar carpenter role which is also on here. We talked about the need for that and um you know why that was something that we needed to look to. We talked about some different aid um possibilities and we're
just not really getting the candidates. So we discussed different ways to try to pull in some additional talent, some incentive programs, things of that nature. Um we're really hoping to get some more candidates in with that because we and Dr. I know Garcia reached out to the Warren County Special
Services. So, we're really doing a lot on our end as an outreach to try to to fill those needs there. Um, sports ad hoc, we talked a little bit about the winter sports and we had the preseason sports update. Um, we talked a little bit about the basketball, the JV and and
varsity. Um at that time prior there was uh tryyouts and we talked about the need for hopefully having a freshman team but again you know being able to get the coaches and things of that nature. Um and just building the freshman sports
I think probably through a lot of the different programs just to help the the high school sports build up and be more successful as they go on. We reviewed requirements for the coaches and onboarding and the process that new coaches have and different onboarding
instructional pieces that they can get for um from our ad. We talked about some of the staff attendants at games and just making sure that we are always putting our best foot forward as far as you know how staff behaves and how our kids behave and things of that nature.
We're looking to have a girls flag football. We have about 10 interested now and of course that's again something that we would be looking to to have a coach fill and that would be for next year. Uh we're also looking for wrestling coach for the girls and that
would be in the 26 to 27 school year. For community relations, we talked about the articulation agreement and some of the dual credit classes which is also on the agenda. So we'll talk a little bit more as that goes. Um and then just adding additional schools to the program
to really enhance that that program through the district. Any questions? >> Um yeah, I just have a comment around like the advertising for the AIDS. So, I just went and took a look at what the advertisements look look like and on our
school website. There really is there's no job description and it really looks like certifications are required in just the way that it's laid out. Um, so I was hoping that maybe we could consider
advertising in a little bit of a different way, possibly posting the job descriptions in there and also the pay um the pay scale. I I believe new New Jersey law requires that every job position or posting has the pay available. Um
just to let people know kind of in advance what they're getting getting into and and maybe updating it more of like an advertisement. I I know no other schools don't do it, but we could maybe be the game changer and just say
something like join our small exciting great family type school district. Here's the job description. Here's what the pay is and what you get. Um just to see if we can get any additional interest. I think most people who are not part of a school district who are
looking for that type of job are going to go to the school district's website and ours just is pretty lackluster in that department. >> I had I had one question. I assume the flag football for girls is a fall sport. >> Correct. >> Okay. So, >> no.
>> Is it spring or it's a spring? Oh, it's just Thank you for clarifying. Yeah, we were um gauging interest. There is interest in it. Um um Mr. Carabinus actually went to a meeting today but we he and I have not had a chance to touch base about it but
it's a spring sport. >> Um one comment about that there the kids are saying there may or may not have been a discrepancy on the number of students that were interested. They thought more in the low 20s as opposed to the 10 which compensate you know could be a team at that point.
>> Um so double check the numbers on that. Um, and then uh only because you brought up the girls wrestling, I guess I could bring it up here. Um, there is appropriate singletes for female wrestlers and not sure that we
have those um on hand for them. >> I actually just got a similar concern from a parent just now >> and we have more female wrestlers now. So, they're wearing >> just bought uniforms for them. >> They said no, they're wearing um boys
the girls. >> Then they didn't come in. >> I thought we just ordered. >> We ordered >> girls wrestling >> girls singlets. Yeah, we did. So perhaps they're not in yet. >> Perhaps. Okay, awesome. Thank you. >> Um I have a just two quick followup
questions for the new coach on boarding. You you had mentioned teller that they can get training, additional information from the AD. Um I think that's a significant difference between can and will get training. So, is it will or can?
>> We we have a system in place if I'm correct. So, they will get training. Um, we're looking to get a little bit more information on exactly what that training entails so that we can make adjustments where we see. >> Okay. And then my only other followup is
um excellent to hear about the flag football, but just curious what the cost analysis of running that program will be, especially I know since our budget has been tighter and um you know projecting busing equipment, paying a
coach. I think that's important before we approve another sport to add as an expense. Um it's nice that we can offer it, but I think being financially responsible, we need to talk about those before we approve. >> Any other questions, comments?
>> So, we we would probably just on that now that I'm thinking about it. So, the cost analysis, I guess, before. So, first it's interest, right? And then we'd have to do the cost analysis and that would >> we'd have to do interest. We'd have to, you know, that's what we're doing right now. We're looking at are there other
teams that we could play? how many other teams could we play potentially? Um, you know, I know it was a discussion today at his meeting because we were able to cross paths in the hallway, >> but we haven't been able to sit down. Okay, >> that is part of the conversation is going to be cost analysis and you know
what does that mean? Where are the, you know, the games, >> all of it. Sure. >> So, that's a part of the process when we're looking at all of this. Okay. Um, but I know it was definitely a conversation today. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And that followup will be brought to the sports ad hoc committee and then it'll
>> Okay. Yes. >> Any other questions or concerns on any of that? >> Nope. >> Okay. And what else do we have? >> Um finance. >> Um finance. >> Okay. Um so the boilers. So good news.
Grants are out and submitted averaging 50 to 70% rebate. Um um CM3 Building Solutions submitted proposals to replace two high school boilers. Proposals in review and we're waiting for proposal and review process. I'm waiting for
approval. The proposal does not include engineering drawing fees at this point. Not sure if it would be needed. Um but if it is needed, we have one and would request a second a proposal. still have 168,000
in reserve budget which would help to cover the total cost which would be about 40% including the grant above roofing. The initial proposal by Peret and Sumjen was around $10 million with
193K upfront um for a referendum. No indication that it is given back in referendum. They brought in a second opinion John Forcaro and um they will also help to do the referendum service which was not
initially included in Peret and Sjamjen. Um schematics reviewing long range facilities for $5,000 is a part of that expense. The referendum would be about 5.3 million. Total roof cost monthly um total roof
cost monthly cost to taxpayer has not yet been determined. That'll have to be something that's determined um down the line and bond council will be involved in the referendum process to calculate. Uh it is advantageous to move forward with the second proposal due to the
significant cost savings compared to the initial proposal that we received. but we are still confirming that it's still the same services included as the first proposal. Additionally, uh we're looking to formally kick this off in September and
uh could be ready by next November's election. Uh the referendum will support the cost of the roof replacement up to 40% as mentioned earlier, 60% um the other 60%
would be covered by the the grant. >> Um and then there's a possible >> out district >> out of dis but say it again >> the other 60% plus is covered by the district. >> Okay. Thank That's what the the um referendum would be for >> possible new bill for 500 million for
support roofing costs from the state. Two districts in New Jersey contracted and received roof warranties for the four sections that were resurfaced in 2020 20 with from highra. They have 10 to 15year warranties which I think that was a new update because originally we
didn't think anything was covered under warranty. Um so that's good to hear that um there is a part of the roof covered under warranty from what we originally understood. Treasurers treasurers can range between $3600
I think to about $5,600 depends on um you know the estimates that you receive and the number of accounts that they would be uh monitoring monitoring. Uh I just want to clarify
with that one. The 5600 was what was paid before with the treasurer that was in district. 36 is the starting price that they had given us, but it really can go much higher depending on the district and the need that they have. So there's there wasn't really a cap on how much higher it could go.
>> So we paid 5600 previously. Okay. >> So there's no CPA required for a treasurer. Just review checks and balances and can move forward with a price. uh Dr. Garcia will reach out for a potential candidate for actual costs.
We need to have board discussion to determine if we want to go the route of pursuing a treasurer. Um but currently having a treasure is not required by law. Treasurer duties rolled into BA duties as being an employee of the district and should be referred to in
the cash report. Um, and if it is not an employee of the district, duties must be outlined separately. Life skills room. There's a lot going on with this, but this is exciting. Uh, washer, dryer, and refrigerator on site.
