idually. Please understand public comment portions of our agenda are not structured as question and answer sessions but are offered as opportunities to share your thoughts with the board. The board and administration will respond to public comments to the extent possible and 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 irrelevant.
Please understand that students and employees have specific legal and privacy protections, and 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're speaking at their own risk and are personally directed statements they may make subject them to legal liability to the infected individuals. Um if it's necessary for the board to go into exact session at the end of the meeting will provide an estimated length of time which I highly
doubt on this evening is that something that we will have to worry about. Hope everybody uh is has shoveled their way out and survived the storm. Um, the next item we are up to is our student representative. MJ, do you have a report
for us? >> Yes, I do. And thank you everyone for joining us on a snow day. Um, as per my usual rule, I'll be going over updates to our school events in addition to student government activities to enrich
knowledge between the board, the public, and what's going on at Ridge High School. So, first, some important school updates. We recently had our Ridge Devil Weekend, which was a weekend dedicated to attending and supporting state level sports tournaments for Ridge athletic
teams. Our wrestling team is in their state tournament. Uh the Skyland Cup ice game is for the ice hockey team and our track and field team has recently claimed the sectional champs title. So by attending and supporting all of these events, it was an opportunity for Ridge
students to cheer on their Ridge student athletes in these important statewide games. In addition, our Ridge Forensic Speech and Debate team competed at Harvard and Stanford Invitational with several competitors earning bids to the Jersey state um with the tour for the
tournament of champions rather. The forensics team also championed Montville Invitational, which is a state tournament. And as a member of the team myself at these tournaments, I was actually discussing uh forensics grants given by the board with students from other townships. I must say that we are
so grateful for the amount of funding we get for academic activities like speech and debate. When I was talking through a lot of these peers from other townships, they often face very high costs, transportation challenges, and a lot of barriers. But for Ridge High School, we
have the support of our board of education and it's wonderful to have the opportunity to compete in public speaking so we can develop a future as politicians, orators, and academics. In addition, our school community has been working hard at fundraisers with
our track team featuring a 5K marathon in the upcoming March. Please attend if you're available. Our student government selling Chick-fil-A for students on half days. and recently a lot of our clubs teamed up together to raise money for pet shelters. In terms of student government
activities, we will hold our second check-in with Mr. Robert, who is the director of our food services. Mr. Robert has been incredibly receptive to all of our feedback and it really reflects Mishio's commitment to quality. So, in the check-in meeting, our main
role is to see if there's anything to help Mr. Robert with regardless of whether it's like taste testing for certain new menu items or any questions about how recent changes like increased vegetarian options or even healthier energy drinks how they've impacted our
school community. In addition, we have a lot of student representatives who are participating in Miss Howorthworth's Talk Kind project. It's a schoolwide initiative started to ensure kinder dialogue in the school. During our last meeting, we kind of talked about like
what are the causes of hate speech and we discussed how our Ridge High School community, we need more unity and school spirit events. And we had many ideas such as bringing back non-instructional days or um like having something similar to project adventure from freshman year
where students with diverse communities have to congregate and get to know each other and develop that level of empathy. So that was a really interesting opportunity to participate in that was sponsored by the administration. And lastly, the schoolwide government we are managing rich reports where students can
give their comments and inputs on how do they want to what are the some of the changes they want to see in their school community. And I was just reading through some of the responses and I saw a really interesting comment that reflected a lot of this discussions that we had at the BT connect meeting on AI
uh which was a few weeks ago after the board of education meeting. It was a group of students who submitted comments on how AI shouldn't be used for full sentences for instance or how for creative writing assignments it should only be used for wording, grammar,
transitions and vocabulary. And um I think it was really interesting that like the board's extensive guide book on AI use that we've already created, it covers a lot of those guidelines. So I think it was just a moment to see that the guidelines that the board has
