Good evening everyone and welcome. Um we met in exact session already and we have done the uh flag sloot. So I will read the statement of public notice. This is a regular meeting of the board of education of Burners Township. Notice of the time and place of this meeting
was provided and copies of that resolution were forwarded to the official newspapers as designated by the board of education and the township clerk and a copy of the notice was posted on the bulletin board of the board of education. Uh for those members of the public who can't attend our meeting in person, there is a live
stream link posted on the district website. We very much welcome input from the public. There are two times during regular meetings that the public is invited to speak. One time is early in the meeting before the board votes when you may speak about any item that's listed on tonight's agenda. Towards the end of the meeting, there's another
public forum to address any matter of public concern related to the schools. When you approach the microphone, please state your name and address. Each statement made by a participant shall be limited to three minutes duration. No participant may speak more than once during a given public comment session. The first public comment section will be
limited to 30 minutes and the second will be unlimited. In order to run efficient meetings and to allow maximum opportunity for members of the public to speak, the board reserves the right to set a different time limit for individual comments and the overall time limit for the public comments portion of the agenda. All statements shall be
directed to the presiding officer. No participant may address or question board members individually. Please understand that the public comment portions of our agendas are not structured as question and answer sessions but are offered as opportunities to share your thoughts with the board and the board administration. Uh we'll respond to
public comments to the extent possible. Any board responses to public comments will generally be addressed during board forum or committee reports. However, all comments are considered and will be investigated and addressed as appropriate. Please be courteous and mindful of the rights of others when speaking. Comments may not be abusive,
obscene, threatening, or relevant. Please understand that students and employees have specific legal and privacy protections. The board is not permitted to respond in public to comments about students and employees. Please also understand that the board will not be responsible for the content of comments made by members of the
public. Members of the public are cautioned that they are speaking at their own risk and any personally directed statements they make may subject them to legal liability to the affected individuals. that's necessary for the board to go into executive session. At the end of the meeting, we'll provide an estimated length of time for the session and whether any
action is anticipated to be taken upon returning to public. And with that, we are up to the student rep. Hi everyone. Thank you so much for joining us on a busy Monday. Today, I'll be updating the board of education on recent changes made at Ridge High
School. First, the Ridge High School administration has clarified guidelines and rules in utilizing artificial intelligence within our academic curriculum. These guidelines have applied to both students and teachers. Our technology department have blocked
AI websites that are not authorized by Ridge High School such as ChatgPT and DeepSeek. Currently, the following AIS approved are Gemini, Brisk AI, and Notebook LM AI. Students and teachers alike have recognized that AI can be a tool for academic growth rather than a
substitute for hard work. To take an example, these approved AIs have been implemented in English classes. In my AP lit class, for instance, AI has been used to compile student notes which assist students in forming connections and synthesizing analysis. It has also
been used across math curriculums to create practice problems and ensure better support for students. Our rich faculty has suggested that with more time given to teachers, we'll be able to completely adapt our curriculum to avoid the overuse of AI by both students as
well as teachers and really maximize its benefit. For the time being, the partial implementation of these AI guidelines has increased efficiency and prevented overuse for both students and faculty alike. Furthermore, the Ridge High
School administration has also recently brought back Google Chats after a temporary ban due to student misconduct. The student body, as well as clubs who use Google Chats, are incredibly grateful for the app, which allows fast communication. It has been a period of
reflection for students to be more prudent with what we put on our Google chats and carry ourselves every day, especially in regards to cyber bullying. Further within student government, we have some exciting updates. We just completed our marking period one round
of impact reports where we update our achievements, ventures, and goals to the student body. This has increased transparency for the student body in how much we fund raise and what type of policies we openly support. I also want to give a special mention to the schoolwide student government's vice
president and secretary for completing our marking period 1 ridge reports where students can voice their concerns, student questions and comments directly to us and this ridge reports serves as this microcosm of democratic representation. We've gotten a lot of