Plumber is scheduled on 1229 and January 2nd for hookup. Um, all other items, including bed, cabinets are in progress. We're hoping for a January February operation date. I know it was mentioned in the discussion that we don't though
have um staff to staff the room right now. Correct. >> This the room does not require staffing. Um the question was with regards to other things relating to special ed, but it's not about the room and staffing for the room. >> Okay. We just don't have enough staff to
support the program right now. Is that >> the life skills room? The way it's going to be used is that the programs that we have in the district will be using the life skills room for part of their program and what they're doing. >> So staffing impacts the ability to return students as support is needed for
successful program development. It's a work in progress. Um booster club liability insurance. Brown and Brown stated that we are not being charged a higher price to provide coverage to booster clubs as long as there is oversight by the school. Booster clubs
are separate entities and the district does not supervise daytoday operations. So what I understood that to be during our meeting is that we don't need to pay an employee to be at the booster functions and they're not required. There is not a required staff member to
be at the booster club functions um to be covered under Brown and Brown. Correct. >> Correct. Correct. >> Okay. challenge as some booster clubs have been handed off year after re year. It's a parent, it's been historically a
parent run organization, so person managing the club may change year to year. Administration is continuing to research EIN numbers associated with booster clubs. The booster club can request their official name if unknown with the IRS, waiting on information for
the full list of booster clubs. they may choose to combine efforts to send one request to the IRS with a list of EIN numbers. So, originally I think we talked about Shelley and Dr. Garcia um us potentially reaching out to the IRS
to clarify those EIN numbers, but we're going to put that back on the booster club as long as it's not associated with the >> correct. It's a separate entity, so it should be handled by that entity. And we're still trying to research that right now to determine if any of the booster clubs are associated with the
EIN number, which the last time we met we had we were still in that process. >> Correct. >> I just know that there's some we had edits. >> Third Street update. Um cash deal, no financing. Close date is January 6. It can be rolled into a capital reser
reserve or maintenance after June 30th, 2026. Currently, it will roll into the general fund. And I think we talked about the money being rolled into the general fund. It wouldn't be utilized necessarily to cover the deficit that we would be that we have, right?
>> We discussed that we don't necessarily have a deficit right now, but if we did that, that those funds would be available in the current year because that money would be deposited into the general fund. But we would anticipate more likely that those funds will be able to put be put into maintenance
reserve or capital reserve or used as budgeted fund balance and p pulled over into the future budget years and we're trying to utilize it the best we can to give us a little more life for several years. >> Yes. So Shel's going to try to protect that money especially for 2026 2027
budget. Um and then forecasting we have an improved outlook for it has be um and is already started for the upcoming budget and we are looking for child study team estimates. >> That's it. Any questions?
>> Uh yeah I have a couple. Um so for the warranty portion of the roof would that reduce the cost of the estimate if parts of that roof are currently under warranty? So, we have like many sections to our roof. We have like a pretty simplistic map and it's
all labeled with different letters. So, the the parts that we've been discussing for the last probably year that are in need of repair are not the ones that are under warranty. It's there's four sections that were um redone in 2020.
Those have 10 um 15 and 15 to 20 year or 10 and 15 year warranties respectively. Um, so they're still under warranty, but they're they're pushed out till like 20 30 35 and but right now they don't they don't need repairs. >> Okay. >> So that's why we really like this the
sections that we've been looking at that we need to fix are out of warranty. >> Okay. And then the estimates are for just those sections that need to be fixed >> sort of. Yes. So right now we have two proposals. One they're they're estimating that the referendum will be
around $10 million. Um, and theirs is just, I believe, the areas that need repair now. And then the second proposal that came in, they estimated that the repairs were closer to like the high four millions, but they said potentially
maybe just do all the other four sections as well, the ones that are that were under warranty, but they might maybe possibly just add them all. And that's what they came up with, the $5 point some million dollars. Since there's such a disparage in the numbers and also the costs, we're just
looking into those a little deeper um to figure out like at this point I don't think that we would throw in the roof the sections that don't need repair because the numbers were already so high to start with but we're we're just drilling down a little more. But the first proposal I just want to clarify
from Pat Samjan um the the total was 193 but that's over that that includes a percentage based upon the the total referendum. Like so if you go out for bid and it's $9 million the architects usually get a percentage of that cost. So they're estimating what the projected
roof bid would be and then that's all tied into that $193,000 number. The proposal we got right now from Gian Fukaro, they gave us a proposal for $5,000 just to get things going. Um, do some schematics. I mean, it was a lot included for the 5,000. So, it's
excellent. But then there'll be a percentage of the um construction cost eventually added for their fee and then they're saying then they would give us that $5,000 back. >> So, that was the kind of the rebate, but right now it's we're still need to look at what's their percentage versus Brett
Sjun. We're not we knew we not comparing apples and oranges, but that's just how the proposals were written very differently. But it's still we think was a really good proposal from GM Proaro and also different information because they're proposing that the whole roof would, you know, I think they said like $42 a square foot. It's 105,000 square
foot of roofing would be, you know, around the four or five million range versus closer to 10 million. It's a big difference. Um, so we we really need to narrow that in, but regardless, it will all go out to bid and that would end up being, you know, the cost. Okay. >> Whoever's estimating doesn't
necessarily, you know, set the the price. >> Why is an architect? >> Well, um, I mean, there's definitely issues with going through if we're going for referendum and having to do Department of um, education applications
and getting all that approved. Um, but also like the schematics and how we're going to bid it. Like what type of roofing do we want to go with? Like there's different plenty of different ways that you can roof. And we have to um make decisions on which one and how we're going to put the the bid specs
out. And that's where we would need the architect slashengineers to put all that together. Um, initially it's also important because we have more than one um, layer of roof up there already and it's determining can we add another
layer or can't we? And since our meeting um, I have very recent information from today is that the company that we do have the warranties with that did do the repairs in 2020, they're actually coming out and they're saying no, we don't have to go through these two roofing systems. we can do what we did in 2020 to these
sections and it will dry out the under layers where like because the core samples that we've done so far show that there's moisture throughout. Um so we're definitely still looking into these other options and that's where definitely not my expertise. Andrew um
Mr. Kennedy is much more averse than I am and you know so we've been working well together but we need the expertise because it's very expensive to fix them and there's you know several ways you can go about it. Um so that's what we're looking
into. Thank you. That was very helpful. And then in your last statement you said that there was an estimate for child study team. What that for? In the notes, you just said we're waiting on an estimate for child study team. >> How much it will cost for
>> projections? That's more about projections to see um how many students and the kind of programs that we need >> for 2026 27. >> Okay. Any other questions? No. Okay. That was it then, right? There's three. >> Yes. >> Okay.
>> That was a lot. >> Yes. >> Yes. There's a lot in each of them. Very productive. >> Yeah, it was productive. >> Um, all right. So, now I need a motion to go in executive session for >> Oh, yeah. If you want to do that first, we can do that first. Yep, sure.
>> We I we just wanted to take a moment to recognize Mr. Blum. Um, who has served on the board of education for just shy of 15 years since May 4th, 2011. um this is his last meeting as a board member.
So we wanted to take a moment just to recognize him and thank you for your service um to our school community and you know just belier in general. Thank you. >> It's been a satisfying uh service and time for me to pass the baton on to
somebody who's faster. Well said. >> Thank you for all your years. >> Okay. So, now we're going to look for a motion to go to executive session for matters rendered confidential by federal
law, state law, and or court rule, attorney client privilege, and personnel. Can I have a motion? >> Second. >> All right. All in favor? >> I I >> Any abstensions? Okay. Uh let's see. Any
discussion held by the board which need not remain confidential will be made public as soon as practical. Minutes of the private session will not be disclosed until the need for confidentiality no longer exists. All appropriate persons who may be discussed in private session have been adequately
notified. The board will reconvene in public session at the conclusion of the closed session in approximately you thinking half hour. >> Half hour. >> We're going to be optimistic. A half hour. Okay. Yeah.
All right. >> Send them out. >> Yep. We're sending them out. >> Sending them out. Good. I don't want to walk with my car. >> Go see the basketball game. Who was the motion in the second? Oh, it's wrestling. That's right. It's wrestling tonight.
>> Okay, we are on to public participation. >> We very much welcome public input from welcome input from the public. There are two times during regular meetings that the public is invited to speak. One time is early in the meeting before the board votes when you may speak about any item
that is listed on tonight's agenda. Towards the end of the meeting, there is another public forum to address any matter of public concern related to the schools. To ensure fair and efficient meetings, each public comment session will be limited to a total of 30 minutes at the discretion of the presiding
officer. When you approach the microphone, please state your name, town, or city, and group affiliation. Each statement made by a participant shall be limited to 3 minutes. Time may not be yielded to other participants. All statements must be directed to
presiding officer. No participant may address or question board members individually. Please understand the public comment portion 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 comment. 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 members of the public. Members of the public are cautioned that
they are speaking at their own risk and any statement they make that are directed at a particular individual or individuals may subject them to legal liability for defamation. Please also understand that students and employees have specific legal and
privacy protections. The board will not respond to public in public to comments about students and employees. That's a mouthful. Okay. Okay. Any public participation tonight after all that on agenda items? No. Okay. Let's go
for agenda items. >> Oh, no. Correspondence first. >> Now I get to read >> the first one. Is this Can you hear me, Eric? You're good. Is she good? Can you hear?