created reflects what the students want to see in their curriculums. So yeah, that was just a really interesting thing I wanted to bring up. So yeah, thank you for listening to this update and I am more than happy to answer any questions. >> Thanks MJ. Uh, does anybody have any any
questions for RamJ? Okay. Um, I just have two things. One, um, to board members, if you may remember from the last time when we had to do a Google Meet, I don't necessarily see all of you because there's so many people on screen. So when it gets time
for any comments to be made, if I don't call on you because I don't see you somehow speak up, you state your name, just jump in so that I don't miss anybody who wants to make a comment on the board. Okay. The second thing is um
as everyone knows, Mr. Marcarian will be retiring um in August and we are actively conducting a search for a new superintendent. Um we always welcome community members thoughts and opinions. Um and we
encourage anyone uh who has something that they would like to share to either um come and make a public comment during a board event uh meeting during the uh public comment section or to email us. Um we you know we'll consider everything
that you share with us as we move along in this process which has begun. The position has been posted and we are currently collecting applications uh which the personnel committee will then review and narrow down um to determine
the candidates that we will bring in uh to interview. We will continue to provide you with updates about the process and where we are at subsequent meetings. Our goal is to have a new superintendent that we can hire this
spring. This process is an extremely confidential one. Um, and because of that, I'm going to turn it over to the board attorney, Mr. Jacobe, to address this. >> Uh, good evening, everyone. Um, the reason this is a confidential process is
that the vast majority of the applicants for this position are currently employed in other districts. And so we can't in any way impede their current employment uh by revealing their uh the fact that they've applied to us for consideration. Um it's only when and if we finally come
to a a final candidate, an offer is made, a contract is um negotiated between the parties and that contract actually has to be reviewed and approved by the executive county superintendent. Once that's done, then the person's identity can be ident be disclosed to
the public because they have a an approved contract. But up until that time, the board is procluded from revealing any of the candidates who have applied uh people who are either successful or unsuccessful. And that standard when people make these applications to districts throughout the
state of New Jersey, they do so knowing that it is a confidential process and they're not jeopardizing their current employment. if people were um afraid that it could be jeopardized, what'll end up happening is very often you will not get um you know candidates of the
highest caliber applying. So that's why we're keeping it confidential. Again, the board will keep the public apprised and updated on the process, uh the number of applicants, uh who've applied, etc. But we will not reveal who has applied um and who the finalists are
when the board does conduct the interviews. Thank you. Thanks Mr. Jacobe. Um that brings us to the superintendence report. There is one item. Is there anything you need want to say about this Mr. Marian before we
>> No, just this just this month's HIV report. Thank you. >> Okay. Can I get a motion Janice and Dave? And a roll call. >> Miss White. >> Yes. >> Dr. Mchume. >> Yes. >> Mr. Molinari.
>> Yes. >> Miss Curado. >> Yes. >> Mr. Shaw. >> Yes. >> Mr. Talbet. >> Yes. >> Mr. Milanic. >> Yes. >> Miss Mohan. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Lewitz. >> Yes.
>> Okay. That brings us to public comment on agenda items. And Miss Miss Fox will call on anybody who um has their hand raised to make a public comment. >> We currently do not have anyone. >> Okay.
Oh, hold on. Michelle Yang, I think you need to unmute yourself, Miss Yang. >> Hi. Uh I'm Michelle Young. I live on 6 Sentinel Drive in Baskin Ridge. I just want to know if we will do a formal vote
on the Luna New Year uh school uh break today. Uh that's my question for now because I thought it would be on the agenda uh question uh agenda uh you know. So yeah, that's my question for now. Thank you.
>> Anyone else? No one's there or no one's raised their hand. >> Okay, then I'll close. Public comment. Mr. Mararyen, do you want to >> Sure. The the first reading of the calendar policy is on the agenda that
does include a language change that would have us start to recognize Lunar New Year uh the first time it falls on a weekday going forward. So yes, it's on the
>> Okay. Thanks, M. Marian. That brings us to the approval of minutes. >> Jen, I think I think uh Miss White, there's there's someone else. Kang X. >> So we we just >> is closed. >> We just closed public. >> They can make a comment at the second
public comment. Right. Do you need to do a roll call? >> Did I Did I miss um the motion and the second? >> Uh motion. Can I get a motion? >> Mike and Smearthy. And a roll call.
>> Miss White. >> Yes. >> Dr. McHune. >> Yes. >> Mr. Molinari. >> Yes. >> Miss Curado. >> Yes. >> Mr. Shaw. >> Yes. >> Mr. Talbert. >> Yes. >> Mr. Alanic.
