Where's the >> Okay. Well, whatever. Um, adequate notice of this meeting of the Berkeley Heights Board of Education was given as required by the Opened Public Meetings Act, NJSA
104-6 and in accordance with the updated regulations. On January 7th, 2026, notice of the board education meeting schedule was posted on the Berkeley Heights Thank you. board of education official website, posted at the
administration building, provided to all Berkeley Heights public schools, PTO presidents, and BHEA president, filed with the municipal clerk, and provided to the public library for public inspection. Madam Secretary, would you please take
roll call? Mrs. Kerry, Miss Bradford >> here, >> Mr. Dylan, Dr. Forger, >> yes. Present, >> Miss Jolly >> here, >> Mr. Morales >> here. >> Mrs. Stanley >> here. >> Mrs. Terrarero
>> here. Please stand for the flag. Algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. Ajournment to public to executive session. Whereas the Berkeley Heights Board of Education seeks to adjourn to executive session in full compliance with the public with the Open Public Meetings Act NJSA 104-6.
And whereas the public the open public meetings act provides the public the public body may be excluded the P 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 lease of real property if public interest could be adversely affected. Investment of public funds if public interest c
could be adversely affected. Tactics or techniques utilized in protecting public safety and property. Pending or anticipated litigation. Attorney client privilege. personnel employment matters affecting specific prospective or current employees. Be it resolved the
Berkeley Heights Board of Education adjourns to executive session to discuss matters related to students, personnel, and legal matters. And be it further resolved that the minutes of the 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have been determined and confidentiality is no longer applicable.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 get a motion to enter into executive session? Get a motion. >> Okay. And I have a second. >> I'll second. >> So, Mr. Morales and M. Jolly second. All
in favor? I >> enter into executive session at 6:34. Can I get a motion to return to public session? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second. >> So, Miss Bradford and Mr. Morales. Uh,
voice vote. >> I >> All right. I want to start off by um a couple things. I want to thank um all the board members and the staff of the district as I always do um just for all your hard work and dedication um for our district. I I really
appreciate it. I also want to just thank the community for supporting the district um and actually voting um yes for the for the referendum. Um and I will tell you that you can you can um trust us with with the dollars that we
will do the right thing and and perform the projects that are actually on that list. Um, I also want to remind everybody that the goal tonight is to stay on topic and remain calm and respectful of each other as we focus on the agenda items tonight. And so with
that, I will pass it off to the report of the superintendent. >> Thank you, Mrs. Truro. Um, and we will start tonight as we always do with the report of the student representatives. And I'll turn it over to you, Mr. Aerson. >> Uh, good evening everybody. This is the
seventh edition of Happenings on the Hill. Uh it's been a very busy two weeks at Governor Livingston. Last Wednesday, the Interact Club traveled to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and Hillside to sort, pack, and weigh boxes of food and health products. Uh in just
two hours, our group of 30 volunteers packed 260 boxes of food, which is roughly equivalent to two and a half pallets of supplies. On behalf of the Interact Club, Pip and I would like to thank everybody who participated and helped support this important effort. On Monday, the science Olympiad team
competed at the state competition in Middle Sex College for the first time in over half a decade. While it was a very competitive field, the team held it still had a standout performance, placing first in the remote sensing event. Congratulations to everybody who competed and represented Governor
Livingston. From Monday night through Wednesday, members of the future business leaders of America attended the state leadership conference in Atlantic City. The conference allowed students to connect with peers from across New Jersey, attends insightful workshops, and be recognized for their work. Out of
over four 4,700 members in attendance, I placed top 10 in aggra business. Matt Kerrick placed top 10 in introduction to business communications and Ruhan Goalie placed top 10 in intro to business concepts, putting us roughly within the top 5% of the hundreds of competitors in
our events. On behalf of the officers, I'd like to thank everyone who attended and represented Governor Livingston so well. Last night, the Berkeley Heights teachers and staff took on the Harlem Wizards in a fun and energetic game. Thank you to the Berkeley Heights Education Foundations for putting together such an amazing community
event. Looking ahead, next students, next week students will be taking the NJGPA and NJSLA assessments. Next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the Hilltop players will present their spring production of your in town. And additionally, this Saturday, Governor Livingston will be hosting the March
SAT. And we would like to wish the best of luck to everyone taking this exam. I'll end tonight with a quote from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. So we beat on boats against the current, born back caselessly, ceaselessly into the past. As we continue moving forward,
our experience and the moments we share along the way help shape who we become. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Oh, also I forgot to add uh Pippa is not here tonight because she is at her uh last swim banquet. So congratulations,
Pippa. and I'll have to say that your quote is very apppropo for what we've experienced as a community. So, thank you for that. Um, I'd like to thank the board for all the support throughout um these last
couple of months with regards to the referendum. Um, I want to also extend um just like Miss Terrar did uh a very heartfelt thank you to the community for their support in passing the referendum. We had a voter turnout of 21% and from
speaking with other superintendent uh colleagues of mine, a typical referendum uh vote is between 10 and 15%. So our community, you know, came out with 71% of the votes being a yes vote for question one and 67% of the votes being
a yes vote for question two. So, you know, the community really showed support uh uh for investing in the future of the schools for our students and our staff. So, we really truly, you know, appreciate that. The next steps are to sell the bonds, uh, begin the
conversations for the final designs for the educational spaces, um, and prepare bid packages for all of the projects, which means I will be speaking with students and finding ways to uh, speak with students and staff as along with
the administrators in terms of how they're envisioning these spaces. can't guarantee that we'll be able to put everything in, but the student voice is extremely important. So, we're looking forward to that. Uh, we thought the hard work was up until this point, that was
the easy part. So, the next three to four years are going to be exciting times, but so worth it for what we can, you know, provide for the future. So, we're really looking forward to that. And, uh, just once again, these are really exciting times, and I want to thank everybody for investing in the
future. So, thank you. And that concludes my report for tonight. >> Um, report of the business administrator board communication. >> All right. Can you hear me? Since my last update on February 26, the
district has continued to make progress in several areas, including development of the 2627 budget and planning for the next steps following the community's approval of the Berkeley Heights referendum. Budget development remains ongoing. Discussions with facilities and finance committee administrators and
department leaders have been productive and help refine priorities and identify key needs for the upcoming school year as we continue evaluating the district's overall operational programming needs. Their thoughtful questions, feedback, and support have been instrumental as we continue to work through various
scenarios and refining the final numbers. Today, we also received state aid figures for the upcoming school year. where police report Berkeley Heights did not experience a reduction in state aid. While that is encouraging news, we are continuing to examine all factors that impact the district's finances so that we may present a
thoughtful and well-rounded financial plan to both the board of education and the public at the March 26th board meeting. In addition to the budget work, the district is also beginning the plan for the next phase following community's approval for referendum. We would like to thank the Berkeley Heights community for placing its trust in the district,
these projects, and supporting the continued investment in our schools. And as we move forward, the district will continue to provide updates to the community while focusing on implementing the approved projects in a fiscally responsible manner and working to enhance the learning environments across the district. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Comments for the public on agenda items. During this portion of the meeting, district residents and staff are invited to address the board of education on aject 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 comments are asked to be 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 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 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 Jersey. The board bears
no responsibility, nor will it 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 be limited to three minutes in duration. We will take in person first and there is nobody here. So I will move on to see if there's anybody online for public comment. Okay. So we will uh close that
portion of the meeting. We will move on to minutes. Resolution one, all board members. Do I have a motion? >> So move. >> And can I have a second? >> Second. >> So Mrs. Bradford and Mr. Morales is a second discussion.
Okay. Madame Secretary. >> Okay. >> Please. Miss roll. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Stanley. Mr. Morales. >> Stand because I left early. Mrs. Jolly. >> Yes.
Mrs. Akiri. >> Uh, yes to the exec session. Abstain from the regular. I wasn't here. >> Dr. Forer. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Terrarero. >> Yes. >> Motion to pass.