Yes. Okay. Um, the first one is from Dina Kleslowski. Please accept this letter as formal not notice of my resignation from my position as a speech language specialist with the Beler School District due to my retirement from the workforce. My last day of employment will be June 30th,
2026. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have been given and for the professional growth I have experienced during my 24 years of service to the district and its students. Working alongside such dedicated educators and staff has been a privilege and I will cherish the many positive memories from my time here. I
have sincerely enjoyed the opportunity to help students develop essential communication skills and contribute to their success and well-being. I am grateful for my time and growth at Belvadier and the relationships established with my students and their families of this wonderful tight-knit community. I have also cultivated many
deep and long-lasting relationships with my colleagues in parentheses my friends and staff and consider them an extension of my family, my Belvadier family. Thank you again for your support and for an incredibly rewarding career. I wish you the staff, the students, and the entire school district continued success in the
future. And the next is a letter from Dolores Hethus. Um Lori, it is with cedar pride and commitment as an administrative assistant to the Belv School District for 25 years that I
announce my retirement from this fine school of my heart as of June 30th, 2026. I am ready for my next chapter and leaving with the class of 2026 who I have seen grow through kindergarten to these absolute finest young adults. I have had the pleasure of seeing them
flourish. The kindness, the warmth, the love I have seen over the years is glowing in this class of 2026. I know I can keep going and find the next class to be just as fabulous. However, I know it's time to be with my family and nurture my grandbabies. I came here in n
back in 1999 as an answer to the press newspaper and while on vacation as a legal assistant I decided to answer the ad and to my surprise I was granted an interview then offered a position to which going back to my law firm in Ledgewood to give my notice I found another position. Then at the end of
that year the job is dissolved by which I go back to the law firm and are given my job back. Then in 2001 my superintendent at the time Mr. Patrick Spagneli offered me my job back once again by sending me a note promising a contract. I gave my law firm notice and
came back to BHS and never looked back. I have worked in all three schools, Third Street School, BHS, Oxford Street, aka Belvadier Elementary. I have held every single secretarial secretarial position in the district and had the pleasure of working under 10 principles as their assistant and athletic director
at the same time and finally landing as principal/CST administrative assistant. I have been blessed to have have health insurance for my children from the time they were little and that alone as a single mom helped my commitment to work hard for BHS and wherever I went I enjoyed every single second at the school with the staff and the students
loving them with all my heart. I am grateful you let me be the queen of too many exclamation point exclamation points and to be a cheerleader every day except for only two times. Once for breaking the postage machine in the district office in 2003 and they threw me out and then getting kicked out of
the library in 2005 for being too excitable and too happy for just laughing and enjoying the students. It has been my pleasure to be with you all and my prayer is that BHS thrives and continues to keep going and growing. May God bless. May God continue to bless
BHS. With all sincerity of my heart, I want to thank you for letting me be a small part of the big life here at Belv High School. In him, the Loris Hus. Um, I just I don't know if you noticed my U log here. I ordered this from Mr. Duckworth and his students, the
agricultural students. I love it. I can't wait to uh bring it home and put it on my table. Beautiful. So, thank you. Um we had give gotten an update about the life skills room. We're very excited for this and we're, you know, as u mentioned by Mr. Robotham, really looking forward
to hopefully inaugurating it January, February, as long as um everybody keeps their appointments and there's no major snowstorms. Hopefully, that'll happen. Um as an FYI, audits were due for completion by December 5th. um to the
state. However, because of our enhanced part to the audit, um it did require additional time. I did inform the county office of this um so that they were aware and I have been able to confirm our auditor um to present to us his audit report on January 28th during our
board meeting. Um I did want to take a moment and just thank Danielle Rambo for her years of service in the district. Danielle um has resigned, but you know, she's leaving us in January and we wish her the best. she has been in the district for over 20 years. Um so I felt that that you know definitely should
have been recognized. So um very excited to announce 25 26 teacher and educational services professionals of the year. Um they were announced last week internally to the community's uh members on Monday. I believe I sent the notice out. But our Belvadier Elementary
School teacher of the year is Taylor Prrislac. Bubba Deer Elementary School Educational Services Professional of the Year, Amanda Capola. High School Teacher of the Year, Aaron Feldman, and High School Educational Services Professional of the Year,
Carrie Kimble. Um, congratulations to them all. I do um look forward to recognizing at the board level in the near future. Um, I'd also like to give a quick shout out to nurse March and her colleagues for supporting the Belvadier community throughout their various
efforts, um, which is volunteer time to coordinate a holiday to toy drive, gift card program for holiday grocery items and so much more for our community members. This goes above and beyond their day-to-day duties and it is greatly appreciated. Um, congratulations
to Mr. Zeta and Mr. Reed and all of their students who performed at our holiday concerts. We had a concert last night for Lee Elementary School and we had the high school concert the week before. Um the melody was magical and the spirit was festive. It was wonderful. Um great to see our students
in um their best. Lots of sparkly outfits um nice little jackets. It was really really nice to see. They did a great job. Um I did also want to just give a quick followup from the uh presentation Dr. McKenna had done. There were a few questions that I wanted to
make sure you got answers on. Um, one of them was the Warren County Community College and are they doing placement tests? They are not currently doing placement test. Um, dual enrollment C courses in 2425 we had 17 courses. 25 26
15 courses with the articulation agreements. That's going to go up a little bit that number. Um, we had in 2425 120 students take advantage of those courses. and in 2526 115 students. So we are um very much looking forward to the
opportunity to kind of build that program and to have more um articulation with um colleges, community college um Delval I believe was the other one that we had and Sunni. Thank you. Um so we are you know
I really give credit to our teachers um who help develop these programs. We send that information out to the universities to colleges and they tell us whether or not it's going to count for their program. um and and those are really really big deals because as you know if they can take the course here that means they're not paying for those credits
over there. So um it's it's a really great thing to be able to offer our students. So thank you to the staff for that as well. Um there was a question about graduation pathways um and Dr. McKenna was able to get us a breakdown of last year's graduation pathways.
There's multiple so bear with me. Um, the first pathway is to take the NJ GPA for ELA and math and we had 37 students do that. The second pathway is to take an NJPA test which an ELA and or math and then
an SAT ACT or PSAT score in the other subject. Um, we had 13 students do that. Uh third is to have an NJ GPA test um in ELA andor math and then a
portfolio assessment in the other subject. Um that was 14 students who did that. Um the following pathway is to have the SAT ACT or PSAT score and a portfolio. Again, each time it's one
subject in one of those areas. Um following that that was two students. We had um ELA and math portfolio for both subjects and we had three students um with that graduation pathway. Then we have an alternate ELA and math
assessment that is a DLM. It's called dynamic learning maps that is for um students who are eligible through the special ed programs and their IEPs. um and it is for our more significantly um complex students and they have there's a certain criteria to be able to take that
assessment um and we had seven students take that assessment in math and ELA. The other is to take that alternate DM assessment in um math and then do the ELA portfolio. We had three students do
that. And then finally, um the NJ, um GPA, ELA, and the alternate assessment. We had one student who was able to do that. >> So, that's a lot of information, I know, but um we just wanted to make sure you got the answers to your questions. >> And that's all I got.
>> How many students were in that graduating class? >> I have to add it all up. >> I just did and I got 79. Does that sound right? >> There's 81 at one point. There was 81 at one point. I know. >> I don't know. I that >> I don't know how many this >> I was just curious. >> Sounds roughly right. My math is right.
>> 81 at the beginning of the year, but then I don't know where they ended. >> Yeah. >> The year finally. >> Okay. Just curious. >> Um but I will also point to the presentations that you see in the two screens. Um this is a lot of the happenings that are um throughout the days at the school and um I got so much
this time and I know that you know as the months continue we'll get more and more information but we are putting it out here. These are all the great things that our students are doing. um with their teachers and whether it's in school or community project, whatever it is. So um you know, I invite you to look
at those and um I really do appreciate that they are able to send me the information um and help me with I had concerns about the bases and I said please make sure they have releases. Thank you. Um so lots of great things happening and uh we're looking forward to a lot more.
>> Great. >> Thank you so much. >> I have questions just really quick. Um please thank uh Dr. Dr. McKini for getting us the graduation. I was wondering would it be um would it be helpful to maybe have that mapped out on
a grid format on the school website because I think as a parent it would be helpful that so I think it would be it would inform parents more clearly of what the expectations are around the can. >> Yeah. And for some of this, do you have
to qualify to be able to do some of these assessments? Um, but I can talk to Dr. McKinn. >> Yeah, maybe like a high level like this and this. These are your most common >> multiple pathways, right? >> Um, because I thought that was very informative and helpful. The other um
thing I wanted to ask um just looking at um you know placements after high school, I know that for children with IEPs, there's a letter that used to go out um after graduation that would try
to gauge um what kind of placement they had, whether it was like in a a trade school or they're advancing through college. Do you know what we do with that information when those those surveys are returned and how we use that information?
