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Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=JtaYdMlx9jc

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call to order. Meeting notice statement. Adequate notice of this meeting of the Berkeley Heights Board of Education was given as given as required by the public open public meeting act NJSA 10 col4-6 and in accordance with the

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updated regulations on May 29th notice 2026 notice of the board education meeting schedule was posted on the Berkeley Heights board of education official website posted at the administration building provided to all Berkeley Heights public schools PTO presidents and the BHEA President filed

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with the municipal clerk and provided to the public library for public inspection. Miss Nicholson, would you please do a roll call? >> Miss Airi, Miss Bradford >> here. >> Mr. Dylan >> here. >> Dr. Forger,

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Mrs. Jolly >> here, >> Mr. Morales. Mrs. Stanley >> here. >> Mrs. Terrero here. We have a quorum. Flag salute. Please stand for the flag salute. God, justice for all.

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[clears throat] >> Ajourn to executive session. Whereas the Berkeley Heights Board of Education seeks to adjourn to executive session in full compliance with the Open Public's Meeting Act, NJSA 104-6. And whereas the open public meeting act

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provides that a public body may exclude the public from that portion of the meeting at which discusses matters related to those identified below. Matters rendered confidential by federal law, state law, or court rule, individual privacy, collective bargaining agreements, purchase or

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release of real property if public interest could be adversely affected. Investment of public funds if public interest could be adversely affected. tactics or techniques utilized in protecting public safety and property pending or anticipated litigation,

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attorney client privilege, personnel, employment matters affecting specific prospective or current employees. Be it resolved that the Berkeley Heights Board of Education adjourns to executive session to discuss matters related to student and personnel matters. And be it further resolved that the minutes of the

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discussion of any of these items will be disclosed to the public when matters have been determined and confidentiality is no longer applicable. Can I have a motion to enter an executive session? >> So moved. >> Bradford is first. >> Second. >> Mr. Dylan is second. Uh voice vote. All

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in favor? >> I uh enter into executive session at 6:32. Can I have a motion to return to public session? >> So moved. >> Bradford is first. >> I'll second.

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>> Okay. All voice vote. All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Return at 810. um report of the superintendent. >> Thank you, Madam President. Uh we will start off with Mr. Aerson and the

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student representatives report. >> Uh good evening everyone. Um Pippa is not here because um today also aligns with the infamous senior skip day, so she's just uh having fun with the last two weeks of her senior year. Um good

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evening board. This is the 11th edition of Happiness on the Hill. Um, exam season is finally over and students are now beginning to prepare for their upcoming finals. And as the school year shut, uh, begins to wind down. Uh, on Saturday, uh, the P GL Pickle Ball Club

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hosted the first ever GL pickleball tournament at Columbia Park. Uh, they raised over $300 for Thera Youth. I would like to congratulate Mike Anteneelli and Trevor Chatfield for winning the tournament. Uh, they're in the works for another tournament. So, if there are any GL students that are listening, uh you can reach out to me

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for uh information on how to sign up. Senior awards night will take place on June 3rd at 7 p.m. in the auditorium where seniors will be recognized for their achievements and scholarships. I think this is also like a general award ceremony because there are some juniors

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there will be there as well. Many clubs and organizations have also either started or completed their officer elections and appointments, helping determine the next group of student leaders who will help guide our activities and organizations next year. Uh on Friday, last Friday was prom. Uh

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it was at MVC Suites. I looked at the tap into article today to see all the wonderful pictures. Um and I'm glad to see that everyone had a great time. I'm going to end my report tonight going on with the May theme of uh 80s and 90s pop stars. This is a quote from Michael

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Jackson. The greatest education in the world is watching the masters at work. And I think that this quote is a reminder of some of life's most important lessons that come from observing the people who are around us. Teachers, mentors, family members, coaches, and leaders. No matter where we are in life, there is always something

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to learn from each other's experiences, work ethic, and example. And now I'm going to go into Pipa's sports report. Um, hi everyone. Great to see everyone again. Uh, Lucas Vill Noea signed his

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national letter of commitment to continue his academic and athletic career uh at the collegiate level at St. John Fischer University. On May 8th, Mark Caparelli was named the Valerico heating and cooling athlete of the week for GL golf. Uh, the GL softball team

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has a 170 run had a 170 run rule victory in the second round of the Union County tournament. The GL varsity baseball team won the 2026 Wong division uh title with a 12-2 win over Union Catholic. Uh, additionally, there have been a ton of

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100th career achievements. As a sophomore, Stephanie D. Pascal got her 11 100th career point at GL. Uh, that was for lacrosse, I believe. Vanessa Papola rechieved her 100th career hit over Union Catholic for softball. Senior catcher Michael Basile reached base four

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times and got the 11 100th base hit of his career. For baseball, Scott McCrae scored his 100th career goal against Northunder for GL lacrosse. Uh for boys lacrosse senior night, they took down Den 19 to8. Darius Francis had a magnificent performance in the high jump

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event and was named the UCCC and NJSIA sectional champ. And I think that he's now going on to the meet of champions, which is like the whole big large uh state track event. Uh playoff season for baseball and softball started three days ago. Both teams won their first round. Good luck to all the teams and the rest

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of the season. And while I was here, I did my research. So GL uh will be playing Robinsville this Wednesday in the semifinal after beating Point Pleasant 12 to 4 on Friday with scouts from multiple MLB MLB teams in the audience. And uh GL softball beat

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Bernard's Township in the quarterfinals last Thursday on a thriller triple to win the game in extra innings and uh I think they'll be playing this week. Um so it's good to see that both of our baseball and softball teams are having great success in these state tournaments

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this year and hopefully both of them will bring a state title for uh Gio. Thank you so much. >> I got a question. What are your thoughts on a junior prom? >> I think that the junior prom would be a

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good idea. Um, I've actually had a lot of students like ask me, "Why don't we have a junior prom?" And I don't really have an answer for them. I think that it's something that could be feasible. However, fundraising would could be slight

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slightly bit of an issue because for student council, a lot of the fundraising that we do goes towards prom. And obviously that would h prom senior prom has a much larger budget um than junior prom would have would have. And I don't know if it would be like at

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Gio like Hokco or at like a smaller venue. Um, but I do think that overall the idea of a junior prom is something that the students the student overall student sentiment is that they do want a a junior prom.

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Thank you. >> All right. I know on the um agenda it says the Debbie Aspazito Parent Leader Award. uh this award, we're going to recognize this either in August or September because neither of the uh

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award winners could be here tonight. Um so I just wanted to make that aware, but we are very very proud of our CPAC group and the collaboration with district administration. Um and we will recognize them in the very near future. Uh the

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strategic plan um the action plan is done. Jean Clearary is creating books for the board. Uh she is available to come on June 25th. So she asked that I do my presentation then when she hands out the books. So my strategic plan

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presentation will be on June 25th because I know last update was end of May, beginning of June, end of June, but we'll still be good. And that concludes my superintendent's report for tonight. >> Okay.

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um report of the business administrator board communications. Um Miss Nicholson, do you have any board correspondence? >> We had one email on the topics of the agenda from John Mcguay. Um do you have a business

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administrator's report? >> Do not. >> Okay. And three resolutions one for all board members. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. Miss Bradford's first. >> I'll second.

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>> Miss Jolly is second. Discussion. >> Okay. Madam Secretary, roll call, please. >> Miss Bradford? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Stanley? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Jolly? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dylan?

