WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=wpQX0thkCBM

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: wpQX0thkCBM):
- 00:00:00: Meeting Start and Open Public Meetings Act Statement
- 00:02:21: Introduction to the Student of the Month Awards
- 00:02:58: Lamont School Pre-K and Kindergarten Students of Month
- 00:05:12: Lamont Annex Student, First Grade, and Lafayette Awards
- 00:08:44: Smallley School Fourth and Fifth Grade Recognition
- 00:11:30: Community Middle School Students of the Month
- 00:14:30: High School Students of the Month Recognition
- 00:18:18: Teacher of the Year and Professional Recognitions
- 00:21:37: Lafayette School Educator of the Year Award
- 00:23:09: Smally School Awards: Educator and Service Professional
- 00:26:22: Community Middle School Staff and Teacher Recognition
- 00:29:34: High School Governor's Educator and Specialist Awards
- 00:32:16: Photos with Awardees and Student Board Update
- 00:42:49: Committee Reports: Education, Governance, HR
- 00:48:20: Operations Committee Report and Future Plans
- 00:50:19: Somerset County Educational Services Commission Update
- 00:52:52: South Bound Brook Report & Agenda Item Introduction
- 00:53:50: Approval of Meeting Minutes and District Personnel
- 00:55:37: Approval of District Education and Board Action
- 01:01:13: Open to the Public: Sean Driscoll's Complaint
- 01:08:28: Enter Executive Session and High's Comments
- 01:08:43: Executive Session Adjournment & Final Resolution Approvals


Part: 1

1
00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:15.759
All right, good evening everybody and welcome to our May board of education meeting. Happy to see the auditorium packed with so many of our students and educators and we're eager to honor your accomplishments. Before we do, let me just take a minute to get some administrative activities out of the

2
00:00:15.759 --> 00:00:32.160
way. I'm going to read New Jerseys open public meetings law statement. We'll do the pledge of allegiance and then we'll get right to the festivities. So, the New Jersey open public meetings law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have advanced notice of and to attend the meetings of public bodies, at which time any business affecting their

3
00:00:32.160 --> 00:00:48.399
interests is discussed and acted upon. In accordance with the provisions of this act and board of education policy 0162, the board of education of the bureau of Bound Brook has caused notice of this meeting to be posted in the board office and at Bound Brook High School and mailed or faxed to the Courier News, Bound Brook Clerk,

4
00:00:48.399 --> 00:01:32.880
Southbound Brook Board of Education, and any person who has requested individual notice and paid the required fee. Please stand and join me in the pledge of allegiance. Madam Secretary, a roll call, please. Here. Oh, Jesus. Mr. Hi,

5
00:01:32.880 --> 00:01:49.520
>> Mr. Inc. Cakatara, >> Mr. Januzi >> here, >> Mr. Minhaz, >> Miss Musen, >> Mr. Balmer, >> Mr. Zupkco here. We have a quorum tonight. >> Thank you very much. Uh, skipping

6
00:01:49.520 --> 00:02:06.560
president's comments for tonight other than to say I am as excited as everyone here is for the end of the school year. Glad we got our NJSLA testing out of the way and congratulations to each of our uh, building administrators and teachers who contributed to that and good luck to

7
00:02:06.560 --> 00:02:21.920
everybody for the last few weeks keeping it together before we get to some notification. Dr. Freeman, over to you. >> All right, good evening everybody and welcome to our May board meeting. Uh we have roughly three weeks left of school. We count the days. Um everybody's still

8
00:02:21.920 --> 00:02:38.160
working hard. I'm happy to report to the board that we're excited about a great ending to the school year. At this time, we are going to call up Mr. Ross in place of Dr. S to announce the students from Lamont School, the

9
00:02:38.160 --> 00:02:58.400
students of the month. Okay, folks. Uh, welcome and thank you everybody for being here. We're going to start off with our prek student of the month. Our prek student of the month is Leslie Guerrera. She um is come on up.

10
00:02:58.400 --> 00:03:14.800
Oh, come on up. Come on up. Come on, mom. Everybody come on up. So, she has one sibling, Mason, who's here as well. Her favorite subject in school is doing her garden study. And you like life cycles? Yeah. Yay. And her favorite

11
00:03:14.800 --> 00:04:04.560
hobbies are wrestling and soccer. And her career plans are to work in a toy store. Congrats. >> Oh, nice. Moving on up to kindergarten, Arya Davis. Come on, Arya.