>> No, I can ask Dr. McKenna about that. >> Okay. And then my last question was um >> just to clarify that's specific to students >> with IEP. >> Okay. And then um my last question was I was wondering if the board can get a count of how many resignations that we've had
over the past two years and then if we have any insight on the the reasons for resignations and um if there's anything that we need to look at addressing from a staff satisfaction. I'm sure that may be the record as a
whole number. >> Yeah, should be able to >> How many resignations? We can tally them from the board. Um minutes. >> Yeah. >> I don't think we do exit interviews, so you're not going to have that other information though. >> Yeah, the why is the Right. >> I think that's important to start to
>> Right. We I mean we can tally resignations, but the the why um >> I I wouldn't Yeah, I won't I wouldn't be able to speak to anything beforehand. Um you know, I will say that when >> it is my general practice,
>> okay, >> that I typically try to check in and see what's going on. So, >> but that's on a very um informal level and it's more of a conversation just to to get an idea. But that's I >> I think that's that's been done
informally. So you mean we could potentially gather some of it from the admin team. >> Yeah. Like if >> I think it's multiaceted though, so it might not be clear. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And I think we could also >> there's retirements and leaving, right? >> Yeah.
>> Want to break those out. >> And I don't know if next meeting is feasible or like the meeting after, but I Okay, let's go on to agenda items. So, it'll
be agenda items for policy is one. >> There's no add-ons for that one. Nope. So, it's agenda item policy one. Can I have a motion? >> Motion.
>> Second. Any questions? >> I had a question. Pull it up now. Again, um on the policy in when I was reading it in the first paragraph, it had um some of the wording in there just to
me was a little gray. So for instance, when it says the designation shall verify the voucher is properly submitted, what does that mean exactly? Like what does that entail? Like because I know we get into trouble sometimes with some gray areas. So I just
>> So policy would typically not be as explicit as what you're looking for. You would have that in your operating procedure. The reason being this way if you need to modify your process you you don't have to go through the whole policy approval.
So the the policy says it you have to have that process. How is separate? >> Do those two documents connect? >> Policies and procedures always should always connect. >> I mean I know that they ideally should connect but I mean do we have a way to
have them kind of link them? Yes. like refer to policy blah blah blah like the like the handbook like your handbook should reflect what your policies say. Okay. >> I I think we just have one standard
operating procedure, right? That that covers everything. And so there probably as we update policy, we need to review that should be reviewed to ensure that the practices of daytoday operations of
the district are consistent with the expectations of the policy. But as a board, our authority is policy. Mhm. >> So how it gets done would be would be out of the scope of the policy.
>> Any other questions on policy one? All right. So agenda item. All in favor? >> I >> I. >> Any nos? Any abstensions? Okay. So, on to personnel items, and
that is going to be 2 through 17 C. There's add-ons on your sheet for there's add-on to 11, there's 17 A, 17 B, 17 C. So, can I have a motion for
agenda items 2 through 17 C? >> Motion. Second. Any questions? Any concerns? >> I had a question, but maybe not. I just had it.
>> Well, I'm going to jump in while you >> Yeah, go for it. >> Uh, on item 17B, I This is that these individuals could be utilized as academic coaches. Do we know is this is for the uh is this in to
coincide with the winter sports? >> I doubt it. >> Oh, it's bees. Sorry, my bad. >> Yeah. >> All right. But is there sufficient demand then to support this or is this just we have them ready if >> the
there's always demand for academic coaching but we also want to make sure they're approved and in place. >> Okay. >> Was there a scenic or am I imagining this in the next >> Okay. Oh, wait. Then the next I thought I saw it somewhere. I thought it
>> the sidebar. >> Yeah. Where >> number seven sideways? >> Oh, okay. I just had a question about that. What's the um more details around that position? >> Scenic carpenter. >> It's it was actually a sidebar that was
in place last school year. Um it's to create the scenery for the play in the spring. >> So, we talked about that last school year. Um and it was associated, I think, with a a a stipend. Um, and we had
talked about possibly like in the future looking at volunteers or incorporating it into the wood shop class to try to save money. Is this going to be attached to a stipend? There's a stipen that goes along with this. Um, the I realize that
I believe it was a discussion last year to see if it could go through the wood shop classes, but when there were changes made with the schedule, the teacher that is teaching those woodop classes is also teaching elementary art classes. and it there's feasibly just no way of supporting that right now.
>> So, we also talked about parent volunteers um to support the scenic artwork. I mean, that's something that we do within our district and parents actually will help build the the scenic art. So, I'm just trying to look at ways to save district money, but if we want to
approve another position with a stipen then if we need it. >> And and to add on to that, wasn't it new last year? So, do we have any idea what we did in the past around the play and scenery? Because we did it after the fact.
>> That's right. >> From my knowledge of when I've been involved with things, um, the kids will help. It's not saying that just because this person's out the kids or parents wouldn't help because they could and
many of them will. Um, but it's been the directors and their families in the past. >> The directors >> the directors and the families putting in the hours >> and they've changed. >> Well, that shouldn't have been allowed. >> What do you mean? >> They shouldn't have had to have that
responsibility. And if that money was they did I mean it it wasn't they they had to or they had you know that they had volunteers. >> They came in they you know it it >> you know it's what they did. Is it the
same person? And then before it was a family volunt like it was part of the family >> of the director. Before that we had a wood shop again and then it we had a full day wood shop and the wood shop they actually had a class I believe called >> theatrical.
>> Oh yes design >> and that's when they would build the sets. But then when the wood shop >> went away correct >> it got absorbed into the current that the then director >> and then we got left with the blank. >> Mhm. And then this is how we started
putting it back. And the hopes this year was that if we had full wood shop that it would go back into the wood shop, but unfortunately, well, fortunately, unfortunately, we do have more wood shop classes, but we don't have full-time wood shop. So, it's just not >> How much is the stipen?
>> I think it's $1,000. >> And then and so is it the same person as last year that will be doing this car? >> Well, once the sidebar is approved, the position would get posted and then they and anyone interested would would apply. >> Thank you.
>> Yeah. >> So, we do definitely feel that there's a need just because there was a precedent last year. >> Not because there's a precedent because we need to build the scenes. I >> think that's why we think the need is >> but have we sought volunteers like obviously not the same ones as in the
past, but has it been put out it to at least rule out >> that there's not an opportunity for volunteers because it is harder to get them now. No, >> but did we at least do that diligence before we spend the money? >> What kind of
>> I did not >> for the play. >> What What are they making? >> Well, >> they literally just started rehearsals this week. >> So, I don't know that they have any >> is the senior on wheels like you know sometimes pretty elaborate. >> It depends. Some some scenes are really
elaborate, some aren't. Some schools are, some schools aren't. kind of depends on a budget too, like what you can even afford to buy for wood these days or canvases or I mean there's paint that just to go buy a gallon of paint. I
mean we've painted the stage many times. I've got my roller out. I've got you know we've painted boxes multiple times. We've you know the kids have spent four five hours here painting multiple times. So when you just go to the expense of paints and woods and it it school
expense that's not included in this $1,000. >> Well, to a point to a budget and then it's it's whatever the the clubs for any of it. You know, there's a budget for all of for all of these things and then if they need more or if it's not enough or the budget's lower or whatever it is,
then the fundraising and you know, it's they some activities have accounts that can afford things and other ones can't. So it, you know, depending on what the budget could even afford depends on maybe how many scenes are getting built,
whether it's four changes in a show, whether it's one for the whole show, whether you don't know, you know, it's it's >> and each show is different, >> right? So we know what the show is. So be
does this have to be approved today? I mean, school closes for a week and next week. What if we sought to see if there were volunteer opportunities? Got an understanding of what this year's demand is for the set for this particular show and had that before we decide whether or
not we need that, right? Cuz last year we did it after the fact because it had been a great deal. >> What do we do with the scenery after place? >> Some of it gets reused. There's a whole there's a whole room there's a whole area with old stuff. Um it gets reused
and recycled sometimes from what I know and what I've experienced. Um some of it you some of the schools are really great with they'll borrow from each other too like they'll you know give you you oh you did this last year do you you know and they'll swap stuff back and forth
>> which works really really good. Costumes they'll do the same things. Some of the schools are really really great about keeping their stuff and then you know sharing it or even just passing it on if they have too much stuff. So, there's always been a lot of that done to my knowledge and my experience with it. Um,
the the biggest thing I'm I would say is the show I believe is scheduled for the beginning of March. We wouldn't approve anything till our next meeting in January and then you have to put out for somebody to apply. You're talking about somebody not even
coming in till February, who knows when to have very limited time to put something together. And I have no idea. I I I have no idea what any of them are thinking. I >> So just just quick from an agenda
standpoint, why is it positioned like this as opposed to a stipen in the person's name underneath? because we don't have we have to post it for a anybody who's interested in the role >> and we don't need to put the amount. >> I think $1,000 is too high. I think
start lower if we're going to say we have to have this because we're on such a short timeline. I think once you start creeping up that's how we've gotten ourselves into trouble in the past um with finances. >> Is that the stipen was last year? Was that >> Yeah. So they're go we're going with the
>> I know but I'm just saying >> we didn't even approve that, >> right? >> Well, we did approve it after which is not proper procedure. >> No, but >> that that's a third of the treasurer. >> Yeah, but it is just for the position,
not for any supplies. Yeah. >> Thousand dollars here and there adds up, >> right? Looking at our budget. >> How do how do we come up with the number? I mean, >> it looks like it was that's what was last year what we approved.