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>> Yes. >> Mrs. Terero? >> Yes. motions pass. >> I'm not used to there being a vote here. [laughter] >> Skip ahead to the podium. >> Yes. Is there anything else that you have or no? Okay. Uh comments from the public on agenda items during this

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portion of the meeting. District residents and staff are invited to address the board of education on agenda action items only. The board requests that individuals state their name and town of residence or school of attendance for the record. Additionally, all in person public commenters are asked to sign in. All comments should be

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directed to the board president depending upon the nature and complexity of the questions. It may or may not be answered during the meeting by the administration. If so, the response would occur after the public portion of the meeting has concluded. Although the board may not respond to all items raised during the public forum, all

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public comments will be considered. The board asked that members of the public be courteous and mindful of the rights of other individuals when speaking. Specifically, comments regarding personnel matters are discouraged and cannot be responded to by the board. Students and employees have specific legal rights afforded by the laws of New

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Jersey. The board bears no responsibility more nor will be liable for any comments made by members of the public. Please note that if any members of the public become disruptive during the meeting, the board president may terminate the participant statements. Continued disruptions may result in removal from or adjournment of the

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meeting. Each speaker statement will be limited to three minutes in duration. I will take inerson comments first and then online comments. I do not see anybody in person. Um do we have anybody that would like to speak online?

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Okay, I will now close that portion. Moving on to minutes. Uh resolution one. All board members. Do I have a motion? So move. >> Miss Jolly is first. >> Second. >> Miss Bradford is second. Discussion. >> Madam Secretary, roll call vote, please.

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Oh, I'm so sorry. >> I have a question. Sorry. Looking up a date. Um, are we going to add our last attempted meeting? >> Yes, but at the next board meeting. >> The the the minutes were so extensive from our

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>> Yes, we're [laughter] >> Okay, so the that one will next. Okay, makes sense. >> Okay. Um, Madam Secretary, roll call vote, please. Miss Bradford, >> yes. >> Mrs. Stanley, >> yes. >> Mrs. Jolly. >> Yes.

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>> Mr. Dylan. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Turo. >> Yes. >> Motions pass. >> Finance. Um, resolutions 1 through 838. All board members. Resolutions 39 through 45. Berkeley Heights only. Do I have a motion? >> So moved.

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>> Mrs. Stanley is first. >> Second. >> Mrs. Bradford is second. Uh, committee reports, finance and facilities. >> Sure. >> Thank you. Um the finance and facilities committee met on Wednesday, May 20th from 1 to 3 pm in attendance for myself,

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Dr. Forager, uh Mrs. Stanley, uh Dr. Feltry, Miss Nicholson, and uh Mr. Cinda. Um agenda item one, we discussed the girls uh athletic locker room. Uh the preliminary estimate from solutions architects solutions estimated a

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buildout of the storage area identified for additional girls locker room space is approximately 900,000 to 1.5 million. Um additionally we need to understand how much storage space is needed on um once the current space is cleaned up and sorted. Um the athletic director is also

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doing title nine analysis across facilities, equipment, budget, number of coaches etc. the quote unquote senior locker room was converted to the varsity locker room but is small. Missy noted that locker room space h um locker rooms have the space but the space is poorly utilized. Some lockers themselves are

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too small. All work will need to go through the state approvals and permits and the action item um is Miss Nicholson to set up um a walkthroughs in June. Okay. Um we discussed turf field replacement. Mr. Dylan showed an article

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about not at the meeting but um to the board um uh about Springfield Township replacing the artificial turf fields at the middle school and high school. Um the Dayton field cost us 810,000. Um GL field is good for use for the 2627 and 2728 school years but will need to

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be replaced after. Dr. Forger shared an article where one district chose to use natural turf field in place of artificial turf. There are pros and cons to both, but the uh but that district decided to use natural turf for the one field as it had limited use. Finance facilities committee will um should

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conduct a similar analysis to see which is best. Committees in favor of installing lights when the field is refurbished but need to see if the power source needs to be replaced. Turf vendors are being researched. It seems that they are making improvements to mitigate toxicity.

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Agenda item number two. Um so this is um some of the uh items that you will see on the finance and facility agenda that we'll be voting on. Um there are quite a few but we discussed some specific ones. Um discuss contracted services which I think is number five

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uh unless the agenda changed. So um but I'll just I I won't call out the number. So um so the contracted services um added not to exceed 5,000 limits on athletic trainer services. This can be increased if needed via board resolution. District will do a

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competitive cost um RFP for special education and select uh the three uh the best three to help drive costs down. Discuss the tax levy schedule. Um this is how the township distributes the 49 million tax levy to the district. Uh Dr.

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Borger asked if we can get quarterly distributions post meeting. Miss Nicholson responded that the monthly distributions provide the district with consistent cash flow, mitigate municipal tax collection timing and is um allows for predictable budgeting for both sides. Uh discuss school physician

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renewal. We're renewing the same position. We'll review versus others next year. Discuss Porzio renewal. Um uh BA will look into RFP in February. Currently auditor RFP in flight looking at scoring five companies or so,

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although this is a bit dated. um discussed professional learning services. This was approved as part of um the budget and will be paid with title two funds. Other districts will be participating um as well. Discussed YMCA Oasis program agreement. This has been

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shared with the YMCA and I think we're all set there. Um discussed PAL donation. So, thank you very much to the PIL for donating 31,000 for the installation of batting cages at CMS for softball and for MK um Mary K McMillan

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for baseball. Discussed educational field trip um the Spanish club um the district to confirm when this trip is taking place. Um but I think we said June. >> So, tomorrow. >> Okay. Um and there were some um additional

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topics um that we've discussed um with the referendum update. So um let's see the referendum contract package remains under review has not been finalized but again um Jen please jump in if anything has if there's an

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update to what I'm reading because it is a bit uh dated. Um the review process began u prior to Mr. Rutenberg's approval as board counsel for these matters. Therefore, Mr. Distler's office began the initial review redlinining process and it transition to uh Mr. Rutenberg.

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Um there are several concerns that still need to be addressed regarding the current structure of the proposed agreement um surrounding project management terms, scope expectations, and overall fee structure. So, that's in discussions and I'm kind of summarizing

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um but these will be published. Um there's other things that we are reviewing regarding the contract. Annual renewal and review opportunities, bi-weekly um project meetings, time logistics, project specific site visit expectations, clear accountability and

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reporting measures and define project management responsibilities and communication expectations. Um we have a pending project for summer of 2026 which is the camera updates and that was part of the referendum. So um the referendum next steps to finalize

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the contract with solutions for the referendum related work. Um let's see for the camera updates. We are looking for some additional quotes um and uh versus our existing vendor

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and like and we need to confirm things for example where the um where this equipment would be warehoused. Um confirmed whether bus could be incorporated into overall project scope. Um, so there are some things that need to be finalized. Um, so I think that's

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uh the crux. Yeah, thank you. Um, athletics and co-curricular. >> Nothing new to report. >> Um, technology and communications and um, unfortunately Dr. Borger is not here. he's the chair. But um I'm going

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to read these because in many cases this is actually pertinent to our meeting tonight. Um Tuesday, May 19th, um the technology and communications committee met. Um we spoke about many of the renewals that

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are actually um on the agenda this evening. I'll just give everybody kind of a snippet look at what each piece is. Um, Apogee is the district and school website as well as communications platform. It's used used to be

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thrillshare. The PTO and BHEA school and districts use this to communicate via email, text, etc. Um, the cost for that is $16,43828. CBT nuggets which is uh training modules. Those courses vary in length.

