I call to order the regular meeting of the BOD board of education for Tuesday, June 16th, 2026. Please stand for the flag salute of the United States of America and to the stand.
The New Jersey open public's meetings law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have the advanced notice of and to attend the meetings of the public bodies at which any business affecting their interest is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the
provisions of this act, the Boot Board of Education has caused notice of this meeting to be published by having the date, time, place, and thereof posted in the Boda Boro Hall, communicated by letter to the record, filed with the
clerk of the Boda Boro Hall and posted to the Boda Board of Education website. Fon, please call the role. >> Sure. Uh, Mrs. Alvarez, absent. Mr. Alvarez, Mrs. Cruz >> present. >> Mr. Miranda >> present. >> Mrs. Naim
>> present. >> Mrs. Olivo >> present. >> Mrs. Salam >> present. >> Miss Racket is absent. Mr. Chavez >> present. >> We have the quorum. >> Also present is superintendent Damen Kennedy. Board attorney Thomas
Cobin. School business administrator board secretary Esil. Assistant board secretary Elizabeth Ruiz. and our representative Himemena Vargas. >> We are now opening the floor for hearing
of the citizens on agenda items only. Do I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Motion, Mr. Miranda. Second. >> Mr. Levo. Any board discussion? All in favor? I. >> If there's any member of the public who
would like to address agenda items only, please come forward. Speaker, please state your name. You have 5 minutes. >> Motion to close. >> At this moment, we would like a motion to close. Hearing of the citizens, >> Mr. Miranda.
>> Second, Mr. Alvarez. Any board discussion. All in favor? >> I. >> Moving on to section 3.1, our agenda, superintendent report. Mr. Kennedy. >> Thank you. First up, our HIB report. We
had one founded in the high school. And next, I'm going to turn it over to our student rep. >> Thank you. Good evening, everyone. As we approach the end of the 2025 2026 school year, June has been filled with celebrations, accomplishments, and
exciting milestones for the students of Bagota High School. This month, students had the opportunity to showcase their talents. And in the months of April, we had our spring concert and the art show. These events highlighted the creativity, hard work, and dedication of our students and
allowed families and community members to celebrate the arts at Pagota High School. We also recognized student achievement through several awards ceremonies. The academic awards ceremony honored students for the excellence in the classroom and commitment to their studies throughout the year. The
performing arts ceremony celebrated students who have contributed to our music, theater, and arts programs. While the athletic awards ceremony recognized accomplishments, leadership, and sportsmanships of our student athletes, these events served as a reminder of the many ways our students continue to excel
both inside and outside the classroom. Another highlight of the month was the senior prom. The class of 2026 enjoyed an unforgettable evening celebrating their high school experiences with friends and classmates. It was a special opportunity for seniors to create lasting memories as they prepare for
graduation and the next chapter of our lives. Students were also relieved to reach the end of state testing and AP testing. After months of preparation and hard work, many of us are now focusing on finishing the year strong. Currently, the students are in finals and working
diligently to complete exams, projects, and final assignments before summer break begins. As this is my final report of the school year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what has been an incredible year for Bua High School. I would like to thank the board for this wonderful opportunity. Our students have demonstrated
resilience, dedication, and school spirit throughout the year. Whether through academics, athletics, the arts, or leadership or even community service, students have continued to represent our school with pride. Looking ahead, we're all excited for the graduation on June 24th. This year's ceremony will be
especially meaningful as the class of 26 graduates on our new field. Seniors are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to celebrate this achievement with their families, friends, teachers, and the entire Bagota community. Once again, thank you to the
board of education, administration, faculty, staff, and families for your continued support throughout the year. On behalf of the students, I wish everyone a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer. >> Thank you. Great job. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Bobby.
>> Thank you. Uh we would also proudly like to recognize as Mrs. Vargas for her outstanding service as a student representative to the Bota Board of Education. Tonight, there is an agenda item uh honoring her. Throughout her tenure, Jimene served as a thoughtful voice for her fellow students, providing
valuable insight, leadership, and perspectives that help strengthen the connection between the board of education and the student body. Her professionalism, dedication, and commitment to both her education and her school community has made a lasting impact on our district. We thank her for
her service and we wish her continu continued success in her future endeavors. And we just like to present you with the um agenda item as a certificate. As the 2526 school year comes to an end, I would like to extend my deepest thanks
to the entire Boot community for your support. Achieving our goals is is a true team effort. I am incred incredibly grateful to the central office staff, my administration team, our teachers, our staff, our custodians, our maintenance team, our texts, and of course the
continued support of the board of education. Together, we have accomplished many great things this year. A special thank you to building and ground supervisor Andre and his team for their hard work and our business administrator for carefully managing our
budget and maximizing every dollar. This year we completed many projects including the sports complex, the CTE building, security vestibules in all district buildings, Bixby gymnasium, BHS auditorium, and the BHS media center.