>> Resolution 1 through eight. All board members. Resolutions 9 through 10. Berkeley Heights only. Do I have a motion? Mrs. Stanley's first and Mr. Morales is second. Committee reports, finance and facilities. >> So the um finance and facilities
committee uh met on Monday, March 9th. Um obviously at the top of the agenda item was the budget and um uh Jen gave us a pretty upto-date um uh update. Um the one thing I would say is that I
think that the full board has now received um all of the details. So it's not just uh with committee the um the questions are available. Anyone can put them in. We're tracking them via Google form. So this is not just finance and facilities. Um the
whole board is engaged in reviewing the budget and um in questions so they can be answered so when the time comes to vote everyone's comfortable. Um agenda item number two there there's a number of items that we'll see in the
finance agenda that we discussed. Um the job fair participation. Um there are four universities that we're looking to potentially participate in these job fairs with the goal of um attracting new teachers and the fees associated with
them will only be paid if um uh which we attend. Um you'll also see um an item with respect to Carney Bank um where we're looking to designate this as an approved depository for district funds. Um the district had met with the bank
and reviewed their services and there's a whole slew of services that are positive to us versus our current situation. Um but I guess the biggest one also being a um a 4% interest on deposits. So, which is higher than the
rate we're going now. So, we discussed that for a bit. Um, and we'll be um I guess we're voting to approve them and as a as an approved depository. Um, we also spoke about um
someformational items. Um, so the uh the district has sent a letter to the town council um regarding um pilot um revenues. Um this is essentially the same letter that was shared with uh the mayor and uh Miss Vian um and Liza and
uh but we're this was addressed to the town council as we know the town council will be discussing it I believe on March 16th. Um and just to reiterate um in terms of the you know some of the numbers associated with this we have um
you know 57 students currently enrolled from the pilot properties. Um 19 of those students also require um special services. Um based on um an article written by TAP actually um back in 20
May of 2024 there was um an estimated number for the pilot properties in terms of revenue across six properties um of approximately 70 million over 30 years. Um and we know that currently, you know, the there's no law that requires um that
the revenues are shared with the district, but we certainly hope that we can continue the conversation um you know, as we have increased enrollment from these pilot properties because currently the district does not
get anything. Um so then um we also um just wanted to present uh to the public um we received an update on Lower Colombia. Um and so with respect to the plan for
the space um so there will be natural turf um that would be put into the space where the soccer field will be. I think it's the soccer field is going to be positioned a little differently. I think of it as more vertical than horizontal based on the initial schematics. Um
there will be an underfield drainage system, an irrigation system, and lights. Um the funding for this is via grants and donations. Um so it's it's going to we have like 700 they have 756,000 um for this. Um it will likely
not cost the full amount for the field. So, they will be going out to bid for some other um improvements including um you know an entrance to the field, resurface of the basketball courts, um some work on the baseball field. Um so
there's um about 10 items that are uh other upgrades that are in addition to the um lower uh to the actual soccer field. Um and I think so we already talked about Carney Bank. Um, and just wanted
to note that we're moving um, uh, 1.5 million from Capital Reserve to Financial Resources Credit Union, which was approved um, uh, which was approved last uh, the last board meeting. And again, this is to gain the higher um,
interest rate from them. Um so we with respect to the health insurance increase I guess as part of a budget update um we were originally quoted 17% um and as of the end of February Alliance has negotiated us to 11% which
is really good compared to where you know we see other districts um you know as we hear 30% increases. So 11% is actually really good, more than we had last year, but still really good compared to um uh other surrounding
areas. So sorry just to clarify with um Carney um the the 4% I mentioned was a CD uh for the 4% um other uh as and in terms of the actual rate of return on the
deposits it's 3.25%. >> Thank you Jen for the clarification. I have a question on the Carney Bank. Um, is our funds under that CD protected under FDIC or is there something different for school districts to protect those funds? I I've not heard of the Carne Bank before.
>> So, I just was wondering how how safe everything is. >> Yeah. Yeah. It's so actually um Pamela had asked that same question in committee and so it's not under FDIC because that's for individual deposits and it's only goes up to 250. We have Gup Gupta
>> Gupta G. Yes. Yeah. So there is a separate insurance for um deposits like ours >> and I think Carney Bank is what Millington Bank used to be. Is that right? >> It is. And it um it's also used by other local school districts in the area which they got the reference from another VA.
>> Thank you. Are they like a credit union? No. Right. >> It's a bank. So, financial resources where we got the 4% CD for the 1.5 million that we're moving is a credit union. >> Um, and it's groupupa. >> Uh, Carney is not.
>> Okay. >> So, I wanted to make sure that everybody kind of understood what Natasha was reading specifically as it relates to the pilot money. Do you guys all understand what she was reading to you
>> and how it actually impacts the district? >> Okay. So it's basically very similar to I think Paripony had an agreement recently with their township on how many students from these pilot developments attend our schools and then Jen did the
analysis requested based on how many students are attending and what would be the cost and we are asking for a >> do you guys actually have a break like do you have a breakdown specifically on what it costs the district right now? Uh
so if we're going by enrollment and then if we take that enrollment and we uh see the numbers of students that might have special services or um >> ESL >> ELLL right uh if you take the average of those costs
>> we didn't want to break down by student um and what the additional cost would be for special services on average it's about 1.6 million a year. Okay. And and there is a new building that just
recently went up. It's called Berkeley House. I don't think Do we We don't have numbers there yet because they haven't filled it. >> No. >> Do we have any kind of idea of what kind of numbers we might get from those buildings? >> No. >> And I know that there's a building going
up in Canel as well, right next to Embassy Suites, >> right? Yeah. We don't we don't have a projection of those numbers yet. >> Okay. So these numbers that you're talking about do not include those buildings. Correct. It's just the ones that are currently filled and have >> That's correct. People, >> right? And to size point um you know
she's mentioned paripony. There are districts now that are approaching the townships um asking if they would share in these funds because it's not mandated at this point. Um but it does have an impact on the school districts. And so some of the townships are creating um
contracts with the school districts to share these funds. Um we understand that there is an impact on the township as well, right? But um so that's something I mean it is going through legislature right now. Um they're discussing it but there's nothing that's firm and
regulated at this point. >> Mrs. Stanley, I think you did you specifically want to say something? >> Oh, so I wanted to talk about Canel um Connell Park or whatever. I don't believe that's actually a pilot. So, I do believe we currently receive taxes from them and when their residents move
in um we even if we receive students from them, that's not part of a a pilot. But I do think what I'm concerned about, right, is until this legislation is put in place um if we can kind of try to work with the township as when they go
into these contracts that they do write um into the contract write an amount for the school, right? Um because we will see future pilots. Um I think right when we're talking um what's the one here? Bell Labs, right? Noia. I think that's
going to probably be a pilot. Um and when we when they go into a contract with them, right? If we can find a way. Um I think we have to remember too some of these are 55 plus. Um and those obviously they get their own tax write offs. Um so we might not see
them for all of the pilots that come through. Um, but I do think right that 1.6 million is based off out of district tuition. Um, and while I I think it's good to see the impact to our district, right? There's they are residents,
right? And and everyone pays for their for those uh students. Um, so I think we really do need to work with the township until this legis legislation gets in place on how we can move forward in their when they go into these contracts with the contractors, right? because
they can write in the schools um in the future. >> I think Tom had his hand. Go ahead. >> Uh with your question about the the number of students we can expect um that that's estimated by our