>> Yes. >> Miss Mohawk. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Luckitz. >> Yes. >> Okay. We're up to the finance. Um there are 13 items. Uh there is not a report, but Mr. Shaw, are there some items that
you want to highlight? >> Yep. Just two items I really wanted to highlight. So, two donations. So, just wanted to say thank you. One is for from the Cedar Hill PTO. They're donating $5,500 for school co culture and climate
initiative by the College of St. Elizabeth. So, thank you very much to the PTO of Cedar Hill. And then, uh the next item is the Burner Township Law Enforcement Fund. They're giving um donation of six emergency rescue lockers
um valuing $10,900. This is for use by the police department and it's for all six schools. So each school will get a locker. So just want to thank them for these donations. And that's >> Can I get a motion?
>> Janice and Brett and a roll call. >> I I think Keith has a question. Does that come before the >> Yeah, I had a question. >> Yeah. >> Can you guys hear me? >> Yeah. >> Yep. Go ahead, Keith. >> Oh, yeah. Okay. So, was is regarding
item number five, I just wanted to clarify. So, that um $5,500 donation, that's for a portion of the um of the program, which actually is set to run for three years. And the donation is
going to be every year for free years matching the district's contribution as well. Is that correct? I think we were talking about this a bit in finance on Friday. >> Yeah, I see I see you nodding. I don't know if you want to weigh in. >> Yeah, Kristen, if you could share what you did in finance, that'd be great.
>> Um, you know, we only approved the contract one year at a time, but it is a three-year um project that one year at a time we will um proceed um in the same way, right? The board hasn't committed to any future years. I don't know that the PTO is committed, but they are in
support of the initiative. So, that would be um what we would plan to have happen. But obviously, you have to take it one budget year at a time. So, we're not committing to the next two years, but that is the way it will unfold. >> And I think Chris and too uh the other half we're looking to use grant money
for because it's >> that's correct. The rest of the contract will be funded through the federal um title funds. So that's uh $1,100 for the first year. Half and half >> 12 12,000 total 5500 from the PTO and
the remaining balance from the title funds. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So uh in total over three years if we go through the whole contract or the whole program that would be $18,000 in title funds. And I know I asked you on Friday it's only Monday. You might not have an answer to this but h I know it's a lot
of it's a culture climate survey. How is this substantially different than what we're already paying for with Panorama? >> Well, I'd be happy to get the full plan from Miss Uler and go over it in in you know curriculum or wellness. It would go in either of those committees. Um but
the plan would be based the actual planning would be based on the survey results that they would administer. So it sort of starts from a surveying students, teachers and families and then the needs are established through those survey
results and professional development is planned for the next year from that data. >> I think the questions are a little bit different. They're not as focused on the individual student as the panorama data is and more the culture of the school environment. It's also the support too
from the college in helping you design and plan the response to the results. We don't have that when we do the surveys on our own. >> So this is also because I was involved a number of years ago um when they worked with um WHAMS um and was there for part
of three years and then they also have done this at uh Mount Prospect. Um and I know Miss Hos and he spoke very highly of of the work that came out of it. So working on the culture and climate with St. Elizabeth has been around um for a
very long time >> and it has always been very wellreceived as well in both of those buildings. So they were excited to expand it to Cedar Hill. >> Well, I mean I I'll I'll support it since we're going to just commit for one year and the Cedar Hill PTO's very generously offered to put up half. Um I
would be very interested to see what results are going forward. Um just on a and I've said I said this in finance on a philosophical basis I'm very skeptical of consultants and mainly because we have such a wealth of talent in this district but I do feel that once we are have a school or building train we
should be really whenever possible employing a train to trainer model. So again, one year, you know, I can get on board with that. And again, I'm not it's it sounds like picky own money, you know, 6,000, 12,000, $18,000 when I talk about $120 million budget. But again, you know, big numbers are made up of