comments, especially regarding stricter consequences for academic violations to academic integrity, improved facilities, as well as certain improvements or amendments that can be made to our food services. We'll be bringing that up with
Mr. Falman and Mr. Roberts. And one last update within student government, we are planning for our first schoolwide meeting with the board of education on December 22nd. We brainstormed what policies, suggestions, and comments to bring up to the board of
education, and some members even went as far to research all of their past policies. So, we are currently working on a script of ideas to bring to all of you. That will be all the updates for today. Thank you for listening. >> Thank you. Does anybody have any
questions? >> Okay. Um, I I just wanted to say a thank you um and a congratulations to Smithy Mohan and Keith Molinari and Adam Lewitz um for the board of ed election for the
new school year and to thank Mr. Chadri um for running it. Not everybody knows that this is actually a volunteer position. So for anybody to run in an election, let alone serve is greatly appreciated. Um, I'd also like to say
this was a big weekend this past weekend here at Ridge. I I know many were here to see the fall play and I'm always amazed. We seem to have a meeting the weekend right after a show. And I'm amazed at how fast it's whipped back into looking
like just a a stage for us to sit here without, you know, the floor being painted and all the scenery. It's really quite amazing. and all the students and the staff who are involved are really to be commended for for what they're able to put on. Um, and with that, we are now
up to uh superintendent report and there are three items and I don't know if we would like to say anything about them before we >> Sure. So, um, we went over the annual code of conduct and the school safety data report uh for reporting period 2
and the wellness committee. Uh but we want to make sure that we adopt that uh as a board motion as well. Um we have our annual 202425 anti-bullying bill of rights self assessment. The schools have to do a
self assessment at each building uh and has to have board approval to be submitted to the state uh and uh this month's HIP report. Those are our three items. >> Okay. Any questions from anyone? May I get a motion?
Smithy and Dave and a roll call. >> Miss White, >> yes. >> Dr. Mune, >> yes. >> Mr. Molinari, >> yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Miss Mohawk, >> yes. >> Miss Curado, >> yes. >> Mr. Shaw, >> yes. >> Mr. Talbot, >> yes. >> And Mr. >> Yes.
>> Uh, we're now up to public comment on agenda items. If anybody has anything, please come down to the mic. State your name and address. Okay, seems like we don't have anyone. So, I will close public comment. And that brings us to the approval of
minutes. Can we get a motion? Robin and Keith and roll call. >> Miss White. >> Yes. >> Dr. Mcune. >> Yes. >> Mr. Bolinari. Yes, >> Mr. Am. >> Yes, >> Miss Mohawk. >> Yes, >> Miss Curado.
>> Yes, >> Mr. Shaw. >> Yes, >> Mr. Talbot. >> Yes. >> And Mr. >> Yes. >> Okay, we're up to finance. Um, there is a report. >> Yeah, there's a report. And just as far
as motion um to vote on, I just want to mention 7, eight, and nine. uh they're withdrawing funds to pay for the varsity field, the roof, and the track. And then as far as the report, um the
report I have to report out on is October 24th. There was also one last week, but it's not out yet, so I'll read that next time. Uh first item, the committee continues to review health care claims monthly. September came in better and rebates came in better than
last year, partially reversing the trend from the prior two months. Uh, next, um, the NJSBO completed analysis of chapter 44's effect on health benefits, which was presented to several state senators and
reviewed by our committee. It was not surprising as we are aware of the major issues and we're hopeful that the senators reviewing it will take action in the near future to improve it. Um the annual audit is also going on. It's
begun. There's no updates for right now. The next um item we we already voted on is the Varsity Field. So I'll skip that one. Um, number six, the five-year capital plan totals approximately 36 million. The district ant anticipates
receiving rod grants and debt service aid with up to 40% of eligible project costs potentially reimbursed by the state for several of these projects. The committee also met with Brian Morris from Phoenix Advisors to review long-term debt options as current debt
obligations are paid off. The discussion will continue to ensure the district remains proactive and transparent within with the community. Next item, the committee discussed the additional payment option for parents. The new one pay system is being
implemented. Families may pay a $12 or $26 annual fee, eliminating the prior 5% transaction fee. The district will continue evaluating options for 2627. Next item. The committee received an update on the recently installed new
phone system. The new system offers improved reliability and enhanced features including effects. Um costs were in line with expectations. Next, the district has transitioned to the CSI system and the implementation
was discussed with the committee. This is the new accounting and payroll system. Uh for accounting, it's fully operational and performing well. for payroll um is functioning effectively with continued web-based benefits and integration and the HR model is in
progress. On the last item, the committee discussed the BA's merit goals uh which were related to the district install program and naming rights sponsorship of the fields. And that's it. >> Okay. Does anyone have any questions for Dave?