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It's professional development for the IT staff. The cost for that is 2396. Class link. This is a tool that does automatic provisioning of accounts to improve onboarding and exiting of students and staff. This tool ensures

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consistency within class link that connects Google with powers school accounts and keeps both in sync. The accounts are created when new students are registered and deactivated as students leave the district. As new students are added to P school,

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it triggers a Google classroom profile creation. Conventions are maintained as the system is automated rather than relying on manual entry. This is saving a significant amount of time to have it automated. Um, and the cost for that is $5,160.75.

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Crowd Strike is district portion of malware protection through SLCGP grant via NJCCIC. Oh, sorry. Our Windows and Mac servers need endpoint security protection. These were um grants through the New Jersey

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state of New Jersey that gave school districts the ability to phase in the use of this product. Um, this product provides for CrowdStrike Falcon complete licenses. This past year it was free because it was a grant that was used to phase in. Now there's a fee incurred and

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that fee is $3,589.60. Cybernet is security awareness training and fishing simulations. That cost us $5,125. Eastern Datacom which is an annual Zoom phone licensing which is different than the Zoom online connect like website

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stuff. This has to do with the actual phone system just so everyone knows as well as Zoom seminar licensing. Um this is for the phone system within the schools. The cost is $30,24242. There is maintenance and support for the

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phone systems as well which is $11,500. Google Workspace for Education is Google Workspace includes staff and student access to Gmail, Drive, Classroom, and other workspace apps. The Education Plus licenses include many security features,

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productivity and instructional features cost 18,732. uh the Marshia Brener Associates plugins and these are report creator and behavior plugins for P school which enables digital report cards and other

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reports as well as discipline referrals and other log entries used for transcripts form letters um new to the district forms etc. That cost is 3,625. Powers school students information system including student information

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hosting, registration portal, which is signing students up and professional development training site uh connects to other apps such as frontline which is a specialed program and that cost us $50,734.81. NJA, NJSDPA.

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This is a recent formed tech group um in the state of New Jersey, tech directors and similar roles in the state. This group is around has been around for about two years and it has um a data privacy committee that costs us $500.

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Um and TEC SDPA which is the membership to the Tech Student Data Privacy Alliance. It provides access to data privacy alliance agreements established by TEC. This membership goes along with the NJTA and the NJSDPA which is the

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other membership I mentioned earlier. Um they have their own legal team for data privacy to use with the vendors governing data privacy agreements if there's a data breach and how it's handled etc. and they have specialized legal advice. The cost is $2,400.

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Um, PSCBD Dev, which is a P school plugin that creates customizable reports within P school. That cost is $450. Securely filter, which is a student web filter. Any schools receiving at rate

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funds are required to comply with CIPA which is children's internet protection act and have the students web uh web filter and that costs uh 9,300 sorry 9,33.50. CISCloud which is via CDWG which is a

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Google Workspace backup and malware scanning. Um, there's nightly backups that happen and that cost is $8,940. And the last is DIFFIT, which is an AI tool to create differential readings.

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Uh, use AI to convert a reading to specific grade level to assist teachers. It's a special ed um tool that's used a lot over there. And that cost is $3,600. And that's the end of that report. Um, discussion. So Deb, I I do have a

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question. Um did you guys in um technology talk about the gaggle agreement? >> So we did we didn't in this particular meeting, but um we did last time. Let me pull that up so that I can kind of read

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to you guys a little bit about it because I know that that has some concern. So I'm just gonna look for it. Give me one sec. >> Huh? I'm gonna look. I know I have the notes on here. Um,

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bear with me a second. Sorry. >> Okay, here it was in the April meeting. Um, so Gaggle, just so everybody knows, um, Gaggle's has built-in tools do not actively monitor or flag student activity cons I'm sorry, let me back up. Google's built-in tools do not actively

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monitor or flag student activity concerning content. While Google Workspace allows administrators to review logs and search history when needed, it does not provide real-time alerts and contentbased safety monitoring. This is a key difference with platforms such as Gaggle, which

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continuously scans student activity, analyzes the full content of written content, and generates alerts when potentially harmful inappropriate material is detected. Districts using Gaggle typically receive several alerts per day across all schools. Many of

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these alerts are explainable and often stem from class assignments, health lessons, in particular can trigger flagging words or keywords even when students are completing legitimate coursework. Despite this, the system provides an appropriate I'm sorry, an important

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safety net by identifying situations that may require follow-up or support. Um, the district plans to adopt and implement the monitoring the monitoring product effective July 1st. Once in place, it will add an additional layer of student safety by providing

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continuous scanning, content, contextual analysis, and timely notification to designation staff. Um, I will like to add just from those notes, um, and Dr. Feltry, I know you can add to this. Um, there is specific legal requirements

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that we have in the state of New Jersey that require us to, uh, put in place stuff for the students to keep them safe. specifically what they're looking for are triggers um when it comes to student safety like specifically

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selfharming type situations. And so um we're in a situation where if we don't legally have something like this in place and something happens to a student, we have a major liability on our hands. Dr. Felure, I don't know if you want to add to that, but that that's my understanding of it. >> Yeah. No, no, you're correct. You're

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correct in your assessment. It's it's not only self harm harm, but it would be threats to the community in the school as well. There there are certain triggers that are looked for so that we can identify and get help to students. >> And and my understanding also is that they have a team of staff that kind of

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monitor during the day and then at night um there's additional monitoring. I I know that if something happens during the day, um somebody on location would be notified. >> And if something happens at night, then they contact the police. >> Yeah. Or the police. Yeah.

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>> So there's uh so Gaggle themselves are looking at these alerts and investigating them or like they're alerting like who's who's looking at >> they're notifying >> they're notifying us. Yes. >> Okay. And I guess in the research that was done um how successful is this? And

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I and I just think in part also when I think about like the scanning that we implemented, right? [clears throat] Like >> you know seemed a little bit like I don't it had like some false positives, right? Like did we ever actually did it actually result in anything. So it's

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only as good as >> correct. We haven't used it yet. So but in the research that that um Mr. Marks did uh you will get if students are required to um do a project where

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they're investigating, you know, um war or um >> suicide prevention, >> suicide prevention, it gets flagged. I mean, we currently have something that's no longer going to be offered anymore, which is why um uh Mr. marks

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investigated gaggle and a variety of other uh tools if you will and this was the um one that came up with the best research and I believe the lowest cost when he brought it to technology committee >> and I think I think the key here too is

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that this is a requirement through the state of New Jersey that we have it >> right so and and that um so I I was just listening to the other minutes where we securely, right? Which is also, is it the same law, the Children's Internet

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Protection Act? >> Yes. So, the district currently uses, it's called Securely Aare. This is from the March 23rd technology committee minutes. If you don't mind, hold those up. So, um, and this service is separate from the securely filter that that was

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just being talked about. Um, and and it's what's currently being used. It's being discontinued as of June 30th, 2026, which is what prompted Mr. remarks to go out searching for an alternative. Um, so we had to find uh an oops an

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alternative to this. Um, >> so didn't we just read that we're renewing the contract with securely? >> That's filter not aware. >> Okay, so actually the March minutes I think will help a lot because we actually talked about gaggle in those

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two as well. Okay. So, um, for Gaggle, it says the district currently is utilizing securely aware, which is a free version, as its automated student online activity monitoring tool. This ser service is separate from the district's web filter and is used to

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identify potential safety concerns and student digital behavior. Securely has announced that the aware free version will be discontinued on June 30th of 26 requiring the district select to select a replacement solution. Securely allow