>> But you just suggested some great ideas. >> Yeah. No, I mean there's lots of there's lots of things you can do, but >> I think >> we just said >> who said that? >> Didn't say that. >> No, that's reserved for the roof. That's for the
roof, Bob. >> Yeah, >> I wish. >> Yeah, >> that case. Sure. >> Yeah, >> if it has to be approved tonight, I should be lower. >> You're approving the position, not an amount, though. There's no amount here right now.
>> Oh, no. No, it's in the agreement. >> It's in the agreement, right? >> It's in the document we're approving. >> It is a sidebar that was in place last year. So, obviously, it would have to be approved, but you know, any >> any um discussion regarding the amount in the sidebar would have to be discussed with the association as a
matter of negotiation. And this is >> beyond what was they have apparently already agreed to this >> beyond >> these are things that like can't happen before it gets to the board for approval because then we end up in this >> and not direct you.
>> No, but this this was a part of the personnel committee meeting too. >> I wasn't >> I was I had it in there. >> It's on the minutes I >> Yeah, it was on the minutes. I read it. It >> our hands are tied. We're We're
>> kind of robot. Let me just say that the uh no it sounds like this was something negotiated with the association so weren't I think have to go back to the association in other words if you wanted to change the amount
>> that amount was negotiated that's coming forward to the >> so that's in the MOA from the last year that we approved after the services were completed >> this is a sidebar it's not part of the MOA >> okay It's outside in your packet. >> That's the only That's the reason it's
coming to the board because it's a sidebar outside of the MOA itself. >> So, as a process standpoint, just because I have no idea, >> when do these sidebars get discussed and negotiate >> as needed? >> Yeah.
>> So, but so all of that happened even before it came to the board to say, is this something that we are interested in doing? >> Well, was in place last year, right? It was in place last year after. >> So, we would just be renewing what had been done last year, right? But the difference
>> but the procedure itself would have meant that they had to go to the association and approve that side get an agreement on that sidebar before it came to the board which we approved after the services were already performed >> last year, right? Last year. So now it
is in place and if we do not want to vote for it or change the cost, we have to then go back to the association and ask. But we have no sight as to when these things are coming in our path to say hey wait we might want to consider changing. >> Typically the procedure would be things
come up all the time. So things come up and that issue was raised by the natural. Seems like that's exactly what happened that there was an issue about this position and granted it was already last year set but it sounds like the administration negotiated wasn't sounds
like the administration negotiated with the association. They prepared a sidebar agreement like that negotiate. It was discussed in the finance committee >> personel personel >> I'm sorry personnel committee person that's going to be doing it in the personnel committee in the minutes of
the personnel then it's put on the board agenda for approval at a board meeting. So that's typically the way. Now granted, if it was a huge issue, it it may be something that would come to the board earlier in the process or be discussed with earlier, but for
something like this, it seems like negotiated with the city, comes to >> they literally have to for the thousand. It sounds like >> you don't have to you don't have to have a play in this.
You don't have to you don't have to you could have a play without scenery know some I went to an opera once at the opera there was like no scenery was just like >> yeah but I think that's a separate issue >> that's a really extreme I think >> so so so no you don't have to approve it
all all I was suggesting was that this was something that was negotiated with the association so I don't know that >> so can I just ask clarify >> I think the issue at least for me is I don't recall it coming across our table as that came across the table after the
fact that he went above and beyond and therefore we wanted to give him >> was it last year? >> Yes, that's how it was. >> I have no idea what about this year. >> I know but that's the confusion with this negotiation. >> So when was this negotiation had I think that's where we're all getting >> confused. I don't think we were even that's what I'm saying. I don't know
that we negotiations wouldn't have negotiated that. So if that's what you're thinking that's not what would happen. It's negotiated between the superintendent and the not us. when was this sidebar negotiated? >> So, this is how it went down for at least from the time I've been here.
>> So, this situation, you know, there was a sidebar in place last year. >> There was a thought and maybe this is why it was this happened this way where that would sort of be taken care of during the wood shop had it been a typ, you know, what they originally planned. >> Makes sense.
>> Here we come. spring um time to start the process for the spring uh drama um play and we need scenery but now the scenery is not going to be able to be done during what they originally thought
maybe they could get it covered with that's how all of this came about. So then it was brought, we had this eyebar last year, we need the scenery for the play, took it to um personnel and this is how we got here,
>> but because it's December, so I mean, you know, >> no, I appreciate the timeline. Thank you. >> Yeah. So, okay, I could just business, but in the minute notes, maybe it needs to be more clear the items that are actually going to be on the agenda.
I I don't know, but I was not clear on that process. >> I having not been in that committee meeting and just reading the agenda item, the minutes, I'm sorry, from the personnel committee, it wasn't clear that this was something renegotiated.
>> I I don't think it was clear to >> that if we wanted to change it that it had to go back. So, >> yeah. So the people that were in that committee meeting are going to >> have a problem with it >> say if they have a problem with it. It should have been if there was a problem
at that meeting it should have been discussed >> as to oh we don't agree with this or don't agree with that and then >> not come to the board too you start thinking and that's why you know >> so the way it's written on the agenda back April 16th it says to appoint the
following co-curricular personnel for 24 to 25 as recommended by the superintendent scenic carpenter $1,000. It doesn't say a sidebar agreement. So, was it a sidebar agreement April 16th last year
or are we making it a sidebar agreement? >> I believe there is a sidebar last year. Um >> because that's not how it's written. >> I would have to go down and pull the sidebar book. >> Yeah. because if we vote on this today and if we're unclear, we may end up
putting a sidebar in than having to negotiate it >> um when it never existed back from last year. >> I mean, it did exist from last year. >> So, we just have to look at the minute then because this is for it doesn't say
cyborg on number eight. >> Is that in April? >> In April 16th. I don't have it with me, but I am almost I there was a sidebar. >> I don't think we can pay a position without a sidebar. >> Oh, we did apparently. >> I thought it was more like a like a
stipened like Yeah. >> doing some like Tyler said, it was doing something nice because he did all that work. >> That's how it we've ever paid anybody cuz we were being nice and they did all that work. >> That is how it was. That's how it was presented. >> That is how it was presented. And and
Dr. Garcia wasn't here then, but that is how it was presented. that and that's why it was done >> after the work had been done as opposed to this year now it's being done >> but formally it would probably have to be legally a sidebar >> I'm not saying it shouldn't been but
that's how it was presented as >> those two things aren't necessarily literally I have no idea what happened but it it's possible that the presented as look this person did the work we're going to do it that doesn't mean that there wasn't also a sidebar that was done >> right >> but then wouldn't that have to formally
go on the agenda for the board to then formally approve a sidebar. >> Maybe we approved the sidebar in a subsequent May. >> I'm going to say we can't change what happened last year. And the >> I don't think we can >> the problem with the issue right now is
do we want to approve moving forward with this year or not? And if we vote everybody can vote, you can vote yes or no. Like I mean fair for us to have to vote on it if we don't
know if it's a part of the sidebar or not because if we vote on it to guess today then we're making you actually are voting on >> on the sidebar >> right that's already agreement last year is not really >> the way how it was presented is that was
a sidebar from last year so you would already have to negotiate it if it didn't >> but I think the idea was rightly or wrong the idea was pay $1,000 less that >> I think that's but this is the sidebar agreement. Sidebar agreement doesn't
necessarily mean it's added to contract >> each sidebar is only for um either the length of a contract or one-year increments. >> Wait, but we know they're always renewed each year regardless if there was or wasn't one. >> Renewed or denied.