Okay. Can I get a motion? and Smithy and roll call. >> Miss White, >> yes. >> Dr. McHune, >> yes. >> Mr. Molinari, >> yes. >> Mr. Am, >> yes. >> Miss Mohan, >> yes. >> Miss Caranado, >> yes. >> Mr. Shaw,
>> yes. >> Mr. Talbot, >> yes. >> And Mr. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, we're up to personnel. There's no report, right? Okay. So, there are 27 items. May I get a motion?
Brett and Janice and Ael. >> Miss White. >> Yes. >> Dr. McHune. >> Yes. >> Mr. Molinari. >> Yes. >> Mr. Am. >> Yes. >> Miss Mohan. >> Yes. >> Miss. Curado. >> Yes. >> Mr. Shaw. >> Yes. >> Mr. Talbett. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Omalak. >> Yes.
>> We're up to policy. There are three items and there is a report. Do you want to do the report first? >> Uh, we met on November 13th and a few things. uh with R 7510 uh10 the use of facilities uh we talked
about u it is for rentals and outside groups it's not a BTSD sponsored activities so we are drafted 7511 as a local policy related to lighting and sound at fields during a U BTSD
sponsored activity uh please check it out and offer feedback uh we're not going to do a first reading until all the board members have had a chance to check it out. The policy has general guidelines, not absolute rules as there are many different scenarios. We want to make sure our students are not
completely restricted. It's not an official policy, but 7511 is the new draft. We're asking the board members to give us feedback before we get into much more detail. Uh for the personal property damage and loss, we talked about last meeting as well. We did learn
that districts serving populations of students with behavior issues do accommodate requests for reimbursement. So we prepared a first reading policy and regulations for this need. Uh the random drug testing program uh the committee discussed the current program
with Miss uh Zabara uh Miss Udok and Dr. Lazik. Um we made minor adjustments to the screen procedures which were discussed to generate small savings. Uh for service dog hint training uh Mr. Marquan explained uh that the BOE
policies have no provision uh for allowing a school to host a dog for the purpose of training it. So uh you know we are still in the process of writing uh some more specifics and we hope to have a lot more out in the very near future. And that's pretty much it for
the policy meeting. >> Okay. Any questions, sir? Can we get a motion? Dave, Keith, and Ro. >> Miss White, >> yes. >> Dr. McHune, >> yes. >> Mr. Molinari,
>> yes. >> Mr. Am, >> yes. >> Miss Mohawk, >> yes. >> Miss Caranado, >> yes. >> Mr. Shaw, >> yes. >> Mr. Talbet, >> yes. >> And Mr. Omal, >> yes. Okay, up to curriculum. Miss Fox, are you sharing the minutes? Yes, I am.