little numbers. And just because it's a little piece of the total pie doesn't mean that we couldn't spend those funds better elsewhere. But we're just one year I'll be in support of it. >> Yeah. And >> just so you know, it's not something that you can do with Train the Trainer. I mean there it's very extensive the um
surveys that they do and the reports that they put together. Um it's not something that you know just a teacher who's been trained is going to have the time to put together the kind of reports that this that St. Elizabeth does. I mean when I was involved um there were
two people that came to all the meetings. Um, and I mean it was like a huge manual practically of what they put together of uh the surveys and the research and the data that they put together so that they could then make
changes that would make um the culture and the climate better and have improvements. Um that's not, you know, I know we we we had um Greg Lucas who we now were doing the train the trainer
model. That's a specific um example of something that you can do train the trainer. The the St. Elizabeth I don't think falls in that bucket. >> Well, I mean I I hear what you're saying. I just you know again um the consultant rabbit hole is one that seems
to be never ending. So when when it comes in front of me, I'm going to look at it with a, you know, a bit of a skeptical eye, but again, it's one year, so and PTO is generously putting up half. So let's give it a shot. Yeah, I I think the um the other thing that'll be interesting to Keith's point
is kind of like what how can we compare data sets from the different surveys that we're getting and leverage the data that we've got perhaps with the consultants and the program that they're doing to build the best mousetrap possible for the interventions used at
the school. So, I think we could try to bring those things together and kind of see what they have to say about that. Um, and with that said, I think Janice has her hand up too, Jen. >> Yes, I would just like to say that, you know, consultants for curriculum and
consultants for climate and culture. Um, you know, we we do spend money on consultants for other facilities and operations and things like that. Um, and I think that we should also consider the importance of these
consultants as well. Um we have a wellness meeting this week which is another we get an opportunity for both William um Annen Miss Hudok and Dr. Hosani to kind of share some of the details a little further with the board members.
>> Anyone else have a comment board members? >> Okay. Now, can I get a motion? >> I think I think we had >> Did we do it already and then we got interrupted >> a while? >> Can we do the roll call? I can't even
remember. >> Miss White, >> yes. >> Dr. Mchune, >> yes. >> Mr. Milanari, >> yes. >> Miss Curado, >> yes. >> Mr. Shaw, >> yes. >> Mr. Talbot, >> yes.
>> Mr. Omalanic. >> Yes. Miss Mohan. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Leworth. >> Yes. >> Okay. We're up to personnel. Um there is a report. >> Yeah, there is a report, but um there's
really nothing that can be reported out publicly other than the fact that what you already talked about how we've begun the superintendent search. >> Okay. So, there are nine items. May I have a motion, >> Keith? and Dave and roll call.
>> Miss White, >> yes. >> Dr. Mchu, >> yes. >> Mr. Molinari, >> yes. >> Miss Curado, >> yes. >> Mr. Shaw, >> yes. >> Mr. Talbot, >> yes. >> Mr. Omalanic, >> yes.
>> Miss Mohawk, >> yes. >> And Mr. Lewis, >> yes. >> Okay, we're up to policy. Um and there is a report Mike. >> Yes. Um so the policy uh committee met on
Thursday, February 12th and uh a couple things we talked about was um the guidelines for the use of the sound systems and uh we just made it clear that students can operate the sound systems as long as uh school staff are present to supervise. So students cannot
just do it by uh themselves. And uh for the school year calendar uh we did uh we did look for the lunar new year and President's Day. Uh we the committee looked at where Lunar New Year falls weekday verse weekend over the
next 10 years. We revised the 20278 school calendar. We're not adding snow days, but we'll be adding extra days if needed at the end of the school year. graduation um is tenatively June 16th, but it's so early that we have uh
certain days to be flexible with if you know we have crazy snow. Uh the Lunar New Year will be off Wednesday, January 26th. And um for the 2028 29 school calendar, we started to discuss the details with the committee, hoping to have more
information in March. And the revised calendars will be available uh for the board of ed approval this spring. And one of the things that uh we talked about with the AI plan, Mr. Mararyian noted that one area of revision to the AI plan is to draw a lot more attention
to the specific prohibition of using uh AI to create disparaging content, videos, images of classmates or staff. Uh these revisions will be ready for the fall and there's no changes for the second reading.