And we are in progress right now with the electrical upgrades in all buildings that will be completed this summer. Grant funding. We secured over $500,000 this year led by the exceptional effort of Mr. Chang. The district successfully
secured over a half a million dollars in grand funding from tutoring to mental health screen to mental health screening to gardens. Mr. Chang has done a tremendous job and that's just this year alone and that's not even counting the preschool grant which is an extra $2
million I believe. Some district highlights this year. We passed QAC. We implemented redistricting and the courtesy bus program. We celebrated the landmark 100red-year homecoming weekend featuring the fireworks halftime show.
We hosted our first home track meet in over 30 year utilizing brand new equipment. When the government shutdown, we started an adult a food assistant drive to assist our families. We started our own in-house therapy dog
classes and expanded the check and connect mentor program, pairing struggling students with adult mentors to improve attendance, grades, and behavior. We successfully ran two adult ES ESL program classes this year.
Academics, over 43 students passed the seal of biiteracy exam this year. We ran 20 dual enrollment classes offering college credits to all students. We also offered 14 advanced place AP courses in the high school. We launched our new
robust CTE classes with cyber security, automotive, and culinary arts. It's also been a tremendous year for our seniors. This year they were accepted over into over 128 different higher education institutions and trade
schools. Notable acceptance include the University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, Boston College, Boston University, NJIT, Stevens, and UCLA, just to name a few. One senior will begin their college career studying
abroad in Italy through the Maris through Marish University. Students are pursuing majors in engineering, computer science, biology, premed, pre-law, education, and nursing. Additionally, 10 seniors are are attending trade schools, which is the
highest number we've seen in years. Athletics, seven senior athletes have committed to continue their sports careers at the college level. This year's graduating class earned an astounding $14 million in scholarship
and grants. Two exceptional students have already graduated with their associates degrees from Bergen Community College through our ear early college program. And at this time, I'd like to recognize them. First up, she will be attending Syracuse University, Mariana
Garcia. Next up, she will be attending Maris University. Shayen T. staff retirements. We want to honor and express our deepest gratitude to three incredible staff members retiring this year.
I'm going to try his name, but I've never called him this. Shaim Amatalier, also known as Jimmy, as a dedicated custodian for the past 12 years. He has taken great pride in maintaining our facilities and creating a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for our
students and staff and visitors each day. Jimmy, come on up. Next up is Miss Lorie Nichols. As 25 years of service as a beloved elementary school teacher, Lori has touched countless lives through her passion for teaching, commitment to tu student
success, and caring approach. Beyond the classroom, she shared her love for wellness through yoga, provided after-school tutoring, and inspired lifelong appreciation for reading and generations of children. Please come up, Mrs. Nichols. and lastly Diane Baronello, also known
as DB. For 25 years of service as a dedicated special education teacher, she has been a steadfast steadfast advocate for students. Always willing to take on the toughest challenges with a smile and a positive attitude. She approached each day with patience, compassion, and
determination, making a lasting impact on our school, families, and students. DB, come on up. Lastly, we would like to uh to recognize our teachers of the year that were celebrated earlier last month. Uh we are
thrilled to recognize our astounding educators of the year selected by a committee of each represented building for their unwavering dedication for helping BGOT students excel. First up at Bixby Elementary School, Miss Chavell. Come over here. I'm waiting on someone.
>> Yeah. >> Her son would like to make a few remarks. >> Right into that. You don't have to speak loud. Just speak normal. >> Hello everyone. My name is Loud. >> Hello everyone. My name is Anthony Shavevel and I'm proud of my mom for
getting teacher of the year. And um I am uh proud and um every time that I'm sleeping, she's always waking up at 6:00 in the morning and I always have to stay up to um because I always hear footsteps
and lights on. So, um, she's a hardworking lady and, uh, very kind and honest and helps me out. And every time I'm in sports or something, she will always be at the sideline cheering me on
and helping me succeed in these years. Thank you everybody. >> From Steen School, Miss Ambroski I couldn't. in the middle school. Mrs. H. And lastly, she's not here because she just gave birth, I think a few weeks ago, from the high school, Miss Tempa.
And I know she's not here, but I still want to recognize. >> Thank you very much. That concludes my report. We would like to pause our meeting for about 10 minutes. We have some refreshments and desserts and coffee for everyone before we continue with our meeting.