Okay. Uh we met on November 14th um and there were no board items uh on the agenda for a vote. We discussed um the recent professional development day, November 12th, ignite the spark. Uh a
professional development day around the topic of artificial intelligence. Um sessions included were there were sessions on time management, instructional applications, assessments, executive functioning, and encouraging reflective learning. The survey and
anecdotal feedback so far indicate that the sessions were wellreceived. Staff expressed appreciation that sessions on the topics allowed them to explore and reflect on how AI will change their educational practice. The administrative team recognizes the challenges inherent in scheduling
inservice days for such a large um district and are considering various options for scheduling professional development for the rest of this year and next year. The next subject was an information literacy pilot. Uh, one of our district media specialists is considering participation in the New
Jersey State Library Association pilot which is developing learning activities uh, supporting implementation of the information literacy standards. Um, PSAT and field testing administration review. So on October 22nd, we administered the PSAT for the
first time during the school day at Ridge. The goal was to enable more students to take the test than would be able to do so on a Saturday morning administration as has been previous practice. So we reviewed the numbers of students who've taken the PSAT over the
last few years and this year um in grade 10 258 or 67.7% of sophomores participated in the PSAT and 206 or 56.4% 4% of juniors
participated in testing. Um the students scored very well compared with state and national averages and so both the attendance numbers and the scores were reviewed and are linked to the agenda. Um Dr. Lazik and the supervisors shared their thoughts from the building and
instructional perspectives about the administration of the PSAT during the school day. all agreed that the additional burden that has resulted from the statemandated field testing on the new um state assessment scheduled as well with along with the PSAT both in
October had a significant impact on school schedules, curriculum implementation and instructional time. These factors will be taken into account as we consider whether or not to continue with administering the PSAT during the school day next year.
We talked about tutor.com and I gave an update on our use of this resource which expanded this year to students in all grades 6 through 12. We went over the October usage report that is provided from tutor.com and we have seen a
significant increase in the number of students using the service compared with last year. In October there were 220 students who signed on and worked with the tutor. Um most students are asking for help in math but certainly other subjects science and and English are um
popular requests. We will continue to monitor and report on this usage for the rest of the year. Uh the universal screener, we gave an update on that. Um begin at the beginning of this school year. The state uh department of education is requiring districts to administer reading
screenings for students in grades kindergarten through grade three. [snorts] These screenings provide brief snapshots of student literacy and the teachers consider these scores along with our other district assessments to determine next steps for instruction. All the screen the first screenings in the fall
were completed and the results were reported to the state. Today actually anformational letter was sent to families uh explaining to them how they could access their score their child's scores and an interpretation guide. We will be offering a parent information
session on December 3rd and there's a flyer linked in today's letter as well as to these minutes here where parents can ask questions about universal screening in the process. The last subject was middle school scheduling. Um we will work again with Consulting which
has previously worked with us over the last couple years on the elementary scheduling process and this time we will evaluate our current scheduling process, examine examine scheduling priorities and consider whe whether or not an alternative middle school schedule would better meet our needs. Several years
ago, Mrs. Hudok and her team visited several other middle schools using a variety of other scheduling options. So, we will revisit those options and others during this project. This project will be funded through the title 4 grant. Uh we will meet next on Friday, December
5th. >> Does anyone have a question from Sp? >> Uh not a question, just a comment. So the I think it was the first thing you mentioned about the professional development for the teachers, the AI. I just was really impressed with what the district did. They had some really great
topics. Um all the supervisors went through it with us and what they're teaching and I think it's going to be really beneficial for our teachers. I think we're ahead of the curve right now. So I'm just very happy with where we are with that. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else?
Okay, we're up to wellness. Want to read the report? >> Yes. The committee met on October 30th and as Mr. Mararyian had mentioned, we discussed the code of conduct and school safety data reports for 2425.