12
00:04:04.560 --> 00:04:22.079
So, her teacher is Miss Peton. She's in kindergarten and she has a sibling, Zuri. Her favorite subject is science and math. Um, she loves playing on the playground, helping her dad cook, and riding your computer. And when she grows

13
00:04:22.079 --> 00:05:12.720
up, she wants to be a police officer because they catch bad guys. >> Yeah. Mom and dad, come on down. Thank you. Okay, so we move up our grades to first grade. Lamont annex student of the month

14
00:05:12.720 --> 00:05:30.000
is Jason Del Aquila. Jason, come on up. Teacher is Miss Cella. Um, siblings Rachel, Brianna, CeCe, and Andreana. Am I correct? There we go. I love math because I like subtracting and adding.

15
00:05:30.000 --> 00:06:17.280
You are putting things together. And favorite hobby is sport, which is baseball, and he likes hitting the ball. And with the career plans he grows up, we have another police officer in the making. >> Congratulations. Thank you.

16
00:06:17.280 --> 00:06:37.919
And next up for Lafayette School, we have Miss Kenny. Miss Cahas is sorry she can't be here today. However, for our second grade student of the month, and I'm not sure if she's actually here, Daisy Reyes Sandival. Is she here today?

17
00:06:37.919 --> 00:06:58.319
>> Daisy. >> Daisy's in second grade in Miss Zimmerman's class. She has two sisters and one brother. Her favorite favorite subject is ELA. Her favorite hobbies are playing soccer and her career plans are

18
00:06:58.319 --> 00:07:56.240
taking care of animals. I give you You want And our third grade student of the month is Haylor Bellow Hernandez. He is in third grade in Miss Wars' class. He has one sibling, Thomas. His

19
00:07:56.240 --> 00:08:44.959
favorite school subject is math. His favorite hobbies are playing tag. and his career plans are NASA. >> Wow. >> Just making sure that is correct. And next up from Smallley School, we

20
00:08:44.959 --> 00:09:17.200
have Mrs. Morgan. Okay. So, our fourth grade student of the month is Hunter Hernandez. Hunter has one brother who is uh graduating from preschool. He thought it would be awesome if he was also student of the month because he thinks he should be. His favorite subject is science

21
00:09:17.200 --> 00:09:32.320
because he gets to learn about energy and things. favorite hobby is to look at Halloween decorations and Halloween robots. He called it a different word that I couldn't quite make out. And then he wants to work at Spirit Halloween when he grows up to set up the displays.

22
00:09:32.320 --> 00:10:18.880
He actually has a practice shop at his house that he works on now. Congratulations Our fifth grade student of the month is Nyla Aldez Banana. So she has one sister who's 16 years

23
00:10:18.880 --> 00:10:34.880
old. Her favorite subject is also science because she likes space theory. Uh her favorite hobby is gymnastics and watching documentaries. And because of those documentaries, when she grows up, she'd like to either be a lawyer or to clean

24
00:10:34.880 --> 00:11:30.800
up crime scenes, I thought was amazing. Yeah. And our sixth grade student of the month is Lara Abot Abando. She has one older brother. Her sub her favorite subject is ELA. She feels she's

25
00:11:30.800 --> 00:12:27.680
good at and she likes to write essays. Her favorite hobbies are playing volleyball and soccer and she wants to be a businesswoman when she grows up. Congratulations And next up for Community Middle School, we have Dr. Santa Surma. >> Hello everyone. Please help me welcome

26
00:12:27.680 --> 00:12:49.920
our seventh grade student of the month, Tyler Salazar. Tyler was nominated by his teacher, Mr. Sanders. Has two brothers. Tyler's favorite subjects in school are physical education and social studies. Favorite hobbies are playing soccer with friends,

27
00:12:49.920 --> 00:13:41.760
gaming and wrestling. And when Tyler grows up, he wants to attend college, become an engineer while also wrestling, and pretty nice goal, win a national championship in wrestling, and wrestle in the Olympics. Very nice. and the Community Middle School 8th

28
00:13:41.760 --> 00:14:05.920
grade student of the month, Jazara Delo. Now, I always know when Jazara gets to school because mom makes sure everybody knows. Let me hear it. >> Good day, everybody. Jazar was nominated by her teacher, Mr.