>> Made a motion. >> Motion to close. >> 10 minute recess. >> Motion. >> Motion. >> Miranda. Second. >> Second. All in favor? Second, Chris. I I
All right. Quick 10-minute recess. Open the meeting. >> Alvarez. >> Alvarez. Second. >> Second. Cruz. >> Cruz. All in favor? >> I.
Moving on to resolution 4.1 which is for the approval of the open session minutes of May 12, 2026 regular meeting. Is there a motion to approve resolution 4.1? >> Oliv second.
Alvarez. Any board discussion? Roll caller from >> Mr. Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Cruz. >> Yes. >> Mr. Miranda. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lane. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Siva. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Salam. >> Yes. >> Mr. Chavez. >> Yes. >> Motion carried.
>> Moving on to resolution 5.1 in the policy section, which is the susp suspended bylaws 0131 and approved policies and regulations in one reading. Is there a motion for approval of 5.1 >> motion? Motion Miranda second.
>> Olivo. Any board discussion? Roll call. Mr. Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Cruz. >> Yes. >> Mr. Miranda. Yes, >> Mrs. Naim. Mrs. Oliva. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Salam. >> Yes, >> Mr. Chavez. >> Yes. >> Motion carried.
>> Moving on to resolution 6.23 in the education section which is for the approvals of the agenda items 6.1 through 6.22. Is there a motion to approve resolution 6.23? >> Motion. >> Motion Miranda. Second. >> Motion. Chris
>> Cruz. Any board discussion? Roll call. >> Mr. Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Cruz. >> Yes. >> Mr. Miranda. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Naim. >> Mrs. Olivo. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Salam. >> Yes. >> Mr. Chavez. >> Yes. >> Motion carried.
>> Moving on to resolution 7.35 in the personnel section which is for the approval of the agenda item 7.1 through 7.34. Is there a motion to approve 7.35? >> Motion. Cruz.
>> Cruz. Second. Any board discussion? Roll call. >> Mr. Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Mrs. Cruz. >> Yes. >> Mr. Miranda. >> Yes.
>> Mrs. Na. Mrs. Oliva. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Salam. >> Yes. >> Mr. Chavez. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Moving on to resolution 8.46 in the finance section which is for approvals of the agenda items 8.1 through 8.45. Is there a motion to approve resolution
8.46 >> Olivo? >> Mr. Alvarez. Any discussion? Roll call. >> Mr. Alvarez. Mrs. Cruz. >> Yes. >> Mr. Miranda. Mrs. Na. Mrs. Siva. Yes.
Mrs. Salam. >> Yes. >> Mr. Chavez. >> Yes. >> Motion car. >> Moving on to resolution 9.10 10 of the buildings and ground section which is for the approval of the agenda items 9.1 through 9.9. Is there a motion to approve resolution 9.10?
>> Alvarez. Second. >> Cruz. >> Cruz. Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mr. Alvarez. Mrs. Cruz. >> Yes. >> Mr. Miranda. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Naim. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Olivo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Salam. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Chavez. >> Yes. >> Motion carry. Moving on to committee reports. Are there any committee reports today? No. Next on the agenda is old business. Is there any old business the board would
like to discuss? >> There is a committee report. My apologies. I was just trying to find the date. Um, we've been invited to the groundbreaking or ribbon cutting, not groundbreaking, ribbon cutting for the wreck. Friday. >> Friday 27th.
>> 27th. Yeah. At 6. >> Huh? >> Is it Friday or Saturday? >> Friday. Friday. >> 26th. >> 26th. >> Friday. >> Friday. >> Friday. >> Okay. >> I'll tell you right now. >> Six.
It is June 26 at 6 p.m. >> 6 p.m. >> Perfect. Any any other new old business? Have we discussed our high school ranking since this is our last meeting?