Um, as required by the state, school safety data reports are provided by the district twice a year. in the fall reflecting data from January 2nd through June 30th and in the spring reflecting data from July 1st through December
31st. The code of conduct report is presented annually and covers the entire previous school year. That report includes information regarding incidents involving violence, vandalism, sus suspicionbased substances,
weapons, confirmed HIV reports, and HIV trainings and programs conducted throughout the district. The report is linked in the meeting minutes. Elementary principles reported on the programs and procedures in place at each of their schools. They noted that
meeting on a regular basis with lunch aids to review school policies and code of conduct has helped to reinforce appropriate behavior during lunch and recess time and this has ensured more accurate reporting of discipline
incidents during that time frame. One building principal noted that having a second part-time guidance counselor has been extremely helpful in addressing student behaviors as they occur and before they escalate. Another principal
said that involving the entire school community, meeting with individual classes, including parents in the process and working with administrators at William Annen School so that fifth grade students understand middle school expectations has strengthened student
code of conduct compliance. A third principal shared that providing more interactive character education lessons and involving parents in the development of behavior plans as needed has been helpful. In that school, special area teachers have begun
visiting classrooms during morning routines to establish positive relationships with students who may need some behavioral support and another adult they can turn to during the school day. At the middle school level, students are in the third year of a new
character education program. Last year, counselors and administrators used the Panorama dashboard for comprehensive student information to inform their approaches to addressing student behavior. With regard to code of conduct
and HIV violations, information is being collected throughout the building from classrooms, lunchroom, and recess spaces, gym, and hallways. So, the data is more inclusive than in previous years, but many indicators show
improvement over the 2023 24 data. Based on the training teachers received from Joy Roots, all responses to discipline incidents now include a restorative com component at the high school. The data
regarding school safety and code of conduct is similar to that of the previous year. However, administrators expressed some concern about the numbers of students still arriving late to school. Data showed an increase in the
number of vaping incidents which prompted some committee discussion regarding board policy. However, administrators believe that the current policy adequately addresses occurrences. The committee visited Oak Street School
to meet with fifth grade student government representatives. Among their goals for this school year, students listed improving recess options by providing a better variety of sports equipment, continuing their work with food drives for local food banks,
developing a kindness initiative, and trying to plan additional fundraisers to help the Oak Street school community. Representatives shared the wide variety of inschool and extracurricular events and activities that happen at Oak Street. family pizza night at the start
of the school year, the school book fair, the Halloween parade and trunk or treat, the sweetheart dance, the school's color run, intramurals and basketball, and the school play. Students also enjoy when parents come to visit the classroom and share
activities. The student reps are looking forward to the fifth grade celebration at the end of the school year and are excited to become middle schoolers and to meet students from the other three elementary schools. A majority of the students gave a thumbs up to the changes
in the school cafeteria offerings. The district's new service provider, Mashios, surveyed middle and high school students and elementary school parents to get feedback on the menu offerings and to solicit suggestions. The survey was administered in late October and
responses are being gathered and considered. The wellness committee met this past Thursday and I'll report out in December on that. Thank you. And I just want to say one of the best parts about being on the board is when we actually get to meet with the students and it is it's just so fun to to to sit
and listen to fifth graders talk about um what goes on at their school. and we've now been to two schools and we're going to um do the rest of the elementary schools later in the year and and as was mentioned we're going to be meeting with the Ridge students in December. Um so thank you for reporting
on that. Did anybody have any other questions for Janice? Okay. Um there's no report correct for facilities and ops. Okay. So you'll report out next meeting. So that uh brings us up to liaison. Are
there some liaison reports? Janice. >> Um, the CPAC committee met on Wednesday, October 29th, and they discussed four main agenda items. One was the CPAC parent survey. Um, CPAC conducts a
parent caregiver survey at the end of each school year. Uh, for families who have IEPs, 504 plans, and those seeking services. and feedback from that survey helps PEC to identify goals for this
year. Um there were three goals identified. One was cultivating more inclusive environments across all buildings. A second was strengthening transition plans for students ages 14 and older. And the third was encouraging
effective communication between families and schools. As far as inclusion, CPAC is developing an inclusion playbook with lowcost and no cost actions and mixed effort practices to improve inclusive experiences across all buildings.