demographer, but it's not very hard to do. there's he just uses a report that he gets from Ruters and uh it says for each type of uh uh housing and it actually just depends on the bedroom distribution. So one bedroom, two
bedroom, threebedroom and all of the uh pilot agreements have that detail. Planning board has it bedroom distribution and there's a factor for each and you just multiply that. That's what he would do. We can do it oursself. I've done it. Uh so once you get that
bedroom distribution we can estimate number of students that we could expect. >> Yeah, >> you can go. >> Go ahead. >> Yeah. So, I just wanted to say like Parcipony has an agreement. I think it's about 20,000 per student and the
township agreed to pay the district. Um, where I'm coming from is there is all it's some of these affordable housing units that are going to come up in Berkeley Heights. It's already written in stone. So I think there is some Cornell property also has some units
that are going towards affordable housing. So if they are going towards affordable housing that that means it's payment in le of taxes. there is a pilot if it's a simple like I think we can look it up or we can ask look through the resolutions to see how many pilot agreements are there how many properties
are being built and regarding Nokia Bell Labs I don't think there is anything there was anformational circular from the township to say it might it will be 55 but there is no resolution that they have passed both the developers that
have come into con there is nothing document mented that says that Nokia Bell Labs will be a 55 plus. >> I that's not what I said. But >> no, I'm I'm not talking about what I'm saying. What the people of town, you know, Berkeley Heights got was a letter
from the mayor, I think sometime around December or January saying this is what is in the talks. But if you go and I did go do a a deep dive and look at their resolutions, they say that Nokia Bell Labs is a huge property. I think it's
two 200 acres or whatever. There is no nothing set in stone that it will be a 55 plus. So anything can be up in the air but we also have if you go on to the township website how many are pilot um properties and
we can basically use the demographer study to calculate how many students we might expect. >> Right. So I have for the ones that aren't um that would have school children in them are ClariS, the Terrace, Berkeley Crossing, Mandelly, Mil Creek or Madura. Madura
>> and the former hotel property. >> The for what was the last one? >> The former hotel property. >> The former hotel property. Okay. >> Former hotel. >> So that doesn't even include Berkeley House that just went up and I guarantee I know there's a lot of affordable housing in that. >> Yeah. So, so the list that's on there
right now >> are completed properties that have people in them. It is not necessarily additional construction that's currently going on. >> Correct. >> I just got a question. Do we know if the council is receptive to our
>> u concerns in regards of this budget? >> Well, I think Dr. Feltry or M. Nicholson can share. >> Our understanding is they're discussing it on March 16th. We we have gone to them in person. >> Yeah, >> we have a you know a a good working
relationship with them. We have gone to them in person and presented. >> What? >> You need to be closer. >> Get the mic to you. >> Yeah. >> We have Can you hear me now? Okay. So, we have gone and sat down with them and we have spoken to them about you know
you know our thoughts and maybe seeing what they've come up with and followed up with them. Uh so we're having we have been speaking to them about it. Yes. >> Yes. And they agreed to bring it to town council on the 16th. That's when they're discussing as a whole council. >> Thank you,
>> Mr. Bradford. Um closer. I'm very pleased to hear that there's uh conversations going on, positive conversations between the school district and the town council because we want to preserve that relationship. Uh I also wanted to ask Mr. Dler, is there any type of update on
this state legis? Are they are we in a holding pattern or are we waiting for the judge to do some more Mount Laurel numbers because I know everybody's talking about it. So where are we? >> I think there are two different things. There is the Mount Laurel case and there's been towns that have challenged
it and the like that has remained lower law. Those numbers there was a second case that kind of challenged the disproportional impact on suburban communities. That case uh went all the way up to the US Supreme Court. They turned that case down. So that still remains the law as it is today. What
your numbers are what your numbers are. That's separate apart from the pilot legislation which is legislation that would allow that would force either contractors to negotiate with the board for payment to go directly to the board or the municipality to give a percentage of the pilot directly to the board of
education. That is still I believe in committee. Um, but it is making its way through because there's certainly support, but for obvious reasons, the people you would think would support or supporting it and the people you think are opposing it are opposing it. >> Okay, thank you.
>> Anything else? Okay, we're going to move on to athletics and co-curricular. Mr. Dylan isn't here, but I can tell you we didn't meet. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, >> that they won't meet until March 23rd. Yep. Um, technology and communications,
>> we don't meet until March 20th, I think. >> 23rd. >> 23rd. All right. Yes, you're right. >> All right. So, that closes out the reports. Um, in terms of the items that are actually on the agenda, I'm going to open it up for discussion. >> Oh, curriculum. Should >> Oh, sure. Go ahead. >> It's under education.
>> Oh, so >> hold on. Um, okay. So, um, just to discuss discussion for anything under finance. Does anybody have any questions? >> Um, I just want to say thank you to everybody who's working so hard on the budget and I know the finance and
facilities committee is really working um to look at everything and Dr. Feltry has said all options are on the table and I just want to commend this year is very different in terms of the transparency and the number of meetings and questions that are being asked and the invitation to the board members to
come and actually review the process. So I just want to say thank you. >> I agree. >> You guys have all done a really great job. Thank you. >> I have two questions Debbie on finance. >> Um the first one is on approval of treasurer's report. So this one is
talking about I think we are approving today reports for the months ending November 30th December 31st reflecting a reconciliation update. Um and a treasurer of school. So we are approving all three reports.
>> Yes. So um do you want to VJ do you want to explain that or I can? >> Yeah. So can you hear me? Yeah. >> Yeah. So um there was an update to our accounting software in between uh October and
November which caused a check to prematurely print on one of the reports. >> Okay. And when I was reconciling January's treasures report, I was able to I was unable to reconcile which basically
um caused me to go backwards and find and I found where my error was. Um I have the backup documentation in the office. >> Okay. >> So yeah. >> So it's one check that caused >> it was one check. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Resulting from a software update. So
>> yeah, it was a software update. So, do we how often do we get these software updates? >> So, this this was the first time I've seen it. Uh, basically what the what the accounting software what they did was they took a module, >> updated it, and renamed it basically,
but it was it was basically the same thing. Um, on the back end, I'm not exactly what they I'm not exactly sure what they did, but um >> it dropped a check. >> I'm sorry. >> It dropped a check. >> It didn't drop a check. It prematurely printed a check.
>> Oh, which software is this? >> CSI. >> CSI. Okay. >> BJ's been in contact with the company to let them know. >> No, I want to know like how are we going to prevent like if it's printing checks prematurely. >> Yeah. And that was that was a one-time
scenario, but um since then I've been keeping my eye on the reports um in more detail than normal. >> But we do have checks and balances, right? Let's say if the software prints a check, does it automatically make the bill list?
>> Um, if so, no, not necessarily. No. >> Okay. >> It it was just a reporting error, right? And it it's one of those things with new software where you know >> a new software gets pushed out and there was a bug >> in that system and the bug had to be
fixed. >> So my question is every month we have a long bills list and one of us is designated to go review them. It's not that it's not that kind of check. >> Okay. >> It's not that kind of check. So, it didn't have an impact on the secretar's reports, the bills list. It was right
just to the treasurer's report. So, when BJ found it, um, we held the January treasures report to be till until we could talk to finance and explain the situation because we did have to change the December and the November reports. >> Got it. Does the software do any
automatic transfers? >> No. >> Does it authorize anything? It doesn't do anything unless it's user input. >> Okay. It does do automatic like it will transfer stuff if based on user input. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You had a second question.