Can we just put that on the record? >> Um I I I have the information coming out in the newsletter, but um our high school was ranked um we we scored a summitive score of 75, which is uh a high for us that in Bergen County, I
think it put us like 18th out of the 50 high schools. Um, and only two or three schools in the surrounding districts were ranked higher than us. So, >> just two, >> two. So, uh, but make sure they know that >> I have that information. I wanted to
save it for the newsletter when I blast out. I I think the stuff I touched upon tonight was just scratching the surface. I still have a lot more stuff to brag about uh about what we accomplished this year. So that will all be coming out um
next week as we finish up school. Um I you know the good the reality is this is a community that's working together and it's a kudos to everyone administration the board
um but our teachers our educators um in our recent negotiations which we've just concluded um you have some really should be proud of the education we have on board uh very fair
um they sure look at the future um and they're not thinking about you know often and and I've been unlucky to be part of like police negotiations and some other negotiations and it's often what is in it for me I got to tell you
this group of teachers who represent um you know everyone at large it's about what does the future future hole a little bit for everybody and it sort of trickles down an entire line and they get the messaging that we've represented in this board for a long time is how to
be fair and and how to how to put how to plant seeds they're going to flourish five six seven eight years. And throughout our discussion, it was often brought up like what happens when we're not here or when you're not
representing. And and you know that that really goes a long way. And I think BGOD has made a turn for the best because being here, you know, ex 15 years, 16 years, you see the ups and downs and the differentiations and and there's still
some doubt about our ste and and how we've mixed our elementarymentaries and what we did to redistricted schools. But I heard today someone say um on our board that they wouldn't change sending their kids back to our high school in
our school district. And I've heard that over the last month and I got to tell you I'll never ever forget and I brag about it because it's only fair. I'll never forget and Jose won't forget either how many times we were in Richfield Park
when our kids were really young and a lot of people made fun of Bagota. Parents >> all the time. uh board members and how terrible school district we were, how our high school was something to make fun of and and and and those are the ones who knew us cuz most people didn't
know who Bagota was. And now you go around the state and it's like BOD's everywhere. The fields are everywhere. You know, you you have you have universities coming through and want to practice on our fields. You have people wanting to rent our parks. And and one last message is that we still get
criticism for those parks. Maybe they're not perfect. But they're a perfection of what it was. And I had the luxury of running there Friday of last week after many people
complained about, not many, a few people throw things to see who respond. And I I will always respond with facts because if you're gonna talk gibberish, then let's hash it out. And I met five individuals, college level
baseball players, serious baseball players, and they were hitting the ball and they had their own netting and they had a true pitcher that was pitching about 85, 90 miles an hour on our park. And I got there because I had to measure the pole that everyone's talking about. I just want to put it on the record that
from home plate to this light pole that everyone who's complaining about it is 317 ft right field light pole right there's people complaining about this and just people just don't appreciate the things we have the Yankee Stadium right field
wall is 314 feet so unless we have a lot of Aaron judges left hitters I want to know who they are because I'm all for them So even though we've looked through these plans, we have something further by a few feet than the Yankee Stadium. So I think
we're doing just fine. But so I'm I'm trying to measure with an app on the phone to see the accuracy. And when I'm speaking to these kids, I said, and I know they, you know, don't have permits and I'm not there for that. They said, "Hey, I'm sorry. We we're I said, "Where are you guys from?" One was from like
Monroe University. They were from different schools and they know each other. their buds growing up and they're real serious ball players. And I and they said, "Why are you measuring?" I explained to them what our community saying >> and they said, "You should tell them to come play in the Bronx so they know what
a bad park looks like." So you hear that and you're like, and I'm like, "Really?" He said, "Even through Monroe University, one was from another um" He said, "We still play in such bad parks in New York." So all I want to say is kudos to you guys. Kudos to the
successes and and just let's not, you know, don't let people step on what we did. We did it. We did it right. We did it with our hearts, with everything we got. Everyone was a part of it. And when they beat us up, they beat educators up because people often go around thinking that teachers have to be parents. And I
got to tell you, I've been able to sit in three negotiations with our educators. They're exceptional. They deserve it. And they think about their future. And that's very fair to bod. And that's what Boris be fair with each other. Keep doing it. And I'm proud of those education. So thank you.
>> Thank you, Mr. Miranda. >> I forgot to Next on the agenda is new business. Do we have any new business to discuss? Moving on to section 13.1, opening the floor to hearings of the public. Is there a motion to open the floor?
>> Motion. >> All second. >> Is there any board discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> If there is a any any member of the public who would like to address the board,
>> the speaker, please state your name and you have five minutes. >> Motion to close hearing of this of the public. >> Motion, Mr. Miranda, Mr. Alvarez. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed?
And we are at our final meeting for the year. I really want to thank each and every one of you for the outstanding job you did, including our educators, our administrators, the board. Um, like Mr. Miranda said, we have c we have come a long way and we
are very happy and excited. There's always going to be people that are not, you know, with what we're doing, but this there are very few. There are very small handful. And we need to focus on our future, on our kids, and how we're going to deal with everything else. So,
I want to thank everyone. I want everyone to have a great summer. Looks like it's going to be a hot one. So, keep yourself hydrated and have a great one. Motion to adjurnn. >> Motion. >> Alivo and Alvarez.
All in favor? I >> have a great summer, guys.