29
00:14:05.920 --> 00:14:23.800
Lei. Um, has one sibling. Favorite subject in school is art. Uh, favorite hobby is being outside, listening to music, and spending time with friends. And when Jazar grows up, she wants to help people by becoming a nurse just like her mom.

30
00:15:04.480 --> 00:15:30.000
And last but not least, we have M. Mrs. Larson for our high school. >> Good evening. I would like to recognize our first student of the month, Ava Puga. Ava has two sisters. Her favorite subject in school is

31
00:15:30.000 --> 00:16:10.160
geometry. Her favorite hobby is volleyball. And her career plans when she um finishes high school is to go become an OBGYn. Mom and dad, do you want to come up? Our next crusader of the month is Arnold

32
00:16:10.160 --> 00:16:27.240
Munos. Arnell has one sibling, Alexander. His favorite subject in school is fizzed. His favorite hobby is listening to music. And his future career plans is he's considering becoming a lawyer.

33
00:16:40.880 --> 00:17:22.319
Here comes mom. Our last two students of the month could not be with us. They both had to work tonight. But we would like to recognize Brody Aair. Brody is an only child. His favorite subject in school is also fizzed. His favorite hobbies are playing

34
00:17:22.319 --> 00:17:36.960
video games, drawing, art activities such as painting in his free time. And his future career plans, he is part of our um RVCC program. And one of his future career plans is going on to trade school for welding and making a career

35
00:17:36.960 --> 00:17:57.120
out of that. So congratulations, Brody. And our final crusader of the month is Lily Baker. Lily has two siblings, Emma and Jonathan. Her favorite subject in school is history. Her favorite hobby is reading and spending time with her family, and

36
00:17:57.120 --> 00:18:18.320
her future career plans are to become a high school teacher. So, congratulations, Lily. >> Okay. At this time, we have the pleasure of calling forth our teachers of the year for each school. We will begin with

37
00:18:18.320 --> 00:18:35.280
Lamont School and Mr. Ross who announced the Lamont School teacher of the year. Teachers of the year of the year. Yes. Hello everybody. So, we're going to talk to about our educational service professional as well as our teacher of the year. Start off with the

38
00:18:35.280 --> 00:18:57.600
educational service professional of the year for Lamont School is Claudia Guriel. Thank you. Let's let's raise the roof for Claudia. Let it be known in this little piece it doesn't mention that you do have youngsters in our district. Three

39
00:18:57.600 --> 00:19:14.880
youngsters in our district. So, we needed to make sure that that was added to our bit. So, this is somebody who truly has her heart here. Tonight, we're going to proudly recognize Claudia as the educational service professional of the year for Lamont Annex. Uh, she's a valued preschool teacher assistant whose

40
00:19:14.880 --> 00:19:31.760
dedication and care positively impacts students, families, and staff every day. As a bilingual educator, she helps build strong connections in both languages and helps people figure out how they can better work with home and school and creates a very welcoming and supportive

41
00:19:31.760 --> 00:20:10.880
environment for the youngest of our learners. She is known for her professionalism, kindness, and willingness to always go above and beyond. Her commitment to children and families reflects the very best of our school. So, congratulations Okay. >> So, our teacher

42
00:20:10.880 --> 00:20:29.120
>> Okay. >> So, our teacher of the year for Lamont annex and Lamont is Jennifer Bates. Please come on up. Jennifer Bates. Yes. Thank you. So if you get a chance to talk to her, get to know her backstory, it's one that

43
00:20:29.120 --> 00:20:45.840
humbled me and makes me very proud that she is here. So please ask her about that. But we proudly recognize her for the teacher of the year at Lamont because she's a dedicated early childhood educator with over 17 years of experience um and proudly served Bound Brook community for the past four years.