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aware provides automated monitoring of student website searches, student email, staff email for student related concerns, writing and typed content across um Google Workspace. The system flags content related to self harm and

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suicidal um situations, grief and emotional distress, bullying or harassment, um weapons, violence, and gun- rellated terms. Alerts are sent via email to designated staff members who are then responsible for reviewing and

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investigating each flagged event. The system also assigns a likelihood score to help prioritize concerns. While securely aware has provided baseline monitoring, the system had several significant limitations that impact its overall effectiveness. The volume of

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false positive creates substantial noise and increased staff workload. Alert alerts are delivered only through email, making timely response dependent on staff availability and attention. Students are frequently attempted to bypass or

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disable the monitoring features, reducing reliability. In addition, securely aware offers limited escalation pathways and provides no after hours coverage, leaving critical gaps in student safety monitoring. Finally, the system lacks a human review component,

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meaning all alerts accurate or not must be interpreted and triangulated by staff by district staff. With discontinuation of the free version on June 30th, 26, the district must transition to a new monitoring solution. The proposed

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replacement product, Gaggle Safety Management, um Gaggle offers a more uh comprehensive and proactive student safety monitoring system. It's designed to reduce staff burden, improve response times, and provide continuous coverage.

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Um, Gaggle monitors student email, Google Workspace, which would be documents, drives, sheets, slides, etc. Um, uh, web services, searches, and AI based conversations and chat tools. All flag content is re reviewed by a trained

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human safety specialist, all located within the United States. Gaggle provides a multi-layer escalation process which is 247 human review of all alerts. Phone call escalations for urgent or high-risisk situations during school hours. Calls will be made to the

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district designated point person. After hours, Gaggle uses powers school contact information to notify the students parent or guardian. The district receives follow-up notifications for all escalated events. Um, this model ensures that critical concerns are addressed

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promptly, even outside school days. Additional benefits, students are generally unaware that the gaggle is running. Reducing attempts to circumvent monitoring. Human review significantly reduces false positives. Provides a more reliable safety net for self harm,

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violence, and critical related content. Reduces the burden on staff who currently um must sift through the automated alerts. um says to implement Gaggle districtwide it will cost the district a one-time setup cost of $3,000. The annual

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subscription cost is 17,500. This cost reflects the shift from a free automated system to a fullervice human re reviewed safety monitoring solution with 247 coverage and active phone-based escalation. With securely aware being

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discontinued and limitations of the current free version already impacting effectiveness, the district must adopt a new monitoring solution by July 1st. Gaggle provides a significantly more robust and proactive safety framework, including human review, continuous

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monitoring, and direct escalation procedures. While the cost is higher than a current free tool, the enhancement safety coverage, reduced staff burden, and improved response capabilities represents a substantial increase in student protection and district liability mitigation. The

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district will still be using securely for the filtering portion, which is I think what your question was. Um, Gaggle doesn't have a web filter. Um, we use also we will also continue to use securely classroom management tool. This

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tool allows teachers to have their own block list. For example, um, kids doing their math homework in a different class. Um, it also helps teachers monitor what website students are utilizing during a lesson. a teacher can

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push a website to a student's uh Chromebook device um to an immediate popup and we currently pay securely the following. Securely filter is um $9,33.50 and classroom is $8,673.

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>> Does that help? >> Yes. Thank you so much. And just maybe one final question. um the contract uh with um with Gaggle. Uh so we know the current for the 26 27 school year. What's the percent increase? >> I don't

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>> for the following year or is it just we renew every year with a new different rate? >> Yeah, we'll renew every year. So we'll know next year when we go to renew with them how much they're going to increase if they want. >> Does anybody have any other questions?

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Another thing that >> Oh, go ahead. >> All right. So, I just had some things about gaggle um versus securely. So, what exactly is the portion of security

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that's being discontinued? It's the free version and it has specifically to do with the monitoring of um student web searches, emails, staff

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emails, typed content across Google Workspace. Um, and specifically related to, you know, things like self harm, suicidal concerns, grief and emotional distress, bullying and harassment, weapons, violence, gunrelated terms, things like

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that. >> Okay. So, are we pretty much just renewing that but for the paid version? >> No. So, what's happening is um, Securely is discontinuing their product. Mhm.

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>> So, because they're discontinuing their product, we had to go find a replacement. >> And so, through the research with the technology staff, they found this to be the most reliable and I guess successful. I I don't want to speak too

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much for them, but this was the replacement to it. >> Okay. >> And and let me remind you that this is like a requirement. >> Oh, yeah. I know. State. Yeah. Um, my thing with Gaggle is that like

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from what I've heard within these like past 15 minutes is that it does a lot more without like input, it just voluntarily does it. Um, when you said that like

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quote I wrote it down the quote students are unaware that Gaggle was running. Mhm. >> Um that differs from securely. Securely you know that it's there. It will remind you if a teacher's using securely

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classroom, it'll pop up saying, "Oh, securely classroom is active." That allows your teacher to see your screen and see all the stuff that you're doing in class to make sure you're just paying attention. Um, and the thing with securely, no, not with securely, but with Gaggle,

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with with Gaggle contacting you during off hours. That's my concern because what we've seen with Securely is that the false positive rate is just way too high. It'll block stuff that just should

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not be blocked at all. Um, and it has zero understanding. Like for example, if you're doing a project on something that is restricted, um it has no understanding of any conception at all about the context of what you're

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searching for. I've had friends be called down to the main office because they were working on a history project and were searching some of these terms that are on the blacklist and they had to prove that this was for

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a history project. And that's my issue with Gaggle is that Gaggle doesn't exactly know the context and we haven't tested Gaggle. I've never heard of Gaggle in my whole entire life. This is my first time hearing about it here. Um, the site doesn't look very developed at

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all. It offers very broad broad figures on all of its numbers and everything. It looks like it's AI generated itself. Um, and AI can have mistakes. That's that's the thing. The false positive rate, as I stated, it's just too high to be too sure of these things. And also, I want

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to know if you guys had explored other options that I've heard a lot of other district implementing, such as GoG Guardian. Um, [clears throat] >> so, uh, I know that the technology staff spent an awful lot of time comparing the different products. So, they're the ones

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who specifically brought this to us. One point to point out to you, I think that's different between Securely and Gaggle is um, Securely is something that was generated through some kind of a

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system check. Gaggle is an actual 24-hour human review of alerts. >> Uhuh. >> So, I think there's a distinction right there that's important and that is one is human review versus um computerenerated. Is that what your

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knowledge of it is? >> Yes. Yes. >> So, I think that's what's different about it. And keep in mind that the alerts that are going home to the contact and power school are when you're talking about an urgent like if you're talking about a situation

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where a child is at serious risk. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Like suicidal. >> Yeah. >> I think that's dramatically different from >> what are you searching? You know what I mean? And and I think those kinds of things would be tabled until >> the next day. Um, and I think that's the

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distinction >> where does that >> make more sense? >> Yeah. And with with the human review, like how specific and indepth does it go? >> I don't know. >> They rank them. I mean, there there's

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there's a ranking system from one to five and um they have criteria that they use. So, if it's a five, then you're getting a call. >> Okay. >> Where somebody somebody here is getting a call. Okay. >> So um and uh securely classroom will

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remain that's separate and apart from securely aware. >> So >> okay >> just just to clarify that for you and um I am familiar with Gaggle from prior district that I was in. Uh we didn't use

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this particular tool but Gaggle is a company that's been around for a significant amount of time. Guardian, I would venture to say I don't know for certain, but um it's probably more expensive and doesn't have as much um in terms of human review.