Special services staff were supportive of the idea and noted that current practices vary by building and by student needs, but that the goal remains gradual integration with aid support. With regard to college tuition planning
for students with special needs, families with classified students at Ridge are encouraged to attend the April transition fair as well as the fall college fair where more resources will be requested to ensure that college representatives have information
regarding campus accommodations and special programs. Further discussions will take place as CPAC works with the district to assist families in understanding requirements and postgraduation options. The third point
was uh with regard to communication and CPAC continues to collaborate with the district on a variety of communication strategies for weekly classroom updates, Friday folder topics, building program-based contact sheets for
classified students and sharing existing resources such as the district intervention and referral services online guide. The next CPAC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21st. >> Thank you. And with that, we are up to
public comment on non-aggenda items. Please come down and state your name and address the microphone. >> My name is Ray Blackider. I live at 79 Peach Tree Road. Uh we've had a few discussions to date. Um I'm here to ask two two things out of this meeting. I
guess I heard the comments that were made earlier with regard to the field use policy progress and uh it's largely disturbing if I understood the comments correctly. There's a plan to go towards a guideline that would accommodate students. We have a long history or I
have a 10 or 15 year history of noise complaints at varsity field primarily as well as the use of the other fields. I met recently with the superintendent and he told me he has no recourse to do anything until the board adopts a policy, not a guideline. So I ask you to
reconsider this and take a close look at a policy that has teeth in it that we can both agree on as a reasonable measure that can be measurable and enforceable. In addition to that, uh I'd like to just get some understanding of the construction plan. We live right next to the field and I understand that
the construction is going to be starting shortly. So, I would appreciate some kind of feedback to the community on planned hours of operation, days of operation, duration. Uh, we've had no other information and I suspect this can be somewhat disruptive for us. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Are there any other public comments? Okay, with that I will close public comment. >> Okay, thank you Mr. Luck Lighter. So, a couple things. Um I I think when we spoke I suggested that um a policy might
be helpful. Not that I can't do anything without one. Um so what um Mr. Talaba was just reporting out on was a draft of a policy that's not ready for uh public review yet. Uh we haven't
gotten a first reading yet, but we did draft a policy. Um I think the number was 7511. Uh and it is a board policy. Um specifically, uh it's not just guidelines for the
staff. It's it's actually a board policy that would be codified uh ultimately if if the approves it. So, um just asking board members to take a look at the policy committee minutes and give us feedback on that draft and then we'll keep working on it until it's ready for
first reading. Um with respect to construction uh at the varsity complex, uh I anticipate either 7 to 3 or 8 to 4 I think was was the typical schedule that uh the workers uh had cited. Not
sure which it's going to be yet, but um those were the the two shifts that they talked about using. Um as far as when they would start, um probably looking around mid December, um we need to you know start by getting the area safed off
if you will. Um I did mention in the SOS Express to try to get people to recognize and see that um we are going to be closing that area to all human being use except for those folks that are actually working on the project. We
don't want um you know residents uh walking through the area, students walking through the area, any staff walking through the area. It really just needs to be uh the folks that are supposed to be there working on the project. So, I would envision um signage, I know we talked about that
today, and laminated signs have already been apparently produced uh and will probably be um put on site over the next week or so. And then when the contractors get started, fencing will go up. Caution tape will go throughout the
the wood line um between Lee Field uh and Varsity Complex. uh will have to take over the parking lot for varsity complex. So, uh I've talked to the administration here at Ridge about letting the kids know that they won't be
able to park there. I know a lot of the juniors use Collier, so that might push more of them in that direction. Um we will need to maintain access to the uh towns uh building there. I think it's a senior center building that they have that goes through that parking lot to
access that. So, we made plans for that. But that's where we're at. Thanks. >> Does anybody have anything for board forum? >> Just real quick, just want to say congratulations to all the students and staff involved in the Peter Pan. Uh, it
was really great. Uh, from the crew to the sets to the acting, it was really tremendous. So, good job, guys. >> Anyone else? Okay. I'd like to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving with your families
and we will see you in December. Motion to adjourn. Dave and Robin.