44
00:20:45.840 --> 00:21:00.880
She believes deeply in building strong connections and lifelong learning and creating classrooms where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to grow. She approaches each day with compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to

45
00:21:00.880 --> 00:21:17.799
her students and her family. Her strength, resilience, and care inspire everyone around her. And from just reading her story, I can tell you that is very true. And that lasting impact is felt in this community always. So congratulations, Jennifer.

46
00:21:37.679 --> 00:22:08.559
And from Lafayette, we'll have Miss Kenny come back to the mic. Lafayette School is proud to recognize Miss Reese as our educator of the year. As a dedicated special education teacher, she goes above and beyond each

47
00:22:08.559 --> 00:22:25.679
day to support the academic, social, and emotional growth for her students. Miss Ree creates a classroom environment where all students feel valued, supported, and capable of success. Her compassion, patience, and commitment to inclusive inclusive education make a

48
00:22:25.679 --> 00:23:09.039
lasting impact on our school community, and we are grateful for all she does for our students and family. Congratulations, Maddie. And in Smallley School, we have Miss Morgan. >> Okay. So, our uh educator of the year

49
00:23:09.039 --> 00:23:30.880
for Smally is Mr. Meliso. Mr. Melisero is an exceptional educator whose greatest impact is the connection he builds with children. Students know they're seen, valued, supported, and never alone. He creates a classroom where emotional well-being is nurtured alongside academic growth and where

50
00:23:30.880 --> 00:23:47.360
children feel safe, taking risk, building confidence, and discovering strengths they might may not see yet in themselves. As a coach and mentor, he teaches perseverance, teamwork, and self-belief, extending these lessons far beyond the classroom. Through innovative student led projects, he empowers

51
00:23:47.360 --> 00:24:02.400
students to lead, collaborate, and take pride in meaningful accomplishments. Children turn to him for encouragement, guidance, and a trusted adult who'll always listen. And many years later, they come back to see him. Uh, one student shared, "He helps bring your

52
00:24:02.400 --> 00:24:17.679
spark back." Having grown up in having grown up in this community himself, Mr. Meliso gives back in a way that leaves a lasting imprint on generations of smallie students. and for his compassion, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to ch children, sorry,

53
00:24:17.679 --> 00:24:52.480
helping children grow into their fullest selves. Mr. Meliso is profoundly deserving of this nomination or this He has his kids here, so you should be very proud of your dad.

54
00:24:52.480 --> 00:25:12.880
And our um educational service professional of the year is Miss Tia Carrera, who I did see. Yes. Come in. I think she also has her kids here. You should be very proud of your mom. I think I saw them. So, Miss Carrera's greatest impact is the trust she builds

55
00:25:12.880 --> 00:25:28.960
with students, families, and staff. She creates a safe, welcoming space where students feel heard, supported, and empowered to grow in confidence while developing the skills to navigate challenges. As our social worker, she's often the first person students turn to in difficult moments, providing

56
00:25:28.960 --> 00:25:44.960
guidance, advocacy, and a steady presence. Families know she listens without judgment and supports them with compassion and professionalism. staff rely on her as a trusted partner when students need additional care and support. Her willingness to step in wherever needed refle reflects her

57
00:25:44.960 --> 00:26:22.159
unwavering commitment to the entire school community. For her dedication, her heart and profound difference she makes in the lives of many. We are very proud to recognize Miss Carrera as Smallley School's educational specialist of the year. Congratulations. and Dr. Santa Serma for Community Middle

58
00:26:22.159 --> 00:26:47.840
School. >> Hello again. Please join me in welcoming the 2026 Community Middle School Educational Special Specialist of the Year, Miss Brienne Deetta. >> As the CMS school counselor, Mr. Betta is the stabilizing force for students

59
00:26:47.840 --> 00:27:04.480
and families at CMS and probably for me as well. Thank you. Her calm demeanor, thoughtful problem-olving, and objective perspective help guide the school community through complex academic, behavioral, and emotional situations. Mr. Betta works tirelessly to ensure

60
00:27:04.480 --> 00:27:19.360
concerns are resolved, and students feel supported through the process. As the state CMS state testing coordinator, Mr. Betta ensures all schedules are organized, all details are checked, and every student is given the best opportunity to succeed. Beyond her

61
00:27:19.360 --> 00:27:36.720
formal duties, Mr. VA is the yearbook club co-advisor, National Junior Honor Society co-advisor, chaperon for the Washington DC trip and is present at virtually every school event. Please join me in congratulating and honoring Miss Brienne Devetta, CMS educational

62
00:27:36.720 --> 00:28:23.200
specialist of the year. And please join me in welcoming the 2026 Community Middle School Teacher of the Year, Mr. Mike Ratliff. Mr. RATLIFF. MR. Ratliff is the computer science teacher at CMS and so much more. Mr.