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>> Uh and I believe they were looking for the human review because of all those false positives that you raised. >> Um and are those is it like trained professionals that have like a degree in like psychology or something? >> Um yeah, they're they're trained I

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forget what they said. school uh human safety specialist. So, there is specific training. I don't specifically know that they're trained schools apologists, but they are trained on what to look for and how to have these conversations. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yep.

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>> I do think to Howard's point though is that we need some training on our side of this >> of course. Um because I know right like um students have had issues where they use copy and paste and all of a sudden they have to try to prove that they didn't plagiarize when in reality you almost have to prove that they

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plagiarized before you can accuse them of something but because of some of these tools it's become like oh well you copied and pasted so you must have plagiarized and just because someone used that tool doesn't mean they did something wrong. Um, so I do want to, you know, say that I think on the other side, right, on our side, we have to do

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some training on what these tools >> we do and and that's that's why there's a ranking system and, um, that's why there is human review. But I also want to say as as aggravating as false positives are, I would rather error on the side of caution than not and then

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find out we missed something that then resulted in a tragedy. So I will always apologize to somebody for saying well okay that's a school project than to have to console you know a family >> I think when it comes to suicide right

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and that kind of stuff and h and self harm absolutely but I think when it comes to school work right I think that's >> you know and I get that when you're googling suicide stuff for a project right and it comes up it's it is different but >> to Howard's point right we do need to learn how to use these tools so our

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students can do their Sorry, do you have something else? >> Just put just to put a clarification on what you said about like the AI plagiarism use. Uh, Securely doesn't do that. That's on the teachers themselves. They use tools such as um zero GPT

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um or just like turnitin.com. However, both of those programs have very high false positive rates. And last year I myself, one of my essays was flagged for AI, but my teacher knew that I just naturally write like the the AI, so she

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didn't pressure it. And my English teacher this year has just abandoned using these AI checkers because they just aren't good. So she just has gone into just prompt into chat GBT and then taking excerpts and then comparing it to

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what students write. Um, so that's just a clarification on one of your statements. Thanks. >> And I do think they bring up a really good point and that is that there is a delicate balance of making sure that, you know, we're taking into account, you know, the students and and we trust

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them, right? Because that's I think the concern that you guys have. >> Can I go ahead? >> Oh, is this still back? >> Yeah. Yeah. Sorry. Sorry, Pamela. Um, so um I I do have something uh a community member did raise concerns. Is it okay if

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I read what the concerns were? >> Yeah, go ahead. >> Okay, sure. >> Um, >> uh, Gaggle is a self-described students suite of tools that uses AI and trained safety experts in quotes, trained safety experts to monitor student activity and

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student accounts and devices. meaning it can automatically scan student created content in school platforms or devices covered by district setup and um and send what it perceives as a red flag to human reviewers. On its face seems like a reasonable use of AI leveraging its

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capabilities to take in and digest volumes of content and only forwarding what's necessary for review. So it makes sense as to why school districts have been uh and continue to flock to Gaggle as a solution. Berkeley Heights has it. Um yeah, so it's on the agenda. Um

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so, um the last time it came up, uh there were concerns around student privacy, um uh concerns on chain of custody, law enforcement access to student material and overall implications connected to student civil liberties. The research in gag and

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systems um like it very uh is very limited and when you consider extraordinary access and potential consequences of this access the um that alone should be enough to question not only the price tag but whether a district should even implement it. A report issued by Rand in 2023 found that

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AI based student activity monitoring for suicide risk found limited evidence on how these systems are implemented and whether they accurately detect suicide risk, whether they improve outcomes and what unintended harms that may create. Their conclusion was reasonable. We need more evidence before we unleash these

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systems in the environment that touch children's lives, especially in arenas of vulnerability. The center of uh the center for democracy and technology reported that this kind of software is widespread and can create privacy discipline and equity risks especially in students who rely on schoolisssued

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devices. That raises equity concerns because students who rely on school issued devices may be more exposed to monitoring than students using personal devices. This puts children from working-class families more on the radar. This is a um this is a setup for what we already see with police and

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schools and the impact of their presence on vulnerable student populations. To that point, 22 investigation 2022 investigation by US senators Elizabeth Warren and Mark Mary examined companies including Gaggle, Bark, OGardian, and Securely. The report warned that um uh

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edtech monitoring tools may increase contact with law enforcement and that parents and communities are often not adequately informed. Um, there's quite a bit more, but I think I think I'm I'll stop here. >> So, I guess the question would be how

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far I I think what this person's bringing up is a good point, and that would be how far um would the district go in terms of sharing some of this with law enforcement? I mean, is this just a tool that's going to be utilized for the

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district or would things like viol like threat of like serious violence that's different? Like where do we draw the line? >> Right. Um we draw the line the same way as we we call the police in on matters

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of um you know emer according to the MOA. We're not doing anything different with this tool than we would do if if If somebody brings a weapon to to school, we're calling we're calling the police, right? We're we're involving

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them. Um at the high school level, uh uh potentially if there's um uh well, we send kids out for drug screening. We call their parents. We don't call the police. Um I if if there was a um

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a that's really it that that I can think of. You know, we we don't tend to call the police. We have a an officer in the building to assist. Um but he doesn't get involved in anything unless it's breaking the law, you know.

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So this is this is no different than that. Okay. Does anybody else have anything to comment on that? Okay. I know Miss Stanley, you had a question about something else. >> Oh, so most of mine are just comments, but um I did the bills. I didn't see

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anything crazy in there. Uh number eight, uh we're accepting fireworks donation uh from the Garden State Fireworks. Um they do this every year where they donate to Governor Livingston High School's graduation on June 17th. Uh we're so

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appreciative that they continue to support our students. Um and it really makes our celebration quite unique. Um number 16 because it's such a big section. Um I just wanted to bring up um so it

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doesn't get lost that we are changing the subscription busing rates. Um, so I believe this year for subscription busing it was a rate of $500. Um, it's going up to 750 per seat and a limit of 2,000 per family for the 26 to um 27

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school year. Um, and then 35, you might have referenced this in your finance minutes, but this is we're accepting a donation of football safety equipment

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um from the Highlander Football Fund. >> Oh, that's 35. >> Yeah. Okay. I thought you said 36. Sorry. >> Yeah. Um, so we just want to thank them for all of their support. And then 42.

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Um, it's also a donation from the Brookley Heights Police Athletic League and this is of 31,000 for batting cages installation um at CMS and Mary Kay McMillan. Um, like we've said before, we can't do this without you. Um, so we thank you for

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supporting our students and everything they do. So that's my comments for this 45 section. [laughter] >> It's lot question. Does anybody know what the Highlander football program is?

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>> Isn't it the booster club? >> Oh, it's our Governor Livingston booster club. >> I believe so. >> Football budget within it. Okay. >> Is that accurate? I think most of the times we have

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donations in here from the booster club, it says booster club. >> Oh, >> which it could be. I'm not saying it is or it isn't. It just is a unique. >> Yeah, I thought it was the booster club, but then when I went to read it, I was like, "Oh, >> it wouldn't have caught my attention

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until I heard what you said." What you said, and I was expecting it to either be Berkeley Heights PL or I booster club, something like that. The donation letter states that on behalf of the Highland of Highlander football, I'm requesting board approval for the purchase of the following

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football safety equipment. Um, and it is signed by uh Highlander Football Mom, Kelly Sack >> Booster Club. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. >> So, thank you to know who those people are. >> Yeah. No, thank you. I want to make sure we're just recognizing the right the

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right group. Perfect. Thank you. >> Okay. Okay. Does anybody have any anything else? Okay. Madam Secretary, roll call, please. >> Miss Bradford, >> yes. >> Miss Stanley, >> yes. >> Mrs. Jolly, >> yes.