That is our report. Does anyone have any questions for Mike? >> Hi MJ. >> Hi. Could I just ask a um quick question? So, like I know in the last board event meeting when they were talking about like Lunar New Year, um I
think they mentioned like even on the years where it falls on weekends, they were wondering if we could just like have it on like just written on the calendar, even if it falls on weekends because I think a large part of it was just the written recognition of it that
also mattered. So, that was just a question I had. Uh, I mean that's that's something we could talk about, but I don't think we put other holidays on the >> No, we we've talked about it in the past and I think there was a little mixed opinion whether it would be confusing if
they were listed and some thought maybe it was on the Friday or the Monday like if it was on the calendar people might get mixed up and think there was a day off because there's a lot of times where other holidays also fall on the weekend and so then people might get confused. I think that's why we didn't do it.
>> Okay. Can I get a motion? Uh, can I ask a quick question? >> Yeah. >> No, we should we should wait for public comment regarding these question. So, public comments closed right now. So, if you have questions, could you please hold them until the second public comment? Thank you very much.
>> Sure. >> Can I get a motion? Smeary Janice and a roll call. >> Miss White. >> Yes. Dr. McHune, >> yes. >> Mr. Molinari, >> yes. >> Miss Curado,
>> yes. >> Mr. Shaw, >> yes. >> Mr. Talbot, >> yes. >> Mr. Omealanic, >> yes. >> Miss Mohawk, >> yes. >> And Mr. Lewitz, >> yes. >> Okay, we're up to curriculum and there
is a report. >> Yes, the curriculum committee met on February 6th. Um the first discussion item was the cursive handwriting legislation. New legislation was passed and will be implemented by fall of 2027.
Our district currently teaches handwriting in grades K to three using the handwriting without tears program and we will need to expand that to grades four and five per the new legislation. Teachers are eager for access to the program resources and
would like to have training this spring if possible. Supervisors are working on that. Uh there was a staff inservice on January 28th. Um this inservice was department-based which allowed teachers to work with their colleagues on a
variety of topics. There is a number of topics outlined in the report which is available on the BOE website. I will just highlight one or two. The English language arts and social studies teachers in grades 6 to 12 focused on
information literacy and the role of AI in our programming. Teachers had a presentation by consultant Olga Pites, the state advocate lead and New Jersey chapter leader remedial literacy now and the education advisory council alliance
for decision education. The focus of the session was on the upcoming information literacy standards and how to integrate them within the existing curriculum. Summer curriculum projects will address this. Um,
science teachers in grades 6 to 12 met to identify skill sets required uh in incorporating executive functioning and soft skills into their curriculum. and Quest teachers attended a virtual conference offered by the Renzulli
Center at the University of Connecticut on the topic of artificial intelligence and creativity. The last inservice day for this school year is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25th, and it will be building based.
There is new legislation for grades one and two. Uh, New Jersey requires schools to formally identify students who would benefit from gifted and talented programs starting K through 12th grade. Although we have been providing
differentiated instruction for students in grades K to2, we have not formally identified and notified parents and teachers. The district is now in the process of developing and sharing this criteria for students in grades one and two utilizing current assessment
information, including our reading assessment scores and report card indicators in math and approaches to learning. Teachers and parents will receive notification of students who are in the top of their peer group on these assessments over the next few weeks.
Uh we also received the postsecondary report part one of the report. Miss Fox and Miss Smith um shared the uh the results for the Ridge class of 2025 focusing on advanced placement SAT and
ACT scores. Part two of this report which focuses on post-secary statistics including college admissions process trends and decisions as well as information on career education programs for the class of 25 will be provided at
the February wellness committee meeting and the report link will be provided then. Highlights from part one of the report include with regard to advanced placement, our 30 AP courses are highly enrolled with fluctuations of course
across specific courses. The number of students taking an exam in 2025 increased by 44 and the total number of AP exams increased by 35. The percentage of students enrolled in an AP course who
took the exam increased from 91% to 97%. With regard to the SAT in English-based reading and writing, 97% of rich students in 25 met the college readiness benchmark. That is up slightly from 95%
in 24. In math, 88% of rich students in 25 met the benchmark, up slightly from 85% in 24. The average total score of rich students in 2025 was 1307. For New Jersey students, that score was
1061. In 24, the average total score for Ridge students was 1284. For New Jersey students, 1050. With regard to the ACT, the ACT differs from the SAT in that it tests four
content areas: English, math, reading, and science, although science is optional beginning this year. In English, 94% of the Ridge class of 25 test takers met the ACT benchmark. In math, 79%.