63
00:28:23.200 --> 00:28:38.880
Ratliff delivers highquality instruction that combines real world applications with rigorous academic expectations through engaging in accessible lessons. Students develop coding proficiency, problem solving skills, perseverance, and collaboration. He fosters a safe and

64
00:28:38.880 --> 00:28:56.399
supportive, inspiring classroom culture where students feel respected and respected and motivated to grow. But beyond the classroom, Mr. Ratliff, he is the co-advisor of our middle school robotics club. He volunteers his time to support the school play with sound system operations in these chaperons and

65
00:28:56.399 --> 00:29:13.240
multitude of school events. Most importantly, Mr. Ratick headlines our school pep rallies and can and can get the students going like no other. For these reasons and countless others, please help me celebrate the CMS Teacher of the Year, Mr. Mike Bratler.

66
00:29:34.480 --> 00:29:58.320
And last but not least, we have Miss Larson. Thank you. I am proud to recognize our governor's educator of the year, Mr. Pierre Abb. Mr. AB has been a valued member of the Brown community since 2008, serving as

67
00:29:58.320 --> 00:30:14.640
an exceptional French teacher, mentor, coach, and leader. His classroom promotes authentic communication, cultural awareness, and real world language application while encouraging students to grow as confident global citizens. Through engaging instruction, students develop meaningful connections

68
00:30:14.640 --> 00:30:29.440
between language, culture, and their own experiences. Beyond the classroom, Mr. ABS has dedicated years to the Bound Brook soccer program, including nine years as varsity soccer coach. He also advises student organizations, mentors colleagues, and supports schoolwide

69
00:30:29.440 --> 00:31:07.840
initiatives. His leadership, innovation, and commitment make him a highly deserving teacher of the year candidate. Congratulations, Pierre. And our educational specialist of the year is Kristen Deeportier. Nurse Kristen.

70
00:31:07.840 --> 00:31:24.399
She proudly serves as the high school nurse, bringing experience from both school and hospital settings to support students physical, mental, and emotional well-being. A graduate of Boundre High School, she is dedicated to giving back to the community that shaped her. Miss Dportier combines evidence-based

71
00:31:24.399 --> 00:31:41.039
adolescent care with a compassionate, holistic approach while maintaining experience in emergency and cardiac care through her hospital work. She collaborates closely with families, staff, and community resources to ensure students receive comprehensive support. Her commitment, professionalism, and

72
00:31:41.039 --> 00:32:16.080
advocacy positively impact the health and success of the entire school community. On behalf of the board, the students, the community, we thank you for your commitment to our community uh and all the hard work that you've shown and

73
00:32:16.080 --> 00:34:10.120
we're very proud of you. At this time, uh, teacher of the educator, if you would remain, we want to take some pictures with you. At this time, we would like all students of the month and their families to come up to the stage to take a group picture. Crap. Right.

74
00:34:33.200 --> 00:42:10.280
Oh god. What did you say? Hey, Mike. You ready? Can all educators of the year come to the front for a picture, please? Come on up. I was walking. Good morning.

75
00:42:49.200 --> 00:43:33.920
You want the office? You are not at the office. Don't need to gabble because we never adjourned. Okay. Uh, unfortunately, our student board member is not with us tonight. I believe he is preparing for prom tomorrow evening, which is much

76
00:43:33.920 --> 00:43:50.160
better use of his time. Uh but we look forward to his next report. Uh that brings us to committee reports. First up is education. Mr. Dawson. >> Thank you, Mr. Jay. Uh we had a great meeting a couple weeks ago. Uh a few

77
00:43:50.160 --> 00:44:06.079
things on the agenda. We spoke about the proposal for a chess club at Smallley. Uh we're all very excited about that. Chess has so many benefits. And uh speaking for the board, we really appreciate all of our staff members who volunteer to spend time after hours with