>> Oh yeah. The I forgot it's a small one. So I see um this is a pet peeve of mine. I ask this every year I think the number 10 approve student educational field trips. So we are sending Mountain Park students to Patriots Park. um grade
five, we have grade five at Hughes and um we want to be equitable. I know and I think it's the job of the district administration to say are we sending are we ensuring that grade five students have same experiences. So I don't see
Hughes on this. So are we going to see that at the next meeting? Are we planning to send them or is it >> so s um from what Miss Bradford just told me it's the steam program that's out of mountain park but it's both schools >> right
it's Hughes and it's Hughes and Mountain Park students >> speaking today we did our judging >> speak >> oh yes >> so it's both schools so can we because on the agenda we only see Mountain Park
grade drives steam field day. It doesn't say Hughes. So, we might have to amend it and say it's both. >> But I actually agree with what you're saying by the way. >> Yeah. Thank you. Because I think the elementary school I think previously the K 2 to5 or whatever model we had all of
them went to Turtleback Zoo and then we started doing only some schools. Some elementaryaries went to turtle back some didn't go. And when I asked this question it was like oh it's based on teacher recommendation. So, I feel like we need to make sure because I don't want the students to meet and say, "Hey, I went to this fun trip and the other
ones didn't go." Thank you. >> Why not? >> Okay. Does anybody else have anything? Okay, madam. >> I just want to go. >> Sorry. >> I just want to thank uh the Piaza family for their donations to both GL and CMS's
um musicals. So, I really appreciate it because their donation reaches uh $2,000 just to support our our drama students uh both at CMS and GL. So, I really really appreciate that. We we our students need the support from our
community. So, thank you so much. >> Thank you, Madam Secretary. Roll call, please. >> Miss Bradford, >> yes to all. >> Mrs. Stanley, >> yes. >> Mr. Morales, >> yes. >> Mrs. Jolly, >> yes. >> Mrs. Zakiri.
>> Uh, yes to all. >> Dr. Forger, >> yes to all. >> Mrs. Terrarero, >> yes. >> Motion's pass. >> Personnel resolutions 1 through 10. All board members, resolutions 11 through 14, Berkeley Heights only. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Miss Bradford's first.
>> Seconded. >> Mr. Miles second. Committee reports personnel. >> Yes, I have the committee report. um just pulling up. Um the board of education personnel committee met on
Friday, March 6 from 10, excuse me, from 12:00 to 1:00 and we had discussed items from our previous board meeting regarding the GL assistant principal position. At our last meeting, we
approve the interim position and that is posted now for the dates uh 41026 to 6:3026 and we had asked the administration to give us job descriptions for uh vice assistant principal number one and a a
job description for principal assistant principal number two. So, we have that. Also, uh, Miss Barry from the high school when she ca came on board, she did a little, uh, evaluation of what the assistant principal responsibilities were. Exactly. And that was in the
minutes that was, uh, shared with the board. Um, Dr. Feltry also shared a historical viewpoint on vice pres, excuse me, vice principles at GL, and they've been going back since 2002. We've had two. There was also another
interesting uh table that was presented to us looking at the number of administrators per average number of students per administrator. So at all our schools um in um Mary Kay, Hughes, Mountain Park, uh Woodruff and CMS, it
is an average of about 200 and some in the middle of 200 per administrator, which is what we have now at GL with the three administrators, the principal and the two assistant vice principles. If we drop that down to two, the principal and
one assistant principal, that number double doubles to 417. the average number of students per administration. So we talked about that quite a bit. We talked about the impact. We talked about the duties that were going on somewhere repetitive in the fact that it needs to be repetitive in
case an emergency comes up. We also mentioned some some other things that would impact the duties of there. Um Mr. Morales had asked for an organizational chart. So Dr. Feltry and the administration provided that and also was provided the uh Berkeley High Board of Ed salaries for the administration in
a PDF. So Dr. Feltry and Miss Barry also reviewed the do job descriptions to us. Besides providing the written documentation and the duties of this two assistant uh principles, there was some redundancy in the duties that are part of the normal operations at GL to ensure
coverage and also to promote opportunities for growth for assistant principles. The current district organizational chart was reviewed noting the elimination of two positions and Dr. Belry discussed the differences in responsibilities between supervisors at
the K, excuse me, 6 through 12 level and the assistant principal position at GL 9 through 12 grades. The committee discussed the historical background of the two assistant vice principles dating back to 2002. The committee discussed the administration salary information of
about $3 million out of an approximately $60 million budget and salaries of the current administrators were provided. Dr. Dr. Felchy provided the committee with an analysis of the six schools administrators and the ratio of administrators to students. Dr. Felt also added her support for the two
assistant principles at GL begins a new phase under Miss Barry's leadership and the opportunity to advance academic progress without the support in here at the high school. You know, we we it's hard difficult to uh guarantee academic progress. Um, I also brought up the need
for administration supervision of GL products and construction now that the referendum has passed. Mrs. Akiri joined the meeting and the committee discussed GL's declining enrollment and the opportunity for parents to choose schools other than GL and if enrollment
continues to decline, is there a number for a reduction in assistant principles in the future? Discussion was held on sharing or spreading out assistant administrator duties among current supervisors. Dr. Feltier advised this option would require negotiations with the BHAA. Mr. Morales suggested a pay
increase for current administrators for extra duties and that would also require BHA negotiations. Dr. Felry also stated that all options are on the table for discussion. The recommendations was the committee to seek feedback from other board members at this time and we're
going to meet further to discuss the possibilities after our preliminary budget discussions and meet again in uh April to talk about a permanent position that would end uh in June for the interim. Any questions? Yes, Howard.
for the replacement of the assistant principal at Gio. Do we know what that process is going to look like? >> Uh Dr. Feltry, could you talk about that process? >> Yeah, right now um we're in the process of hiring an interim and uh Mrs. Barry
is handling that. So believe she's actually interviewing some people tomorrow >> for the and Mrs. Bradford. We also discussed about the two job requirements that we have for assistant one and assistant two. We're going to look at if they can be merged into one where before
we post for a permanent position. Right. Right. >> That was the other thing forward. We're looking at seeing if there isn't redundancies or repetitions then they will be merged and those are in the minutes that I sent to the board members the two different descriptions that Mrs. Akiri is talking about. And again we did
discuss some of the things that some of the there was a reason for the redundancy among um the two different assistant principles. Thank you for report. Does anybody have any other questions? Okay. Um discussion
on the items. >> Okay. Madam Secretary, do a roll call, please. Miss Bradford, >> yes. >> Mrs. Stanley, >> yes. >> Mr. Morales, >> yes. >> Mrs. Jolly, >> yes. >> Mrs. Airi, >> yes.
>> Dr. Forer, >> yes. >> Mrs. Terrarero, >> yes. All motions pass. Education resolutions one and two. All board members, do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Yes. >> Sorry. So um
>> I'm out. You had >> Stanley was first. >> Wait was second. >> Was first. >> Mrs. Stanley and I think you say second and Javier said at the same time. >> Is it Carrie second or >> Yeah, >> give it to Mr. Kerry. Why not? >> All right. All right. um committee
reports uh curriculum. Yeah. Give me a minute. Let me bring it up. Oh, yeah. Old age and readers. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. Thank you, Natash. I >> think Howard's gonna make it to the end
of the meeting. >> Yeah, >> that's how quick we're being today. >> So, uh, curriculum committee met on March 9th for a two-hour meeting. The agenda topics were update on the professional development impact from provided in 2024 to 25 school year and
the impact on NJSLA. the we asked uh Dr. Curtis and the administration to provide us a comparison of the impact of this professional development for the teachers on the proficiency pre uh PD and post PD update on math 8 implementation that happened at middle
school. Uh number three was next steps for proof oriented geometry curriculum and um we also discussed an updated CMS schedule. Um and the CMS awards criteria final draft was going to be reviewed. Uh
the last and final topic that we discussed was lab dissections in high school biology and lab experiments in chemistry. Um when the committee actually met we went through them in the reverse order. So the first topic that we discussed was lab dissections at
Governor Livingston. There was some um parent feedback and students saying they don't do any dissection. So I asked um the the administrations on what actually happens at GL and Dr. Gertus gave an overview of all lab experiments for all
grades at Governor Livingston. She shared a document with uh the committee which I'm going to attach to the links when I publish this. Um the main synopsis of it is the general biology students don't do any dissections but they do extensive lab experiments
observe cells under the microscope water property labs etc. There was a long list of experiments that they do. The general biology uh biology honor students are the only group of students in 9th grade that do dissections and they do dissections of fetal pig and butterfly.