In reading, 80% and in science, 77%. The percentage of Ridge students who met the benchmark in all four was 64%. For students in New Jersey, that percentage was 52%. For the ACT average composite mean
score, Ridge 25 students scored two 27.0 down slightly from 24 at 27.7. The average composite score for New Jersey students was 24.6 6 in 2025, up
from 24.1 in 24. And the next curriculum committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4th. >> Thanks. I see Dave, you've got a question. >> Yeah, just two things. One's a comment, one's a question. So, just on the scores that Janice just mentioned, I I just
want to say thank you to the teachers, administrators, and the students for working so hard. Those are amazing scorers again this year and it's a testament to everyone that is involved in that. So I just want to say thank you. They are great again. Um the only
quick question I don't know if we know this yet maybe too soon but on the cursive the handwriting without tears that we have to add to fourth and fifth grade. Just wondering costwise if we know I assume it's not too material but just wondering if we know that yet. >> No. Um remember Dr. Hunter is pricing
out three different programs as well as the training for teachers. So, I should have that for you at the next curriculum committee meeting. >> Okay. Thanks. >> Anyone else? >> Okay. Uh we're up to wellness and I know uh there was no meeting and we're
meeting this Thursday. >> Thursday the 26th. >> Okay. Um, that brings us to facilities and operations. There's a report. >> Yeah, I was absent. So, I think uh Jim's going to be reading out the report this evening.
>> I actually took the minutes. Jim, if you want me to read it, I can do that. >> Up to you. I've got it up, but if you got >> All right. If you have it up, go ahead. >> Okay. Uh, so we met uh February um February 5th. We reviewed the work
orders. Um we agreed that things have been uh trending in a positive direction uh for a while now. So we're going to look at um coming up with a more simplistic uh metric for for the committee going forward rather than the the weekby- week kind of look um which
was necessary once upon a time but but looks like um we are uh moving in the right direction. So we'll come up with something a little bit more simplistic. Um we discussed the major capital projects um over the next uh five years
and and um the five years after that um and had discussions on what would be involved to submit that project list to u DOE and update the long range facility plan. Um we discussed since the the next five
years of projects have to be submitted to the DOE. Um the committee discussed um selecting an arch architectural firm to do that DOE submission. Um and the committee agreed that we would conduct some interviews uh Mr. Mikley and I with
different architectural firms and make a recommendation to the committee to do the DOE submission of the next five years of projects. Um, we discussed uh update from Machios on on gave a preview
of the survey that they were looking to do and they talked about um a survey that should be coming out very shortly and um we'll be looking forward to a more in-depth review later in the spring. Uh gave a brief update on the
stop the soot grant which is still in process. Uh we talked about the um varsity complex schedule um which at the time was starting to starting to to
see uh the the benefit of the snow melting and now that's backwards, but um we'll have a plan to to to um alter that project schedule so that it doesn't impact the baseball and the softball fields. Um and then just a couple of of
updates on the 26 projects to ridge track um the cedar cedar hill roof and the ocean direct install. Um the next meeting will be April 2nd at 4 p.m. >> And I did I did share a note uh in the
SOS on Friday about what Mr. Roll described relative to the varsity complex at Ridge. you know, uh, obviously we want to have our baseball and softball softball fields available for spring use. So, we're being sensitive to that. They did start um
with the back stop on the varsity field, but we are expediting uh that uh repair essentially replacement of the old back stop. So we'll get that in place and uh not disturb those fields so that they can be
used as soon as they dry out which uh is going to be a challenge for everywhere this year obviously. >> Thank you. Um we're up to Leison on. Does anybody have a leazison report? >> I don't see anybody.
Okay. So, that brings us to public comment on non-aggenda items. Okay, we have one hand up. Miss Xiao, you can unmute. Make your comment. >> Hello. Can you hear me or see me?