>> So like reinated or not or not needed the next year. >> Yeah. There's no play next year. Yeah. Well, >> it's, you know, one year at a time. We don't we don't change the entire agreement, >> right? Is that true? >> I have it right here. It was in the packets. >> So, my concern is
>> right. Precedent was set last year. And it feels like because of that precedent, there's more pressure there. It there's a greater expectation that it'll happen now. But my question is okay if if we do it for this year cuz now
there's two years can we at least if it look at it next year earlier than December so we have information to understand what is the need last year it had already happened so we had the information to understand the volume of
work and time this year right now we're making a decision without that data to know because it hasn't been figured out yet. So, can we just ask that if this comes up next year, we have that information. So, we're making an educated um
a more informed decision than speculating, right? They might get very new wave and it's like four curtains and three boxes for whatever the play is. >> Well, yeah, every year there's going that that's the problem. Every year it might be different work. It might be 2
hours this year and might be 20 hours next year. >> But we need that information every year to make the decision. >> Just just quickly, I just want to I have the sidebar for the current the one that's on the agenda tonight. It says this just going to skip to the last sentence which is this side bar agreement is in effect until June 30,
2026. >> Yeah, that's what I see here in April. So we don't >> No, this is the one we're that's on now. because he does. >> But the one from April also was last year. >> It should say that one probably should say June 30th, 2025.
>> But in any again, last year was last year. >> The one that you're voting on today says this agreement is effective till June 30th, 2026. So it's just for this year >> April 16th said >> in the minute >> usually the sidebars are for that
contract but it's only one year that's what I say >> this would be not inconsistent with that >> would be not inconsistent with that because it's just >> yeah I can't Okay, I think that's helpful.
>> Any more questions? Okay, this is on roll call. >> Mr. Blum. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Serbone. >> Yes. >> Dr. Zabith. Yes, >> Mrs. Duckworth. >> Yes, >> Miss Stefen. >> Yes, >> Miss Walton.
>> Yes, >> Mrs. Wer. >> Yes, >> Miss White. >> Yes, >> Mr. Cherelli. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Gardella. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Robotham. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, that takes us to
one more page. Sorry. education items and that's items 18 through 26 with no add-ons. Can I have a motion for education items 18 through 26? >> Motion.
>> Second. >> Any questions, concerns? No. >> Uh, wait. 18 through 26. >> Yep. 18 through 26. Oh, these the I had a question on this
one. Oh, yeah. I had a question. So, just going back to some of the things we talked about with the insurance. Why are why are some of these trips with boosters in parenthesis?
>> Just saying because it's funded by the booster club. has the board asked that it be indicated um whether it was a booster club trip or not at a previous meeting. So we tried to make that >> I do remember that clear y >> for you all. >> So are these booster funded or they
>> booster funded? >> Yes. >> So >> and this is because the booster clubs are approved for our for insurance purposes through the school. >> So they have to put in requests for field trips and fundraisers and all those types of things. >> This is a part of that oversight. So, this is um
>> Mhm. >> So, we I think it was on here before about the Halloween Dorney Park and then it was indicated. Oh, that was actually a booster club trip. So, then so we tried to just indicate for you so you knew where the trip was coming from, >> right? And permission slips are now
being incorporated also. >> Oh, okay. And so the booster clubs um >> and each one is more active or you know different activities than other but >> and because it's booster funded we do we have to vote on that? >> We put them on because we cover the
booster clubs for insurance purposes. >> Right. Okay. >> Oh yeah. >> So this is like our oversight. Um so we have to be somewhat involved if we're going to cover them under our umbrella. >> Right. >> So this is our involvement >> which as previously discussed we're not being charged any extra. We don't pay
anything extra for it, but we're just supposed to have some oversight of the board. So, approving their trips gives us a little oversight. >> Um, I do have a question about the senior class trip. Um, it's still uh in process of being what the
>> supervision and plan will be like. It's still a work in progress, right? >> Yes. >> That's the overnight >> the overnight uh senior class trip. Yeah. which is a school event, not a booster club event class. >> Any other questions?
>> I I just have one more of a comment. So, I'd like to consider reviewing in one of in the one of the committees. I'm guessing that it's policy. Um just some understanding of when like we get these
contracts that we're being asked to approve after they've been signed. And I understand that there is some things that need to be signed prior to, but it kind of leaves us in this space. So I think this is for the um approved school contract, the New Jersey
Department of Human Services Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. That contract is already signed. So it feels weird as that the board is approving something that's signed. If we don't approve it, it's >> a signed contract. Um, >> this one specifically, I mean, it it
comes from the state and I don't really know that we have any I've never actually put them on before. It's just Dr. Garcia asked that we >> This is a So, this is a way for us to >> But they deduct this directly from our state aid. >> Yeah, but I'm not sure. It should be an approval and more of a notice.
>> You can you should put it on the board agenda because it is still a contract. So technically speaking and it just helps also to state that we are in fact um >> we are meeting and in compliance with what we need to do for students. So this
is a way just to indicate that that we are following the process and the things that happen. It's not you know maybe it's a play on words. It's not about really approving the contract because the contract's going to happen. It's about maybe um >> acknowledging or >> Yeah. It's just a notice, but we should
it does it should be on an agenda and it should be clear that we have that contract in place. >> Yeah, I do not disagree with that. I just feel like it's not >> the hard part is that because it's, you know, more often than not when you come to situations with students who have different things in their programs,
you're going to approve contract before it gets to the board. >> Um, so maybe there's a way that we can word it. Um, >> just like notifications. >> Notification or something. Yeah. We're not approving it. It's done. It's done. But we should be aware that this happened.
>> Do you want to change it to to acknowledge? >> Acknowledge the contract. >> That's a good That's a good idea. >> Acknowledge the contract between I like that. >> Yep. Perfect. >> So, I I am aware that this is a little bit of a change of maybe what you've
seen. Um, it's not that they haven't been doing it, but it's just now we're >> really acknowledging a contract that had to be done to >> good reason. I mean, totally appreciate valid, but you you might continue to see things that you're like, "Huh, what was that?"
>> And it's not even that. It's that this place and we're not approving it. You're just letting us know and it's appreciated. >> That's good. >> It's a good word. >> That's a good word. Yeah, I like that. Any other questions on items 18 through 26?
No. All in favor? >> I I Any Yeah, abstensions. I can't even get the words out now. Sorry. All right. On to business items. It's 27 through 32. Can I have a motion for business items 27
through 32? >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> any abstensions? Any nos? Okay. All right. So, we are on to continuing business.
Any continuing business? I just had one. Um, last week, Dr. Garcia, you had mentioned in your super update that we would be getting more information about the special ed monitoring. Has any there been any update on that? >> No, we haven't gotten anything. >> Okay. Any other continuing business?
>> I had a a couple of things and um I know Dr. Garcia may have not um had a chance to respond to my or read my email yet, but um my first question was I saw that the I think they're the district goals were sent out. Um do we plan to put
those district goals on the website? >> Yeah, we can put them on the website. Um the district Yeah. Yeah. that I don't have. >> Do we need to uh review the action plan and approve them? >> I juggle checked on this because we had
the board go the board goals and the district goals were um reviewed and approved. Um the district goals are the superintendent goals. Um the so I double check to see since the action plans came a little later, does that have to get approved? And it does not have to get approved separately because the goals
are the goals. But the action though they don't >> the action plans support just how the goals are met. >> Okay. So if we have any questions, comments or concerns about the action plans, who do we direct that to and how do we get them
communicated in case others agree or we need to make changes to the action plans? >> So I would think yeah send it to both of us. So I mean if it's district goals it's all you know our superintendent and then um if it's our board you know it's
going to be us as a whole so I can compile them or you know for whoever in January >> um just to clarify on that point. So there is going to be an action plan that we get to see >> there is she sent one out for the
district and then >> um Kelly Mitchell sent one out for the board. >> Yes. It was before our last meeting. I had brought up to everybody that they should have it that I had forwarded to everybody. >> No, I have it. >> So, okay. So, my follow-up question is because I have seen the district goal
document um is that I know there's already work that's being done within the first section of the goals. So, is it possible to report out on those updates in January? I believe some of that's already been done in the finance committee, but directly connecting the
goal to the work that's being done for the board. >> So, the way the action plan is set up is so that like it's increments. So, it's January, February. So, then after each increment, there's an update that would go along with all of that. >> Okay. >> Um, >> all right. I just figured because I know
you it's already you guys are already ahead of it. So, I didn't know. Well, we're trying because that's what but we need a little time to, you know, get everything together. >> Okay. And then my follow-up question is when will Kathy Hello be returning and
um when are we outlining the superintendent goals? This is probably for Melissa. >> Okay. >> No, it's the superintendent. >> Oh, the right. >> The district goals and the superintendent goals are one and the same. Uh, no. I I think I know what
you're asking for, but when Kathy Kathy Kathleen came and >> for the onboarding, you for the onboarding. >> For the onboarding. Yes. She said she would come sometime in January if we wanted her or she would push it out depending on not knowing when her start date would be plus how things were
going. So, I think once we're ready for her, you know, I can reach out to her and, you know, see about a date to do that um to do the onboarding. >> Well, I think she had recommended in the first 3 months of the superintendent taking their position that she should be
here. >> She did and I talked to her after that, her and I emailed and she said she thought that January would be a good time to do it probably. Um, unless she said, but she was very flexible and she said it kind of depended on what the superintendent had on her plate and
where we were with getting the lay of the land basically. So, >> so, so are we going to pick a date for January? Then >> I will talk to her and find out her availability and then I can bring it back to y'all. >> Feels differently that she shouldn't
come soon. >> I feel like it's a nice part of the onboarding for Dr. Yeah. >> And we paid it. >> No, we're going. It's It's not a matter of whether or not she's going to come do it. It's just a matter of what's going to work best.