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>> Mr. Dylan. >> All right. I'm going to be a no on 7 19 24 and I'll abstain from 16 and 39 plus.

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>> 39 plus. It's the 39 and above or head home. >> Okay. So, yes for the rest. >> 39 and above, right? Yeah. So, correct. Right. Yes. To the rest. >> And Mrs. Trero. Yes. Motions passed. Personnel. Um, can I have a motion? I'm

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sorry. Resolutions 1 through 27. All board members, resolutions 28 through 30, Berkeley Heights only. Can I have a motion? >> I would like to make a motion on number 26 to table the last uh summer

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hire position. >> Uh until next time. >> So move. >> Second. >> Sorry, Miss Bradford. First, Mr. Dylan second. >> Um discussion. >> Okay. So, no, we have to do a vote on

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that first. Okay. So, um Madam Secretary, roll call, please. >> Miss Bradford, >> yes. Miss Stanley, >> yes. >> Mrs. Jolly, >> yes. >> Mr. Dylan, >> yes. Yes. >> Terrarero. >> Yes. >> Motion pass.

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>> Okay. So, now back to Can I have for resolutions 1 through 27 all board members resolutions 28 through 30 Berkeley heads only. Can I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Mrs. Bradford's first. >> Second. >> Mrs. Stanley is second. Committee

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reports personnel. >> Yes, I have that. Um, the Berkeley Heights Board of Education Personnel Committee met on Tuesday, May 19th. Agenda items discussed where the committee reviewed and discussed

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recommendations for a candidate for transportation supervisor. The committee reviewed and discussed hourly pay rates for staff. The committee reviewed and discussed the interim assistant principal at GL. A request to discuss salary between uh the individuals uh

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with the CA CSA was completed. Items were briefly discussed for future action was the review of the fall coaching assignments, a job description uh for grounds custodial position at GL, summer enrollment for extended school year and students recommended for uh K5 remedial

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summer school and a job description proposal for teacher instructional coach. informationational update was a parent and staff survey on qualities for the S CMS principal was set and that information was shared in the board buzz. There were 65 applicants, 20

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screening invitations, 19 screening interviews, five committee interview indications and this is a little outdated but there were uh five committee interviews held on May 26 um and then the final interview was held on May 28th. The

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process will continue um with recommendations to the personnel committee. We are meeting on Wednesday and that concludes the personnel report. >> Thank you. Discussion. Okay, Madam Secretary. Roll call, please. Mrs. Brad,

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>> just sorry. Just so we're clear because there was one that was tabled. So, it's 1 through 24 and 26 through >> So, no, it's not the whole thing. 25 is just the >> last item. >> Oh, I mixed up. So, it's just one through 24.

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>> No, it's 26 is still there, but just the last person on there. >> Last person, correct? >> Okay. Correct. Make sure we're all on the same page. >> Yep. >> Thanks. >> All right, Miss Bradford. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Stanley, >> yes. >> Mrs. Jolly,

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>> yes. >> Mr. Dylan, >> I'm going to be a no to one, two, and 13. A yes to uh the rest that are all board members. >> Mrs. Terrero. >> Yes. >> Motions pass.

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>> Education. Um resolutions 1 through seven all board members. Resolutions eight. Berkeley Heights only. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Mrs. Bradford's first. >> I'll second. >> Mrs. Jolly is second. Committee reports curriculum.

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Doesn't sound like we have any. Um, okay. I guess discussion. >> Anybody know if the curriculum committee went over um the low enrollment courses? >> Yes, >> we did. Okay.

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>> Is there any concerns or anything? >> Okay. Um, does anybody else Stanley, are you do you have any other questions or you got Okay. Just want to make sure we we actually did our [laughter] because I don't have I don't think I saw a minute. So, >> okay. Um

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that that's not on policy is the next one. We're not there yet. >> U Madam Secretary, roll call, please. >> Miss Bradford, >> yes. >> Miss Stanley, >> yes. >> Mrs. Jolly, >> uh yes. >> Mr. Dylan,

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>> I'm going to be no to number five and yes to the rest. >> Mrs. Terra. >> Yes. >> Motion's passed. >> Policy resolutions one through two. All board members. Um, do I have a motion? >> Was that Was that Miss Stanley? >> Yes.

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>> Mrs. Stanley's first. >> Second. >> Uh, Miss Bradford second. Committee reports policy. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, on May 13, um, the policy committee met um, virtually.

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We discussed policy 0149 retiring board members. Um this was tabled at the board meeting on April 30th. Uh the committee reviewed the concerns about board member benefits, ethics, length of time, and middle school promotion. The committee

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agreed to move forward with the language as is and added a sentence to clarify any send receive board members involvement as well. the committee would not like the decision to be allowed um to give diplomas to be up for a vote for the board so it can be applied fairly and evenly. Um

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then we did policy 2624 the grading system. This was recently um changed by the board I believe in December. Um the admin asked us to look at this policy uh after receiving suggested

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language from the BHEA union. Um the committee looked at the language and we added two additions to the policy in response to the suggestions. Um some of these suggestions could not be addressed maybe in policy but we do believe they should be in the handbook

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um and we have instructed the staff to add those. Um the committee discussed the phrase number of assignments and both the board members and district admin were in agreement that the language could stay in the policy as as it has been discussed with the admin and the teacher community that consistency

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would be decided and evaluated by administration as the policy directs. This is about providing consistent consistency for the students and it is not about changing teaching methods. the superintendent will send this policy to the board attorney which we did um and

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we did get the go-ahad and this has been shared with the BHA. Uh then we have policy 121 is up for a second read. I'm sorry

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1220. Um employment of the chief school administrator. Um, at the BO meeting, amendments were made in the event the board notifies the superintendent and we got rid of they, he, she will not be reappointed and we changed it to of

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non-reappointment. Um, and then we also at that board meeting changed the opportunity for applicants to visit the district and we removed where feasible. Um, the committee looked at this and we did not make any revisions since that change at

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the meeting. Um so policy 1220 is ready to go. We did review policy 3324 which would have been on tonight for a second read. However um the committee discussed multiple alternative language um about

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media um and you know the use of cell phones by staff in particular um to take photos of our students or videos. Um we are looking out um to stress as May to come to a meeting to actually give us more guidance on the language so that we can make sure it's appropriate um for

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our school building. Um I did attend their um their meeting the stress estate on their um their new alert that's coming out that the committee will be looking at on

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I believe it's June 9th is our meeting. Um, but when I attended, they did say that they have the new cell phone policy pretty much ready to go and they have multiple versions of it. They're just waiting for clarification from the state on a couple questions they had. Um, and

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so once they get that clarification, they are ready to send out whatever version they feel fits best. Um, so hopefully we will get it very very soon. Um, I know every district is kind of crossing their fingers to get that ready for September. Um, on discussion items, I just want to point out that we did

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look at policy 5756 a after it was brought up by a resident at the board meeting. Um, the committee and the district uh kind of feel that this policy is good as is, but please, if you are a board member, please look at this policy and let us know if there is any

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concerns that you have. Um, policy 2430 had been fixed. Um and policy 31 9130 had also been fixed and these were just uh minor issues that were just when they were uploaded after us voting on them just uploaded inappropriately. So they

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were fixed and up to date. So that is it on my policy committee minutes. However, I did receive um some emails um about policy uh 0149 uh retiring board members. Um, right. We

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did send this out to um, schoolboard association. We did send it out to the attorney and we did send it out to stress EME. Um, all of them have returned with um, their advice. Um,

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and hopefully most board members saw that. I know that today I barely got a chance to read it myself um, stress Esme's um, comments so I have not sent that to the rest of the policy committee. Um, so we need to make a decision tonight what we're going to do about moving forward.