>> Yep, both. >> Okay. Hi. Yeah. Uh, my name is Wrin Jao. um from 83 Carlile Road in BaskinRidge. Uh I wanted to make a public comments about Lunar New Year. So um I wanted to
say that thank you for your continuing support for the Lunar New Year and uh you know I would like to briefly share how this decision would benefit Bernard's Township in general. So, first um by um sending the Lunar New Year in
the school calendar, it sends a clear and a public message that our town embraces cultural diversity and values every family who calls this community home. So, recognition at this district
level shows that inclusion is not only discussed but also practical in practice. So this strengthens trust between families and also the school system. Second, this decision um directly supports students sense of
belonging. So when children see their heritage acknowledged in an official way, so it affirms their identity. A strong sense of belonging builds confidence, increases engagement, and supports overall well-being. So all of
which are closely connected to academic success and a healthy school environment. And the third it also provides practical clarity. So many students already observe uh lunar new year holiday with
their families. So recognizing it officially reduces attendance conflicts and eases tension from families like when they have to go to school or they have to they they stay with their family on that day. So and uh then they feel
very meaningful and also you know with the balance with the school responsibilities and finally it also serves an educational purpose. Why? because our school provides students for participation in uh global society. So
acknowledging major cultural celebrations strengthens awareness, respect and understanding across entirely student body. So, um, Bernard's Township is known for excellence and my
kids are in here and we're so happy and we are so grateful that we are in this great community. So, including um, Lunar New Year in calendar would further demonstrate leadership in aligning our
policies with the diverse and involving community that we serve. and thank you so much for your thoughtful consideration and your efforts. >> Thank you. >> Kristen, can I just jump in for one second because there might be people who
weren't um at our last meeting when we actually we all voted that we would be including the Lunar New Year on our calendars going forward. And Mr. Talba when he gave the policy report um we that's what he talked about which was
the the first readings on calendars so that we have agreed that we will be putting um a adding the lunar new year um on our calendar so I just wanted to make sure everybody >> okay okay
>> that's great so we are you know so appreciate that the efforts that DOE putting in this you know this action. I really appreciate. Yeah. >> Okay. I'll turn it back to you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Uh the next person who had their hands up was Evelyn Zu.
>> If you'd like to make a comment. There you go. >> Yeah. So, this is technically agenda item, but I didn't raise my hand earlier. So, um I also want to talk about Lunar New Year. I just want to say thank you so much. And I know it's not like the first time this proposal has
brought forward and that just makes this so much more meaningful and I'm so honored to have been the person to start this conversation this time and to be a part of the community that ultimately made it possible. Um, and this was not
something that one person could do. We all saw so many members of our community speak in front of this board, do so much research, share their own stories, and spread the word. And I want to especially thank Mrs. Michelle Yang who
spoke earlier and like I want to thank her for organizing so many of our activities and giving us so much helpful insight and we truly could not have succeeded without her. And of course the biggest thank you goes to you guys, the board and every single
member who showed support and finally voted yes. So, thank you for choosing to send Asian students a clear message that our culture matters in this district and more importantly that every single student matters to you and to our whole community. And you've done so much more
than just add a holiday to the calendar. This is showing us that you respect us and that as a member of our community, you stand for every single person in it. Thank you. >> Thanks, Evelyn. >> Thank you. Um, the next person who had
their hand up was Mike Fitz Fitzpatrick. >> You're still muted, Mr. Fitzpatrick. >> Okay. I'm a little rusty on this. I retired from my job a few years ago, so I had to get reminded. >> No problem. >> Uh, so I'd like to uh thank the uh committee for the opportunity to speak tonight. My name is Mike Fitzpatrick,
and I am the president of the Burners Township Law Enforcement Fund. or the organization um that uh you accepted the donational blockers uh from. Um, our organization is a 501c3. Um, we are here to provide tools to the
police department for several things, including public safety. And, uh, in conversations with the police department, um, with our township committee, with the board of education, we've all identified these lockers as something that could assist officers in protecting our most valuable
asset, the children who run our schools. Uh we um these lockers that we have purchased are in use in many different um districts in the state of New Jersey already. We saw this as a great opportunity for our uh donors to get
involved and to uh express our support for everything that is taking place in the schools now to protect our children. Uh these lockers contain equipment that the um SEO and the police officers will incorporate into the training they do every year. So, uh, by the time next
time they do that, our goal is to have these lockers in place so we'll be able to train on those. So, again, um, thank you all for accepting this donation. >> Thank you, Mr. Patrick. >> All right. The next person with their hand up was Kayen Gi.