Um at Governor Livingston currently for this year we have about nine to 10 sections of regular biology students and four sections of honors biology and two sections of project connect biology which is the same as general biology. Um there is additional opportunities for
Governor Livingston students to do um dissections and that happens in grades 11 and 12 when students elect take electives general environmental science or AP environmental science and marine biology I guess and in those grades they
do they end up doing they get an opportunity to do dissections of owl pellets albatross bolus dissections um AP environmental science science also has additional dissection opportunities but it is an endofear activity based on
student interest and availability of dissection material. There is uh anatomy there is there was discussion of proposing um a different a new course for anatomy or is it it's it's currently there right >> semester course
>> it's a semester course right now it's an elective for 10th grader 10 to 12 they do frog dissections and marine science perch and dogfish dissections uh there was um basically we the committee wanted to know how can we offer dissections to all biology
students is it finance Is budget a constraint or is it so what Dr. Curtis told us is yes budget could be a constraint and then I stated I reached out to some comparable districts I asked them how much is it does it cost for 300 students it was 15,000 but Dr. Curtis is
going to reach out to NJA which is an administrators organization for science administrators. She's going to get back to us on the cost. But the most important thing is we have to look at the current curriculum what we have on the experiments roster. And if you want to incorporate
dissections into biology which somehow seem to have gone away from in most schools due to concerns from PETA or otherwise which I kind of joke that America's meat consumption is among the highest and then they're concerned about
dissection. So she's going to get back to us. So this is going to be an action item for follow-up. And coming down, we reviewed I'm going to so there was a CMS schedule, an updated CMS schedule that was shared with the curriculum committee
in February and we asked Mr. Kobiska to give us like an actual schedule. How does the schedule look like? He's proposed to add a GL Highlander period. We as we wanted to see how will it look on a bell schedule. We have academic strategies. we have honors like you know
music and um band going on. So he was going to update it and send it to us but it was too early in the month to get that to us. So that's been rescheduled for our next meeting. We were we also saw an initial draft of CMS awards
criteria on how students will be awarded uh these CMS awards. Um we had some good constructive feedback. The teachers are working on it. We're going to get we're going to hear back from Mr. Dr. Kabalisk soon. Um, now coming to Dr. Foriger's favorite
topic, uh, next steps for proof oriented geometry curriculum incorporating it. So I think this is his fourth year on the board. He has been asking championing proof oriented geometry. So I believe last year Dr. Feltry and Dr. Foriger
met. The outcome of it was a survey to the GL students asking if they would be interested in uh a proof oriented geometry course at GL and Dr. Curtis basically stated um Mrs. Manganelli has invited Dr. Forager to come and present
on proof oriented geometry to her classes. uh we discussed the next steps how can we incorporate proof oriented geometry curriculum and uh based on the interest shown by the survey results I think we have the percentage right it
was overwhelm like decent percentage of students wanted said yes to a proof oriented geometry uh 10 10 only 10 okay so we we discussed in detail on how can we add a new curriculum it can be a
teacher um recommended or based on student interest. So we are going to meet again and hopefully after Dr. Forager's presentation goes viral in Manganelli's class. Maybe I think we will we will be looking at proof
oriented geometry. Um >> filming class though. >> Well they can tag him and say we went and >> I want this on YouTube. >> Yes. You never know Tom. Um then update
on we had a very um detail oriented presentation on the impact of uh professional uh development for teachers that was given in 2425. There were a lot great data to look at from the time Dr. Curtis came to the
board two years ago. I think it was it's that long like a long time ago. Uh when Dr. Curtis came to the public board meeting and gave us um a presentation on how much time do our students in our district get in math classes compared to
our neighboring districts and summit and Milburn and there was a little bit of I think we get a lesser percentage compared to other districts. How are we going to improve it? So we asked she showed us a Dr. Dr. Curtis showed us a graph of NJSLA proficiency scores also
the but we didn't see a comparison. I did ask Dr. Curtis to incorporate that but there was there is an significant improvement uh after the PD and we could see it on the slides. I did request Dr. Maher and Dr. Curtis. The next steps are I think Dr. Felry is going to look at
our calendar to see when this can be presented. It was a big presentation. So I said just take the key items from this uh like maybe three slides from the professional development impact because we did pay for it and we want to show the win to the community that hey by giving this professional development to
the teachers this is what we got back and there is an increase in proficiency. Uh math 8 is was implemented last year. This is in the first year like I think it's an execution. Um Dr. cricket is given overview of the implementation
mainly to address the gaps in middle school students uh math uh instruction. The course aims to improve student proficiency and conceptual understanding and with initial data showing increased student confidence and fewer failures.
The district introduced a t tiered intervention program in 2025 called foundations first to support students identified through NJSLA. Oh, it's Alex data. I think I have a typo. So it's Alexa data. It's Alex Aks.
The conversation highlighted the need for more professional development and instructional coherence as well as potential benefits of summer learning programs and we talked about not just Khan Academy but other outside outside the box creative ideas to see how we can
improve the proficiency. Uh the discussion also touched on the challenges of balancing curriculum depth with the pacing and the need to better classroom infrastructure like mobile furniture and stuff which is kind of limiting some of the teachers. Uh Dr. CL Dr. Curtis clarified that one of the
entry criteria for foundation first is the NJSLA proficiency test scores. They come after the school's end. So our administration is actually taking a look at the student co population that needs additional support based on the NJSLA data and uh recommending them to be
going into foundations first. Um as I said the action items are uh Dr. Dr. Curtis will reach out to NJSL, NJCAA, the science elementary leadership association, get back to us on how much will it cost for to
have at least three dissections for all students at GL. But this is not going to happen next year because we have to ensure it has to be recommended. We have to look at the budget and how we how can we incorporate it into the curriculum. Um and then CMS updated schedule as well
as the awards criteria are to be confirmed. We awaiting those and of course Dr. Forer's presentation with Dr. Manganelli's in class. Thank you. >> Thank you. Discussion.
So I have a question has Yeah. Um, so you you may not know this because you're still I guess waiting for some additional information on the schedule, but I think the whole purpose of, you know, from last from my time at the committee last year, the whole purpose
of the CMS schedule um change or update was to give kids more time with core subjects and yet somehow get them not sitting in like 55 or 50 minute periods so they could burn off some energy. So
based on what was presented in committee, do we see that those two um I guess metrics were we wanted them? Okay. So I have great news. The first thing I want to talk more about core subjects is I think we are going to see recesses in middle
school which was a pet like you know a lot of students you know I keep walking around my neighborhood that all the middle schoolers will come and say hey Sai can you get recesses in our middle school and I'm like no I can't do that because they think I'm a board member and I can make it happen. So but I think
the new uh schedule will have u so the team Mr. Kabiliska formed a team they went and visited four different schools. I'm going to send those minutes out. My computer crashed. So, uh, they went to four different districts. They came up with, um, and we asked specifically Dr.
Maher to put together, um, a report for the curriculum committee, which is a comparison of their dis their bell schedules with our bell schedules. How many minutes of instruction do they get in core subjects in these four different districts compared to middle school? How is it different? Do they have recess?