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Another comment that some uh board members shared with me today was that um they were worried that we are not allowing any uh Mountainside board member who's on the Mountainside board to give their kid um a diploma, a

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high school diploma. So, if we want to, we can make a motion to actually just remove part of the language. The language that's currently in there was given to me by um Bill Dylan um when we had talked um and so it's exactly the way he had it, but we obviously can

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remove that. So, if we just remove with the completion of one full term on the Berkeley Heights Board of Education, it would allow any um retired board member, but we can also add the words in. We could do any retired or active board members from this sunreceived district

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will be granted the same opportunities as described in this policy. So you guys need to let me know how you want to move forward. >> So um Mr. Dysler, as far as that change goes, is that something that would send

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it back to um first read? So changing just removing the term year term or how would you want to >> No. So this would have to be a motion and be voted on tonight. You wouldn't be able to remove it in between the two meetings. You would have to go back and

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read >> but just like right. >> So could we in an effort to not hold this policy up? Could we move forward and then go back and make some changes to this once this

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gets past second read so that this is in place? Um, >> so then no, right? So if you make changes in between first and second read, it would have to look back. >> No, no, no. I mean like >> you can move this. I think what you're trying to say is can you pass this and

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then send it back to the policy committee for further edits? And the answer to that question is yes, right? You can always revisit a policy even if you passed it, >> right? Like in like in August or September. Do you follow what I'm saying? Like get this policy in place, right? Get this in place with first and

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second read and then send it back for additional revisions down the road. >> Yeah. >> So that this can be in place for when it needs to be in place. >> I mean, >> that's the question that I'm kind of asking. >> Yes, of course. the second the second policy on tonight's first read, right?

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We just did in December, right? And we're revisiting it again, right? >> So, yes, you can absolutely do that >> because I don't want to hold it up because we keep sending it back to you guys like we clearly want to put this forward and get this done. But I do

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think that that is important that Mountainside because there are board members that are at Mountainside that have served for quite a while. And I would think it would be a shame for us to remove their ability to give their child

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a diploma because they weren't specifically on our board. I just don't want to do that >> anything because they don't currently have that privilege. Um but we obviously can add that and we can add it tonight if we make a motion. Right. If I make a motion, >> but that would send it back to first

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read, right? >> Yeah. Well, >> it would be the first read would be tonight. >> So, oh, I see what you're saying. So, you would revise it and then you could read it move forward as the first read tonight. Yeah, that's fine. Um, so you'd say,

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>> so it's it's pretty straightforward. So, there's a sentence in there that says, "Any retired board members from a send receive district will be granted the same opportunities as described in this policy." We would then cross out the words with the completion of one full

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term on the Berkeley Heights Board of Education. So, we're just crossing out that last piece. The second thing we can do if we want to is add the words after any retired we can add the words or active

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right which allow the current board members which currently don't get this privilege. >> Well then it's it's not a policy about retiring board members. >> I I hear you. >> And just to be clear I know we went back and forth on a lot of this. Uh, nowhere

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in this policy does it mention the word quote unquote mountainside. It is send receive. Um, we need to future proof this given the fact that our relationship is subject to end in 12 months. >> Yep.

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>> Um, it seems to me if we go forward and pass it tonight, there may be more things that we just have to look at again for August and September. So that would be my suggestion. >> I I think we've gone round and round on

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this way too many times. I I recommend that we just move forward with this language and then you make any adjustments that you want in the future. >> We've got I mean this is this has been in front of us for way too long. So let let's just move on. >> So I I do just have one question because I don't think I heard um David's opinion

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on this. I mean so um my one thing is the benefits portion, right? Like so like the board voting to provide benefit for themselves right it it is a benefit right so the policy was in place already so we're changing it do

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you see any issues with that >> a question like that I prefer to go into exec because regardless of my answer it could you know you're asking me to make an interpretation on school ethics law if you would vote on this would we would you potentially be at risk

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Um, if we want to take a quick exact session, I can go through that analysis. I just don't feel comfortable doing that in public. >> But if we went ahead with it and passed it, then that could be part of a future discussion. >> It it could be right >> as as we meet again.

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>> I I will say I don't want to give my opinion on something like that, but I will say it is not uncommon. If I would say it is probably very common in the state that board members have the ability the board members are give their children diplomas that is not uncommon in the state. I can't give you my

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analysis under the school ethics law because again I don't want to do that publicly. I'm happy to do it in exec but I would say it is very common if not ubiquitous throughout the state. >> So then why don't you guys just move forward with the policy as is written right now and and we can worry about it later and then we can just vote. Does

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anybody have anything else? Okay. So, Madam Secretary, um, roll call vote, please. >> On all of them, right? >> Yes. >> First and second read. >> Miss Bradford? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Stanley? >> Yes.

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>> Mrs. Jolly? >> I'm going to abstain on 149 and yes to the rest. >> Mr. Dylan, >> yes. >> Mrs. Terrero. >> And I'm going to abstain on policy 149, but I'm going to approve the rest.

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Motion to pass. Okay. Um strategic planning. >> Um so we have not met and obviously we've heard tonight that we will receive our presentation on June 25th. >> Great.

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>> Negotiations. >> Uh yes on negotiations. Um the head custodian negotiations continues. Um we don't have any updates as of tonight. >> Um seven out of the eight have signed

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because one is on medical leave. So it's in the hands of Mr. Distler to put it in a vote to bring so we can >> I would I would anticipate if we can't get that last member because of again the person's on leave that it will be placed on your agenda for the next meeting and we'll move forward with it

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because again they've all >> all that could sign have signed. We're just trying to nail out the logistics of it. >> Thank you. Um for the Mountainside Negotiations Committee, we met internally and we met internally on

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Tuesday, May 26 from 5:30 to 6:30. There were discussions on the board attorney communications and between interactions during this negotiations process. There was a discussion on terminology in the current contract. Uh previous discussion items were in uh continued internal

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discussion on the Mountainside proposal and the board attorney is uh again um talking with the Mountainside board attorney and there are conversations that continue with that. Um and that was our meeting. It was a quick meeting and

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those negotiations still continue and I am looking into um the issue that they are not posted on the website and I have looked into that with Mr. uh Dylan and we're >> thank you >> trying to remedy that. >> Thank you. um for sorry go ahead go on

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>> that concludes negotiations >> um for the negotiations for the BHEA um those continue um and I was trying to look at the schedule um our next meeting is

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>> internal meetings this week um but I'm just trying to figure out it's not the 17th I apologize. >> 15. >> Hold on a minute. Sorry. >> Yes, you're correct. It's June 15th is

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the next meeting with the union. >> Um, and that's it for the for that. Um, liaison reports. >> Yes, I have liaison reports. Uh, the Berkeley Heights Town Council met on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026. The township

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recognized the Asian-American Native Hawaiian and Pac Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a community flag raising event. Uh the township will recognize the World Cup celebration with a flag raising event uh ceremony on June 9th. There was a unanimous vote to pass

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the township annual budget. The township is awarded the New Jersey Healthy Town, which represents the highest level of recognition available through this program. The ebike ordinance was passed with more educational information coming to the community. The community memorial

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memorial day parade was held to honor remember service members who gave their lives and service to our country. The grand marshall was Tom Butler, a US Marine Corps veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and Berkeley Heights resident. Please see the township website for more information. Um, the

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Union County Educational Services, there's no update on that at this time. And um the other thing I have was the Columbia Middle School Capstone Expo was held on May 28th. Mrs. Stanley and I

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attended. It was 16 presentations that were just amazing. It was a shame that only four really awards could be given because they were all so deserving. And congratulations to the teachers who organized it and to all the students who participated. They were wonderful ideas

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and I was ready to plop down money and buy them if they were ready to go. So, congratulations to all those in the Columbia Middle School Capstone Expo. >> One of them created an app that's like better than P school and I was like, can we get this for free? Like, how much are

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you charging? So, >> um the only other thing I wanted to kind of point out is that the middle school awards are this Wednesday night and the GL awards are Thursday night. switch. >> I think you have that. >> I'm sorry. Okay, wait a minute. >> I am very sorry for that.