>> Hi, thank you and thanks for the uh clarification earlier about the the policy uh committee's decision. And uh my name is Kishi. residing at 61 Barna Lane. And I'm actually here tonight with my two children, Evelyn and Charlie. You
just heard Evelyn spoke. I actually didn't know she was going to talk tonight. So, she actually said a lot lot of things that I wanted to say. Um I also want to just express take this moment to express my uh thank you to the policy committee for reviewing this and
to the entire board of education um for this process that brought us to this moment. And I just want to share um me as a as a parent like what this journey um meant for our family. I think initially this uh started last December,
December 2025. Um when my daughter Evelyn first brought this idea up um during the meeting, student government meeting with the board um and I didn't know that she she was planning on that. But I knew that that that night she came
home um pretty discouraged because the initial responses that she heard was was not uh supportive of in favor of this idea. and she wondered if if her voice, a student's voice would really make a difference, right? But she didn't give
up. Neither did this community community. So, we know that over the last uh the course of the last uh two months, many community members have sent emails, they signed petitions, they spoke at uh the last two BOE meetings, they shared what this this moment uh
means for them. Um and in at the January 26 meeting, both of my kids are well, you know, Evelyn and Charlie were also there. And then she Evelyn shared a story about her encounter she had with uh one of her fellow uh students a couple of years ago about Luna New Year.
And she s said something that um really resonated with me. Um she said that we shouldn't have to justify why our traditions matter, right? So I you know while we celebrate this decision I know
for the entire board um board members this decision did not come lightly. There were some very valid concerns that were raised um by several board members about you know the school the dates the school ending day um where we draw the
line all real concerns but at the same time everybody also listened the entire board weigh the challenges against the powerful truth which is that a significant part of our student bo body
um this is not just a culture event. Um, as you know, when parent Michelle Yan beautifully said, this is this is actually important to our soul. So, um, tonight I I just wanted to say from my perspective, right, the the
really the your decision um meant something for my kids, they are learning something very invaluable. they they are learning that the students idea um when lifted by a community can become real and and they're learning that our board
can listen with respect and choose to be more inclusive. So I want to thank you for your leadership and for making this this wonderful decision. >> Thank you. Uh I think we have one more hand up.
Um, it says ZG. >> Good evening members of the BOE, administrators, teachers, parents, and students. My name is Claire and I live at 49 Patri Hill Drive, Basking Ridge, and I am a fifth grader at Mount Prospect School. Thank you for approving
um adding Lunar New Year to our school calendar. This would make many students like me who celebrate this holiday feel included and important in our school community. We'll be able to spend time with um our families and do their traditions. I deeply appreciate this
thoughtful step to inclusivity and cultural respect which strengthens our school community. Thank you for adding Lunar New Year to our school calendar. >> Thank you. Hi dear BOE members and all.
My name is Zenia. Um I'm a proud resident of Basking Rage and mother of two who both go to MPS. Uh one is a fifth grader Claire who just spoke and one is Aiden Zoo going to uh kindergarten. Um I would like to echo
what my daughter Claire just said. We are very grateful to the board of education for approving Luna New Year as a holiday. This thoughtful action acknowledges the cultural heritage of many students and families including us
and strengthen our sense of belonging within the school community. So we really appreciate that. >> Thank you very much. Um there's no one else with their hands up. Okay. With >> that I'll close public comment and we're
up to board forum. Does anybody have anything for board forum tonight? I don't see anything. So, I just want to make sure that that's correct. Okay. So, with that, I will get a motion to
adjurnn. Janice and Brett. >> Good night everyone. >> Everyone. Good night everyone. >> Very much. >> Good night. >> Don't forget delayed opening tomorrow. >> Good night. >> Good night.
>> Good night.