And if they do if they're if they do core core subject instruction every day, what do their proficiency scores look like? And the recommendation, the initial recommendation is we are not going to drop a subject in the new one. We are going to have lesser time in
each. I think we are debating between 42 to 44 minutes in class. But this will enable the middle school population to have core subjects every day to be taught. and we can also get recess. >> So, I'd like to thank the you know the
administration for following through on this um because I think it really will make a significant impact in many different ways. So, thank you. >> Go ahead. How >> I would definitely like to see though the actual uh what we're what we're
looking at um because I think right like the students some of them use EP well, some of them don't. Um, and so when are they going to get that time to uh talk with their teachers? Because I think that's a really important skill that they learned in middle school that they
need to bring to um, high school, right? That and that was a huge transition for my daughter when she went to sixth grade is how to communicate with teachers now that you don't have one in your classroom the whole time all day. Um, so I just I would be interested to see how
how how we are changing it like actually um because I don't think we've seen that paperwork the whole board. >> No, the board hasn't seen it because it it hasn't been determined yet. So those are still in talks. Um during our February curriculum committee meeting, Mr. Kablisa presented options that he
found and he's working through with the team from each of the four schools that they visited. And so, uh, the request was to mock up what could look like the schedule. And so, that is what that we he didn't have solidified yet. And so, we're moving into the next committee of
meeting, but yes, absolutely. >> So, is recess like a definite or like we're looking into it and um what what would that take the place of? Right. So that's a great question and um there and I would say recess is a
priority for not only Mr. Kabiska but for the leadership team that's working on the schedule but nothing is definite until we have all of the numbers and he works through to work up a mock and make sure that it's going to work. And so that's the process that's the point of the process that they're in at this time. >> Okay. And then as far as the math class
um do we have a teacher interested in providing this math class? like is this something that's actually going to come to committee at this time? >> Are you referring to the proof oriented geometry class? No, we do not. So, we worked through what the process looks like for a curriculum moving into the
program of studies and then what that looks like from a course proposal, program of studies, student interest to actually running a course. Okay, >> go ahead. Go ahead. >> All right. So, I think I have three main things. Uh the first one being on the
dissections. Um when I was a freshman in honors chem, I remember that we only did the one fetal pig dissection and I think that was only at the end of the year and it was reserved only for honor students.
Uh they made it very clear. Um, I think that doing more dissections and doing stuff that's more I've said this before, doing stuff that's more hands-on that you can physically feel and see is much better for learn for learning than watching something on the screen. Um, I
have a few friends that are going to be taking the anatomy course next year, so I could probably get you guys some information about that and what they do there. Um, but obviously anatomy is something where you actually have to see the stuff and like like the blood vessels and all the veins. Um, so I'm a
big proponent for having more hands-on stuff. Um, for the proof oriented math or geometry rather, do we know how many students like actually filled out the survey? Cuz I think I remember getting
it, but I I forget when it was sent out. I don't have it at my fingertips. I think uh >> Dr. Mars. Uh, looking that up, but it was sent out >> last last year. >> Spring. >> It would have been last spring. >> Yeah, that's been last spring.
>> 405 students. >> Okay. Um, do we ha do we know how many people said yes and how many people said no? So, as the totals, um, the totals are delineated in the chart that I have by their current mathematics scores that
they're in. Um, and so, hold on one moment because I'm going to have to do a little bit of math on my pivot table here. So, we had 10 students say that they were very interested. We had 55 students say that
they were somewhat interested. We had 68 students say that they were not sure and needed more information. And we had 271 students that said they were not interested. >> And do we know how many of those students were current geometry students? Cuz I think that you'd be able to get
the most amount of information of knowing what proofs are from actually taking geometry. Like I personally took geometry freshman year and I was not the greatest fan of proofs. So, I think that students who are taking geometry may have the best understanding of what that is.
>> 120 of those students were in geometry. And out of those 120 students, um, hold on because I'm doing geometry and geometry honors together, two said they were very interested, 17 said somewhat interested,
26 reported that they needed more information, and 75 reported they were not interested. Okay. So at this point based upon the numbers do we think that it would be plausible to have a prooforiented geometry class and also
would that class be uh like a fullyear course or a halfyear course? >> It would most likely be a semester elective and it would have to go through the course proposal process. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You had three question. That's it. >> Yeah. Okay.
>> So I actually wanted to say something. Can I just answer him on dissection? >> Okay, go ahead. >> So, I just wanted to say you guys had a really full meeting. >> Um, but I think it's great that you're diving into the whole dissection thing because I remember as a kid doing that,
even though it was kind of ew, gross for me. Um, I do think it needs to be more equitable across all programs, not just honors or AP. That's really not equitable. So, I think that's something important as a district that we do
better at stuff like that. Um, as far as the awards, I've heard a lot of parents talk about how um those awards are really not fair and balanced. Um, that a lot of there are a large number of kids that receive a lot of awards and many
kids that miss out. So, I think it's really important. And I think it's also important that we look at it from a GL perspective because I saw that actually unbalanced as well last year when I went when I went and attended it. So I do think it's something that we should moving forward look at. And um there was
one other thing. Oh um I can tell you um from the Alex program, my daughter is specifically using it. It's been invaluable. So I think it's been really great and helpful to the kids and and in many CLA and in many classes the
teachers are requiring that the kids completed and they actually get credit towards their grade you know their their overall grade. So I think it's really important um to keep doing that. I think it's it's really helpful. >> I appreciate that and I would say that equitability of student experience absolutely came up in our discussions
and I think we're all aligned in that. >> So I even Okay, go ahead. Thank you for reminding me of my third comment. My third comment was going to be about the eighth grade awards. >> Um, so when I was in eighth grade, I
think that I either won seven or eight awards. Um, and I don't exactly know what I did to achieve all the awards. I just remember getting a letter saying to come to the awards ceremony. Um, and I feel like,
sure, I was a good student in eighth grade. My GPA was fantastic. Um, I feel like they were more of a participation trophy in a way. And I didn't really get much value out of it
rather than just a piece of paper saying my name and that I got an award and now they're just hidden in the closet somewhere. Um, so I think that that is something to look at. So to answer your first question on dissections, um I think this came up I I even offered to
bring free earthworms and frogs, but then Dr. Feltry said no, they might not be hygienic. Uh because I said why can't we have why can't we make it happen this year? I because my we keep me and my daughter like I I I remember going to I
have never gone to an American school. I've never set foot in an American school. So my concern was if I went to a school where we didn't have power, we didn't have running water most of the time, I could I ended up doing five dissections, earthworm, frog, a fetal
pig, uh a rabbit, and a sheep's eye, I guess. So my question and then when I asked Dr. Curtis, she said she remembers doing three dissections herself when she went to school. Her daughters have done dissections. So my con so I was like, okay, how can we make it happen? And I
went prepared with data that how much uh would it and I asked actually Dr. from how many students do we have in general biology and the PC biology and if it's about 300 I had data available that it will cost us 15,000 gen now don't come
running at me and I said uh then there was like conversations on how can we store them I don't know if we have the yeah so long story short it's basically um we looked at multiple uh I said we might look at donations but I think it's
a question of accommodating it in curriculum like I think we have to let go of some other experiments to have make dissections happen and it might not happen by next year but we we are hopeful. >> Thank you. Does anybody else have
anything? Okay. Discussion on the two items. Does anybody have any questions? Okay. Madam Secretary, roll call, please. M. Bradford. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Stanley? >> Yes. >> Mr. Morales? Yes,
>> Mrs. Jolly. >> Yes, Mrs. Airi. >> Uh, I'm a yes. I think there are only two resolutions, right? Under education. I will abstain from number one and I'll yes to number two. >> Dr. Forger,
>> yes to all. >> Mrs. Turo, >> yes. >> Motions pass. >> Policy resolutions one through three. All board members, do I have a motion? >> So move. >> Stanley. Miss Stanley's first. Mr. Morales is second. committee report called.
>> So the committee met on March 9th. Um we discussed policy 7230 gifts, grants, and donations. This was approved for second read at the last meeting. Um
but we knew that there was one more sentence we wanted to get in there, so we brought it back. So it's on um for first read again with the new sentence being added. Um then we have
um regulation 2510. This uh was brought to the committee because we have another policy um that discusses these pol this this regulation and we do not have it in our policy book. Uh so this is new to our district.