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>> I just know I have something both. [laughter] >> Um, you're correct. So, um, so GL is Wednesday night at 7 o'clock and that is at the, um, auditorium over here at GL. And Thursday night, uh, the CMS eighth

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grade awards are going to be in the blue gym at CMS at 7 o'clock. Okay. Um, communications, I'm sorry, comments from the public on any topic. During this portion of the meeting, district residents and staff are invited to address the board of education on any

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item. The board requested individuals state their name and town of residents or school of attendance for the record. Additionally, all inerson commenters are asked to please sign in. All comments should be directed to the board president and depending upon the nature and complexity of the question. It may or may not be answered during the

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meeting by the administration. If so, the response would occur after the public portion of the meeting has concluded. Although the board may not respond to all items raised during the public forum, all public comments will be considered. The board asked that members of the public be courteous and mindful of the rights of other

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individuals when speaking. Specifically, comments regarding personnel matters are discouraged and cannot be responded to by the board. Students and employees um have specific rights, legal rights afforded by the law of New Jersey. Um board bears no responsibility nor will

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be liable for any comments made by members of the public. Please note that if any member of the public becomes disruptive during the meeting, the board president may terminate the participant statement. Continued disruptions may result in removal from or adjournment of the meeting. Each speaker statement will

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be limited to three minutes in duration. I will take in permitten comments first and then online comments. I don't see anybody in person. Do we have any comments online? Okay. Can you please promote them?

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>> Uh, hi John McQuez, Berkeley Heights. Um, I want to thank Natasha for reading the portion of that. Um, I'm kind of I'm a little disappointed about the gaggle vote. It's it so

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I feel like these conversations require, you know, the some of the stuff I I understand it's discussed in committee, but you know, I think there's a few things like there's no New Jersey or federal law that requires the kind of monitoring that Gaggle does. It doesn't

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exist. We can satisfy the law through standard web filters, staff supervision. Nothing require there's no law that requires 247 monitoring. If if it does, I'd like to know specifically what that is. I know SEIPA doesn't. I know New

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Jersey law does not. Um and and it might seem like a small thing but you know these program there's no independent research on these programs that we're unleashing in schools. The numbers that you're getting you're getting from vendors

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because Gaggle doesn't allow internal you know outside scrutiny of its information. So, I'd like to see I would love to see the research that was referenced in coming to a decision on using a 247 monitoring system on students on children and I'd like to see

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the discussions that occurred in committee that discussed civil liberties the impact on creativity the things that happened you know the things that happens in terms of some of the softer stuff where I've had the experience of schools calling me and police showing up

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in my office for a student for students uh on misinterpreted information. So, I'm not, you know, that police thing is actually very real. I've had several real life examples of that that I've experienced. We're we're putting these

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things in schools, guys, with kids without a really the discussion that we had here today and the one that we had before. There's no there's no acknowledgement on the board's part of civil liberties there. These kids have rights. Like, are

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we going to have staff undergo this where where are staff emails going to be subject to 247 AI monitoring? You know, this just isn't right. It's not right what we're doing to kids. We're turning our schools into prisons, into zoos. We're treating them like

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animals. So, that I I'm really disappointed. I'm also disappointed that half the board isn't here. Um I don't know. I'm so mad. I forgot what else I was going to say. Anyway, have a good night.

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>> Thank you. [clears throat] >> Um believe the monitoring is monitoring all >> um adjournment. Can I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Just uh >> from a new business perspective, can I raise two points? >> Sure. not it won't be action. So, we

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don't have to worry about the 24-hour rule of 48 hours. Uh, two things. Um, one, as we leave here tonight, I'd encourage everybody to really consider whether we need two more meetings in June, right? So, that would be three meetings in June. Uh, some of us had the luxury of being here twice in less than

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a week. Um, are both meetings necessary? Nothing that has to be decided on now, but I ask people go away and consider that. Um, potentially give us back a little bit time as a board. two um when schools let out which is close right I know at least the 17th for for GL um we

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still have this question around the cell phone policy and how it's going to be enacted and I people stop they don't pay attention they lose focus and people start to do back to school shopping so on so forth so if there's any sort of pre guidance we can give out hey the expectations are cell phones will be in

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lockers therefore traditionally you never went to your locker but you're going to have to so does that mean a bag a lock I I don't know. I don't know what it's like in the lower levels you either, but it's going to be I think a a change that's going to impact o over the summer activities and the

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sooner we can give some sort of guidance out the better. Uh even if we say this is our preliminary thoughts on on what's going to change um that'd be great because I have people asking me on in streets like are we going to do cell phone bags and are we going to be responsible from taking them from them when they walk in the room and I don't

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think that's how we intend to do it, right? So the sooner we can get out there that We don't, you know, they should leave their phones at home and we don't we're not going to take them or be responsible for them. What whatever the language is, the sooner the better. So, thank you. That was all. >> Thank you. >> A really good point.

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>> It's only an issue with Gio 8 to 8, they already aren't allowed to bring phones to school. So, point taken. And we have discussed it internally. Um, and we just got well, I just saw an update from Strauss Esme on May 26 and it's not coming out till June any of the any of

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the guidance. So point taken that we have been discussing it but we need to communicate with the community. >> Yeah I I don't want to underestimate the reality of what's happening in our school. I'm sure that there are cell phones in CMS and I think there's a there's a thought even at GL that people

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are putting their their phones in sleeves which aren't happening right the kids have their phones all day long right and uh >> so I think whatever policy comes about I I would say that the CMS and the and the younger schools I I guarantee little Suzie's going to school with a with a phone in her bag right whether she takes

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it out or not it's a different story right I think we should be just just communicate to all the all the schools Right. >> And actually maybe share with parents because you're right. I mean they even have like Apple watches and stuff that could connect to them. >> Right.

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>> So like >> which they're not allowed to have like any internet device >> if internet connection >> they don't put it in their locker like what what are the steps that will be taken too? I think that message has to be made clear. I can tell you >> a new generation.

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I can tell you, I've already heard from my child like, "Why is the board taking away our phones?" And I'm like, "Whoa, whoa, whoa. It's not the board, it's the state. Hold on a minute. This is a law." So, um, yeah, I think the messaging needs to be shared with the parents.

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>> Be better if the kids were asking why do they let us use our phones in the classrooms today, right? With that said, um, can I have a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Mrs. Bradford is first. >> I'm out of here. I'll second it. >> Mr. Dylan is second. Voice vote. All in

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favor? The voice.