>> I would say maybe February. >> Because January we already have the reorg meeting, Dr. Garcia's meet and greet, our regular board meeting, and uh you know, there are several negotiation meetings as well.
>> So, that's a lot on the calendar for January, right? >> Look for February. All right. I'll see what her availabilities are for February. And >> um does everybody prefer to stick with a Wednesday if she's free? >> Yes. Just keep it. Okay. >> I will ask her for her availability for Wednesdays for February and we'll see
what she's got. >> Yep. >> Just for the district and superintendent goals. Um, I'm just thinking about the NJSBA tool and that they need to be separated out and so we email those goals to Kelly at
the end of the year. She puts them into the district goal section, then the superintendent goals go into their section. So, I know they're combined, but I guess I'm getting hung up on the semantics of how how is that going to work if they're
combined? like which ones are we picking specifically to go in the superintendent evaluation versus the district evaluation because both those evaluations are handled differently. >> Don't know. I guess number one is what does everybody want to do for an
evaluation? Do we want to use to use schoolboards again or do we want to try the one we did before and what everybody's preference was there? Number one. Um, and then I don't know that would be I can talk to Kelly about what
she thinks is best. I mean, because and I think it's I think it's a little bit different too if sometimes there might be differences between the two of them depending on what your district needs, but we also have a superintendent that's been here for 3 months at the point it needs to start going into school boards.
So, I can ask her those questions and see what she says. She usually doesn't put it until school boards until like June when we start the or April. No, sooner than that because the CSA evaluation has done by February. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, it should be started till by
February. The district um goals can be done later. >> That's what I'm thinking of. But, um yeah, so we kind of have to figure that out sooner rather than later. And a lot of those goals won't be completed um obviously based on the timeline because of us starting.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. Just see what she thinks. I mean >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I think I'm more trying to figure out the structure. >> I mean typically in the new year we start looking at the superintendent evaluation for springtime so that we get that done and
filed before contract says we have to do it >> to separate them. Yeah. >> Right. They need there's got to be makes it easier for when that process starts. I guess >> yeah, >> that's all I have.
>> Any other continuing business? >> No. >> Well, I just wanted to make sure we kind of close the loop in there was an item raised in new business uh by Miss White at the end of last meeting. So, do we
need to close that out um as part of this meeting? >> What was that? >> So, we were talking about um >> about our policy for it's it's about our policy for missing meetings and
attending meetings. Um we have talked to Mr. heard about that and >> probably a subject that if it was going to be discussed whether we should probably go into >> yeah it's some it's something that we need to look at policy-wise and see what you know we want to do for the future and I think it's a great topic for our
coming um of if we are still all on board for doing board norms and I think with we can match up our board norms with what our policy is and look is that what we want to continue um because like we just talked about our policies aren't always driving between what we used to
have and what Strauss Cesme came up with. So I think it's a great thing to look in further. Um >> your policy actually largely mimics >> Yeah. >> policy. >> Yeah. So we're pretty much okay with it cuz he checked because there's there was an update to the law and stuff too as
far as cuz we were talking one of the things we were discussing was does it count for if it's a special meeting versus you know um regular meetings those kind of things. So there wasn't a recent update to that. Our policy does reflect that. So we are good with that.
He did double check that and make sure that we are good. So I think it's just something we need to look at and I think we could align that with our board norms for our future. >> So okay, >> talking about board norms and to Virginia's point, lot of stuff on the schedule with the reorg meeting and then
committee meetings and then so when do we want to squeeze in the board norm exercise? So, our action plan doesn't say that we would start the board norms until March. >> I think we start I think we start coming up with maybe we start talking about
some of the ideas that we want leading into that and then I know Kelly will be here quite a bit doing um her part with Dr. Garcia and you know it's something we'll see what when she's scheduled maybe we can you know do the two with a follow-up and then you know do a
workshop with that after >> something like that. Are you thinking about like um like an additional like special meeting to do the exercise? >> We'll see what Kelly thinks is best. You know, if she may be coming for a special meeting for some of the other stuff since we have, you know, some of the meet and greets and things going on. So,
maybe we could make that one of our training meetings with her >> for some time. And I I agree like probably looking like a February thing, but I think it's something we can all start talking about and as we're working on policies and what our policies say for, you know, our board in general, cuz
that's something we've all been talking about reviewing anyway since it's changed and it's old and it doesn't even match up our 12 board, you know, um number. >> So, as we look at that, I think we can pull some of those things out too to match up with our policy. You know, we've been talking about balancing
policy with what we actually do. That's one that we can actually own. You know, take the how and the why and, you know, put it for that board part um that we can do. Any other continuing business? >> How about new business?
>> A quick question. Do we have any idea what our board meetings are going to be in January and February? And I'm thinking about this from a negotiation standpoint. We already set a meeting. We're hoping we didn't clash with any. Need to look at other meetings. I also have the administrators. So, do you have any clue what those meetings might be? >> January 28th. Well, the reorgan meeting is January 7th,
>> right? >> Um January 28th is the first is the January. >> We worked around the negotiation. >> Okay. What about February? >> Um February 18th. >> That's the only one in February. You think? I mean, I get that. I know everything's subject to change. I get
that. But that's going to be our plan. Okay. >> Okay. Just so we have an idea. >> They're like, "We got it. >> We got it. We got We all got the calendar. >> We got because we got to know. We're we're you know, we didn't know what we were doing." >> Thank you. That was my only question. >> So,
>> any kind of building on the calendar question. Um, as we start looking at next year, I think it we should kind of look at, um, how we structure committees, how we organize,
uh, you know, last, no, beginning of this month, many of us were at the county school board meeting and several other school districts shared that they had gone from individual separate committees and into doing things as board as a whole. And it sounded like
that alleviated some of what Joe was frustrated about right now. Um, so maybe we take a step back and rethink because we do have a policy on committees, but it only has four. So maybe think about that too in because I don't know about anybody else, but when I saw the January
calendar, I I got a little sick and try and be whereas last year when we had committees, they were divided across the administrators and not attended by all. So maybe think too to how we can better leverage, you know, are there tasks that
as boards where we can be responsible for and take those those off Dr. Garcia so she can do what she's the expert at and that we're not asking her to be here every Wednesday night till 10:00 at night and so she can focus on her SP. So I think maybe if we can just kind of
think about that as we go into planning for the calendar year 26, not just assume what we did last year works this year. >> We met as a board as a whole. Does that mean we're here for like six to seven hours for every
like how does that work? >> No, it does not work or the whole board. I have some I have couple boards that have committing like talk to and look at their most they find it's much more efficient in
most places pretty well a lot of boards that go to committ go back to having committees because they find that it's much more efficient >> but boards that do committees of a whole typically have two board meetings a >> right >> so you have the they they call one some call them the >> workshop meetings the committee of the
whole meeting whatever it is they have the one night you have the committee of the whole meeting where you're discussing this and then the Second one they call either regular board meeting or the action meeting. So typically in the committee of the whole meeting they tend not to do many resolutions in
deciding things unless they have to you know you always have that option. It's a it's published you know it's a notice meeting. So you so usually committee of the whole means you have two formal board meetings a month. One sort of the committee meeting the other one the regular action. That's the typical way
that it's done. there would be more responsibility on the on the committee chair to make sure everything is organized in their section of those meetings run well and efficient. But I I and I I think in my just experience even
just from like tonight's meeting, we we really struggle with the committees our committee and the policy was like super long because we tend to go down places we shouldn't go. I mean we're all guilty of that. These meetings I think would have to be really run like a meeting
like you're getting 30 minutes and these and you have to plan for that 30 minutes and what policies you're going to go over in those 30 minutes and that is it. >> So typically in the committee of the whole keep in mind what you're saying I mean what what they're calling it. The committee of the whole means you don't have committees anymore.