Um it's u mentioned in policy 9130. Um Dr. Feltry and Dr. MR looked over this um policy because it's adoption of textbooks and they added the language that felt they that met the needs of the district um and the committee did agree
with the language. I did receive two questions from board member or two people gave comments on this um one was about the word annually. Um so Natasha if you uh have you know further if you want to further that discussion we can
bring it to our next meeting. Um and then Tom, you had a couple questions. Hopefully I answered the first couple. Uh the last three I will bring back to committee. So um one of them was that in point number seven, I think it was under
the section B or something, they say chair, uh person, but then in seven it says chairman. So I told him that is not a substantive change and we could definitely change that at the next meeting to be consistent. So thank you for noticing. And then you also
commented about um could we have outside professionals review the subject matter? I will again bring that to policy. Um and then the other one was um can we have a written evaluation report that's given to the board for approval of any
new textbooks? Um again I think that's something that the committee would need to discuss. Um and you know it might be better in policy than in the regulation. So um we can obviously continue those conversations um in the meeting we have
between first and second read. Then we have regulation 2520 instructional supplies new this is mandatory um but it was also mentioned in 9130. Um we did make one change because again the um stress attorneys used the word
monies. We changed it to funds again. Um and then we had policy 3125. It is not on tonight's agenda. Um this was asked from the board president and my myself about parents teaching or coaching their own children. The
committee had a good discussion on how the district currently handles these situations as we are a small school district. The administration agreed to add language to current staff books that is currently being used for many of our substitutes um to make sure um that
everybody is aware of the procedures. Um the handbook is not addressed until the summer months. Um but the the administration will talk to the staff and make sure that everybody understands. Um we also want to put make sure these procedures are put in place to prevent issues and make sure the
optics can be addressed with databacked information. Uh the committee is satisfied with this um outcome and will continue to move forward with adding language. We will not continue to move forward with adding language to the policy at this time but obviously we can readress this issue if we feel the
procedures are not being appropriately addressed internally. Then we have regulation 9130 public complaints. Um, we are not doing anything with this tonight, but we noticed there was some inconsistencies from the approval in December 2025 and
what's actually on um the policy book online. So, we're just going to u make sure that is addressed. Um, then we have all of our second read which is policy 0142.1 nepotism policy 1220 employment of chief
school administrator. Then we have policy 1552 sexual harassment staff. Then we have regulation 1552 sexual um harassment staff. And then we have two policies that are abolishing which is policy 33620
and policy 4352. And they're both sexual harassment under different um staff members and being replaced with the new ones. Okay. Then we went on to have a discussion. Um, we're going to discuss at our next meeting. The use of personal
devices to record students. Um, we have two policies that we're going to try to look at. Policy 3324 and policy 5516. Um, many of these were approved prior to the cell phone error. So, we're going to talk to stress EME about any updates
they might provide to us. And then we have political clubs discussion. The committee agreed that students have the right to assemble but will reach out to stress estate for any new guidance they have on political issues in schools. Um we also talked we have a couple months
where we have two meetings a month. Um and the policy committee would like to have only one policy meeting a month and have the policies only go to one of those meetings. Um because we want to make sure we have a meeting between when you have those second reads, right? So that way if there was any issues, we can
discuss them as a policy group. Our next meeting is scheduled for April 20th at 10:00 a.m. Does anybody have any questions? >> All right. I have >> Thank you. >> Go ahead, Dr. Border. >> Yeah, I I don't like the language on uh
1220 employment of chief school administrator. optional language. The superintendent shall devote themselves exclusively to the duties of the office. Um that's actually probably should be
more like a contract provision, but uh so maybe you don't even need it. It says it's optional, but we decided to put it in. And the second is my usual objection. I don't I don't think it's grammatically correct to refer to one person as themselves. So I'd like to
leave the um language as shall devote himself or herself exclusively to the duties of the office. So that's my amendment. I would I would say take out the word themselves and leave himself or herself.
So, this is up for a second read. Um, so I I don't believe we'd be making those changes tonight. Um, because that would be a substantive change if we removed that whole sentence. Um, I don't feel the need to change
themselves back to himself or herself because this is pretty common language now um that we are using throughout multiple policies. Well, certainly it could be changed tonight. It's I don't think it's a substantive change >> to remove a sentence.
>> No. Well, if you take the sentence out, it would be substantive. But if you just flip it back to himself or herself, I don't think that's substantive. >> Right. So, but like as I said, I don't believe changing themselves. >> But my a my amendment is really to himself or herself. >> Right. So,
>> which is the way it used to be. I don't agree with this idea of using grammatically incorrect language in policies. I think it's said it's a bad example for students. >> David, is it a substantive change? Just to >> So I I don't know if everyone I agree
that removal of the sentence is a substantive change. Changing themselves to himself or herself would be a non-s substantive material. So non substitive change. >> So are you proposing be amended? Yeah, I I propose that it the language for that
sentence. The superintendent shall devote himself or herself exclusively to the duties of the office. >> I'll second it. >> That was a motion. >> Yes. >> Was it there before and we just struck it and changed it? Like what was the
reason? >> Just Essme. >> Oh, >> struck it because this pretty much every policy now is changing themselves. Um, right. So instead of saying his or her, right, even our contracts, most of our contracts with our teacher and admin have changed to them um instead of his
her um just to make sure. >> Do we have any idea why they're doing that? >> It's just easier, right? They're it's just whoever is in that position, whether it's a his or her, it doesn't matter. It's whoever's in that position. >> Yeah. >> Um I have a question. Would that
possibly uh handcuff our our superintendent now or in the future from any other additional activities? I know sometimes superintendents are asked to present um at, you know, national conferences that are sort of not part of their duties, but they're asked to invited to present
on something maybe wonderful that we've done here. So, I wouldn't want to hamper any possible um invitation that would come by having the words exclusively. I mean, that would be a question for Mr. Distler. I think the committee at the time was discussing this more as we want
to make sure they're not taking a part-time job with a organization that's selling textbooks. Um, but obviously uh that would be Mr. Dizzler's feedback. Yeah. So there's let me um the
superintendent shall devote themselves exclusively to the duties of the office. The policy committee felt like the word exclusively meant that they would not be taking on a a second role. Right? I don't think that would prevent them from
presenting and getting paid for that presentation or even possibly writing a book. Right? But they wouldn't be taking on. >> So I think the point earlier that Dr. Form is the contract is going to control
this is obviously a guidance to the board of when a negotiating a contract and b I think the way mostly it is read is basically that they are to devote their full attention to this job not secondary jobs. If obviously they look into that that would require board
approval. Most contracts that you see with superintendents typically require some sort of board approval if they're going to take on a for-profit or monetary presentation, but I don't think that language would probably exclude a superintendent for presenting because it's pretty ubiquitous across the state that superintendents tend to do that.
>> So I guess um do we need that here? Do we need this? Like so the rationale was to you know prevent like getting a second job, right? So, but if you're saying that contractually or, you know, we would have to um
approve anyway, like does this sentence mean anything? Should it even be here? I I don't think it's needed. Um again, if the board wants to set the tone that the superintendent shouldn't have other jobs and they should vote devote their attention to this job, I think that's
fine. But again, most if not all superintendent contracts I've seen have some provision that is generally related to this. >> Would this would this prevent the superintendent from teaching a night school course? >> Is that that question's to me? Um I
wasn't sure if it was um >> I have no idea. So I do I think it would prevent them from teaching a night school class again from what I have seen and this is my experience reviewing superintendent contracts is typically speaking you have verbiage that says something to this effect but then does
allow what you just said with board approval or the like. Um, so I would, in my opinion, that contract would supersede and you would read the contract and board policy in harmony because the board would have approved both of them. And I think this provision
would basically be what it's probably meant as we want the superintendent devoting their time to this job, not elsewhere. >> Yeah, I I I don't Right. So, I wasn't the one that necessarily wanted this language put in the policy, but I just want to remind everybody that if we do
remove it, this will need to go back to a first read next month and this is currently on second read, right? So, we did see this this is the second time we're seeing it and this this conversation is just coming up uh tonight's meeting. So, also just to Tom's point, I think we don't restrict
our other administrators like supervisors or anybody from teaching somewhere else. So, I don't feel it's fair to say exclusively. I I don't think it's required because it's covered in the contract. >> So, um what is the motion on the floor
at the moment? >> So, the motion specifically states that Dr. Forger would like to remove the term himself or her no themselves. >> The motion is to >> Oh, you want I'm sorry. or themselves >> and put him put back himself or herself.
>> Okay. So, it's sentence there before. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> The sentence was in this policy all along. >> Yeah. >> Got it. Okay. So, the motion on the table right now is to remove themselves and change it back to
himself or herself. Okay. Madam Yeah. And the and the advice is basically that's not a substantive change. So we don't have to go back to first reading on this. >> So Miss Bradford, >> so it it doesn't matter how I vote
because it's still first read or second read. So it is if this change is made >> that is not substantive and therefore you can make you can approve this on a second read to make the >> tonight. >> Tonight if you remove the sentence then
it would have to go back to the policy committee for a first read. >> Do you care if it's themselves or his or her is what the question is? >> No. >> Mrs. Stanley. >> No. >> But that's not Are you voting no or are you voting on?
>> Sorry. I'm voting no. I don't care. >> Mr. Morales, >> no. >> Mrs. Jolly. >> I'll say yes. It's not grammatically correct. >> Mrs. Airi? >> Yes. >> Dr. Corger?
>> Yes. >> All right, Mr. Turo. >> I'm going to say no. Right. Motion does not pass. Does somebody want to make a motion if they want to strike the whole sentence? Because I know Mr. K, you didn't like it.
>> I can make a motion to strike the sentence. >> I'll second it. >> Now that that would bring us back to a first read, just so you know, if if this passion, >> so this one Yeah, this motion is to
remove the entire sentence. Um, but just so right like Miss Terrarero just said, this would mean that the entire policy goes back to first read and would not be approved tonight. >> Sure, Mr. Brown. So, you know, when you make a change that is quote non-s
substantive, right, like a grammatical change, you can do that here tonight. When there's a substantive change, which is usually interpreted as this would change the meaning of the policy, right? So removal of a minor sentence may not but here the sentence that we've debated tonight obviously has a meaning right
that's why it was debated removing it or not removing it the board feels has some substantive impact and that's why it would have to go back to the start do a first read second read so the public would have the ability to comment after the first read whether that sentence should or shouldn't be whereas if you vote on tonight the public would
theoretically not have that option >> ready madam Yes. >> Miss Bradford. >> No to removing the sentence. >> Mrs. Stanley? >> No. >> Mr. Morales? >> No. >> Mrs. Jolly? >> Yes.
>> Mrs. Airi? >> Yes. >> Dr. Corger? >> Yes. >> Mr. Terrero? >> Yes. >> Motion passes. Do I need to make a motion to t uh remove table the policy or is that first motion enough to say
that it has to go back to virtually? >> So I think at this point it's um the board couldn't really vote on it in accordance with its policies. Um so I think at this point the motion to pass this policy must fail
um because by your own other policies it would have to go back. So I think it goes back to the policy committee. It's up the policy committee then to bring it back or >> do we have to specifically when I vote do I have to say no to this policy? >> Um it is on your agenda. So I think there does have to be a vote but by your
other policy it cannot pass. Right. >> There would be a conflict if the board then passed this policy because it would have violated your previous policy. >> All right. So everybody when you vote instead of making a motion when you vote just say no to passing a second read on
>> does everyone >> policy 1220 >> correct? >> Yeah >> because there would be a conflict but you do have to vote on it because it is on your agenda. So Pam, I think um at least for us, I think um when you take it back to a first read,
maybe trying to rework the language to maybe >> I did not ask for this language to be added. It was stress uh uh wanted it's optional. >> I was not the one in favor. So the committee will have to discuss it. But
obviously the board has made their voice heard. >> When you take it back, I think maybe just discuss Um maybe being a little more specific if there's certain >> it would just be removed. Yeah. Yeah. >> Right. Because it it was optional language to begin with. Um >> are we ready?
>> Yes. >> M. Bradford. >> Yes except for 1220. >> Mrs. Stanley. >> Can I say ditto, >> please? >> Yes. Yes to all. No to policy 1220.
>> Mr. Morales. >> Yes to all. No to one 1220. >> Mrs. Charlie. >> Yes to all except no to policy 1220. >> Mrs. Aary. >> Yes to all except policy 1220.
>> Dr. Forer. >> Yes to all except 1220. >> Mrs. Turo. >> Yes to all except 1220. >> All motions pass with the exception of 1220. Strategic planning report.
>> We did not have a meeting, >> negotiations report. >> Yes, the Mountainside Committee negotiations. Um, the discussion took place concerning the last meeting with the Mountainside team which was held on Tuesday, January
13, 2026 at Deerfield Media Center. This was following our reorganization meeting and the original team members from the previous year were uh put back on that team. The Berkeley Heights negotiation committee met internally then on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026.
Then the send the send received negotiations committee reached out to the Mountainside team on March 6, 2026 for an update on their position on the most recent proposal from Berkeley Heights, which was on February 18th. The Mountainside chair responded with a
request for legal representation on March 10th, 2026. The head custodian committee um has had not met since Wednesday, February 24th, 2026. The committee is awaiting a response from the head custodian team.
Does anybody have any questions about that? Um, the only other thing I want to report on is the negotiations with the BHEA and we are still reviewing everything. Moving on to liaison reports. Does anybody have any, Miss Bradford?
>> Yes. The Berkeley Heights Town Council met on March 3rd, 2026. There was a proclamation celebrating the 100th birthday of Burned Hess, Township resident and Holocaust survivor. Updates were also discussed on the affordable
housing in the community and an executive session was added concerning contract negotiations and pending litigation. Their final minutes have not come out yet, but they're meeting again on March 16th. Um the Union County Educational Services
Commission met on March 4th at 45 Cardinal Drive in Westfield. the principal of of Westlake School gave an update on the school and that's the school that provides our our chocolates and our candies uh at each board meeting and the discussion at that meeting discuss centered on this year's budget
and approval. Uh last night the unsung heroes recognition ceremony held was held uh March 11th at Roroway High School sponsored by NJSBA. We had two students Michael from Mountainside and Eduardo from Berkeley Heights were honored. Um Dr. Feltry and myself and
some other administrators, Miss Barry attended and two teachers who nominated these students were the they had to make a speech presenting the accomplishments of these individuals. It was truly an inspiring evening celebrating our students for all.
And that ends my liaison. >> Thank you. Does anybody have a Dr. Porter? >> U with regard to the township meeting on the 3rd, I think you said it was. Uh did they did they specify the contract that they were going into exec session?
>> No, they did not. >> And did both of uh there were two people on council that are connected to the school district. Were they part of the uh exec session? >> They were not part of the whole exec session. >> Okay. Thank you,
>> Mr. Jolly. Um, I'll just report that, you know, I attended the GLPTO um, meeting and that was primarily um, ahead of the referendum and there were lots of questions and a lot of back and forth. Dr. Feltry attended as well. Um, so that
was really it. >> Oh, I I think a lot of us attended. I attended the >> Were you there as well? >> Yeah, Ham was there. Yes, I think. >> Did someone go to the PTO? >> Oh, uh, but it was short and sweet. Like there was nothing. Yeah, nothing
happened really to report on, but yes, I did attend that. Any other reports? Okay, moving on to 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 item. The board requests that
individuals state their name and town of residents or school of attendance for the record. Additionally, all inerson public commenters are asked to please sign in. All comments should be directed to the board president and pending 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 uh after the public portion of the meeting has concluded. Although the board may not respond to all items raised during the public forum, all 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 Jersey. The board bears no responsibility, nor will 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 statements. Continued disruptions may result in removal from or adjournment of the meeting. Each speaker statement will be limited to three minutes in duration. In
person, we will take first. I don't see anybody here. Um, moving on to online comments. Is there anybody on there? Okay, that will close out the comments. Moving forward, there's no new or old business. We're moving on to a German.
May I have a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Miss Jolly second. >> Second. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mor second. Voice vote. I I we have a record