>> Right. >> Right. So there are no there are no longer committees. So then you so you have the committee meeting night in which instead of the three or four people on the committee you have the whole board discussion policy all like that's the idea it's a committee of the whole you all decide everything. So on
on that night it's like having all those discussions and all that stuff and and by the way I >> some boards do that and um couple that I represent they do that and and they like that because they do feel it makes it easier that everyone's in the discussion and everyone is part of the discussion
and so there there's certainly arguments for that and then you have so that's that's basically the word. So the idea is you no longer will h >> well you would have a chair of like policy that would help do the policy portion of that agenda. >> I suppose you could but none no boards
that I know have that. >> We do that. >> We we have a chair and that chair works with the superintendent to organize the agenda and then they also own the minutes and then like Shelley doesn't have to take the minutes um per se. It's
our responsibility as the chair that >> so when there were the chair is there chair implies >> the chair is more no the chair is more responsible over the minutes and the agenda that's what puts the accountability back on um the board members >> right
>> um but we find that I would say and Shelly please correct me I would say probably those meetings are about an hour and a half long >> and how many board members >> we have nine and then um >> open to the public.
>> Open to the public. >> And then we go we just we're just, you know, we follow the rules and then um and then the the regular committee meetings, we seem to breeze through those now and we're out by our meetings
start at 6:30 and we're out by 7:30. The the agenda meeting. >> Yeah. The agenda because we're all we spend a lot of time. >> It all and that all depends on the board. I mean, so I've been at board I've gone to boards where I to go to some of the urban districts like in Union County and literally every board
meeting they had went till 1:30 or 2 in the morning shouldn't have. It's crazy. It doesn't make any sense, but it's just because every board member wanted to talk about every issue and they went, you know, so that that's all a question of how the board govern how the board is working. But I just I was a little confused by
the chair. The chair chair made it sound like there was still a committee. No, >> but there wouldn't be a committee. >> Just ownership. >> Yeah. Just one person. How how in advance do the agendas come out? >> Uh we get them out um like the so our meetings are on Wednesday or Monday. So
we get them out on Wednesday. Um >> so and do people send questions like that ahead of time or no to the chair or they want agenda items? >> They will send them to me and I'll work with >> For the most part the superintendent puts the puts the agenda together. >> Well the super well I work with him. So
we talk and then we say all right on this is on and then >> or you'll shoot an email or something right to say put something on. >> Yeah. And then he'll send me the Google document of the agenda and I'll go and update it and add more stuff based on what I'm getting feedback from the but I
think to whoever said it it Caroline it's really important that it's run well though and like you put time limits and you don't go down the rabbit holes because otherwise the whole committee is not going to work and you're here for hours and hours. I think we had a little bit of problem with that in the beginning, but we certainly tweaked it
and I think we're a lot more efficient. We're like, "Okay, moving on. Moving on." Like, so >> you also have a school that's only a K through eight and doesn't have a high school with athletic departments and other multiple things that we do too. >> You have to like it if it's what the
group wants to do. Like it works for us. It doesn't work for every district like Croo said >> and some it does, >> right? Some it does and some it doesn't. And so like this group would have to determine like do you want to try it and if you try it does it work and if it doesn't you scratch it. I mean we made it a part of our board goal to try it
and it went well. And >> one of the big things for Harmony like I mean tonight is a there's not many people here in the seats. We may but we have live meetings that are online and sometimes that was one of the concerns early on is now it's like having think
of your committee meetings. They're now on you have to follow the same protocol live streaming and everything. So sometimes you don't always you know have the >> right and negotiate all the negotiations and stuff that would all be executive and >> so we actually have done this before
here maybe five or six years ago we tried committee in the hall it didn't work and I'll tell you why it didn't work because the meetings went five six hours because nobody would let anything go >> and we had to watch what we said because everything is live streamed. So the things that are said in a committee meeting can no longer be said in public.
>> So I think that >> so we got to be really careful if this is the route we want. I'm not saying don't do it. I'm saying be extremely careful if this is the route we want to try. There there are it's let me just just a couple other because like I said some districts will work great some districts it doesn't some districts are for one some district and it's up to the board
>> there are things to consider so it's something that you can't just say okay let's >> there's a lot to consider >> and by the way personnel for instance always has to be executive so even at that >> and you have to rice all those things >> right you still have to rise so even in that first right then so it's different
but there are sometimes things that >> and it's not there are one of the advantages of the committ system is that sometimes there are things that that that need to be discussed and examined a little bit and and and um sort of vetted
out and and analyze before they get brought to the whole board and the public. And the committee lends itself committee system lends itself that to that a little bit better because you could you have a discussion that isn't
in public. So when you get to the board committee as a whole, you're you're at a public meeting now with the whole board. So then you can only go into executive session for matters that are allowed to be in executive session pursuant to the open public meetings act. So certainly
personnel, things like that, contract negotiation. So it gets so it it's a it's something that is a very interesting issue that I'm here bloiating about for so I apologize but it it's something that does it's a it's an interesting issue. It's a significant
issue and it may be worth a try but you need to talk and think about all the ramifications. >> So my intention was to listen we're coming into we have to set up new schedules. January looks awful. We have new board members. You have a good chunk that are fairly new with less than a
year. We have two new who will come in January. We have a new superintendent. Can we just step back and look and not just well these are the committees we have. We've had them for five or six years and just keep doing it right. Our policy is very explicit about what committees we have. So I wasn't trying
to problem solve. I just, hey, as we start before we lay down the calendar for next year, can we just be thoughtful about it and and think of what potential ways we can be more efficient, not just for ourselves as board members, but for Dr. Garcia,
because she does have a lot on her plate. >> Yeah. >> Before we adjourn, I'd just like to say that sometimes there's value going down the rabbit hole, and that's to catch the rabbit. That's two for you today.
>> He's going out with a bang. Going out with a bang, man. That >> rabbit, you got goodbye. >> Any other new business? >> Yes, I handed out in the beginning the 2026 27 draft budget timeline. >> Yes. >> I just want to make sure everybody notices that we hand it out. Um,
>> it is in one of my papers here. >> Yeah. Thank you for sharing that, Shel. Yeah, that's great. Yes. Thank you. I have one little question. The gymnasium lights, they are on the horizon. Question mark.
>> Yes, we actually just heard today that um where we got the lighting grant to do the stadium that we just got approved for the gymnasium and the I want to say audit. No, medium. I think the gym and the and library lighting.
>> Oh, nice. >> Good. Do we have a timeline on the gym? cuz now it's winter sports and we're in there for a few sports. >> I don't know the timeline, but I will ask Mr. Kennedy. >> Yeah, cuz it's like whole whole rows of lights that we don't have.
>> We were lucky in the in the fall that it happened when it did. So maybe we'll >> luck out again. >> Okay, >> thank you. >> Any other new business? Okay. So, we are on to public participation.
>> Number two. Nope. It's a different It's a little different. >> Okay. To ensure the fair and efficient meetings, each public comment session will be limited to a total of 30 minutes at the discretion of the presiding officer. When you approach the 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. Any participant may address or question may address or question board members individually.
>> No participant may. >> Okay. I wish. All right. Sorry, it's late. >> Please understand the public comment portion of our agenda are not question and answer sessions but are offered as opportunities to share our thoughts with the board.
The board may not may or may not respond to public comment. However, all com 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 or andor warn if necessary. Please understand that the board will not be responsible for the content of comments made by members of the public. Members of the public are cautioned that they are speaking at their own risk and
any statements they make that are directed at a particular individual or individuals may subject them to legal liability for defamation. Please also understand that the students and employees have specific legal and privacy protections. The board will not respond in public to comments about
students and employees. I'll get better at this. Okay. Any public participation? No. Great. Can somebody say something after all that? >> Please >> there. I agree. The concert last night was fantastic.
>> I couldn't go on. >> It was awesome. It was awesome. Oh. >> Um. All right. So, we are looking to adjurnn. Can I have a motion to second? >> All in favor? I. Any abstensions? Yay.
Merry Christmas everybody. Happy holidays. Happy Hanukkah. Quanza, whatever. >> Happy holidays. Just do that. It's all encompassing. >> But at the concert last night, they did them all. >> Okay. I was not at the concert. I was at school.