78
00:44:06.079 --> 00:44:20.880
our kids. Those are the memory making moments for many of our kids. Whether you're leading a club or coaching a sport, um all of that work is deeply appreciated by the board. Uh Mrs. Griffin told us about all the wonderful programming that is coming up over the

79
00:44:20.880 --> 00:44:37.119
summer for our students. Um there's really a variety of things for kids at every level. There's a kindergarten readiness program for our preschoolers. Um, students in K to2 have programming in math, ELA related arts, even bilingual programming. Um, grades three

80
00:44:37.119 --> 00:44:53.040
through six have math, ELA, but also PE, STEM, art. Um, same with kids in seventh and eighth grade. Um, when you get to the high school level, kids have a variety of options in math, science, um, US history, driver's ed. Most of us

81
00:44:53.040 --> 00:45:08.560
could probably identify a number of folks who would benefit from some driver's ed time. Uh ESY program is available for many of our students. There's also an enrichment camp for kids in second through 8th grade that blends arts, sports, STEM

82
00:45:08.560 --> 00:45:24.079
activities, science, cheerleading, and dance. And lastly, as a group, we talked about um staffing for the upcoming school year, determining um section numbers, class size numbers. Um, and we're well on our way to uh finalizing

83
00:45:24.079 --> 00:45:43.480
those plans. We had a productive and exciting meeting. >> Well done. Any questions for Mr. Dawson and the education committee. All right. For governance, we actually have Miss High with a brief report. I believe

84
00:45:43.920 --> 00:46:00.640
>> I do and I have the briefest of reports this month. Um we met when we had met um a couple weeks ago we really just received um two policy alerts and there they were so brief that we were didn't

85
00:46:00.640 --> 00:46:18.800
receive one until last Friday and the other one was concerning health care and looking at resolutions and this is something that we will be covering at our June committee meetings. >> Very good. >> And that's it. >> Thank you Mrs. Hai. Any questions on governance?

86
00:46:19.599 --> 00:46:39.359
We're going to stay with Mrs. High for human resources. Okay, human resources. First thing we do every month is we go over the personnel status and what's happening right now is that there are interviews uh set up. Right now it's um maintenance and

87
00:46:39.359 --> 00:46:56.880
instruction and um there were seven openings as of the uh committee meetings, but there were new postings put forth to interview for positions for the 2026 2027 school year, which is

88
00:46:56.880 --> 00:47:13.839
bizarre, but that's where we are with that. Um, all teachers were given their contracts and s uh to sign and return to the board of ed office. Um, contracts were also mailed out to those who are on leave. We spent a little bit of time just going

89
00:47:13.839 --> 00:47:29.680
over um job descriptions for student facilitators etc. and what would go into each of the those just to strengthen or to for understanding of what responsibilities are. and we reviewed

90
00:47:29.680 --> 00:47:47.599
the Omni contract and this is um a third-party 403b provider and just looking at the possibility of taking out um uh hardship withdrawals and that's something that they we will be discussing with them and then get getting back to you as soon as we can.

91
00:47:47.599 --> 00:48:04.640
>> And that's it. >> Thank you, Mrs. High. One comment that I would add, while it's not part of the regularly scheduled committee meetings, the HR committee is continuing to meet regularly to debate and discuss negotiations uh with both uh the teachers union

92
00:48:04.640 --> 00:48:20.880
completely. >> And the administrators union, >> thank you. >> Um so I know you guys are spending a lot of time on that and the efforts very much appreciated. >> Any questions for Mrs. Hai on human resources? All right, up to Mr. Zupo for

93
00:48:20.880 --> 00:48:37.760
operations. >> So operations again, uh to steal some thunder from Miss High was a little brief. Uh the board continues to uh be very thankful for our BA and for all of the uh decisions and things that are

94
00:48:37.760 --> 00:48:55.040
being done through that office. We talked briefly about our general fund accounts and u the fact that we are looking to have a surplus which is always a good thing. We talked about um some possibilities for the future. It was kind of basically a a brain

95
00:48:55.040 --> 00:49:12.079
searching session to say that we were looking at uh what could be done in the future uh such as uh possibility of uh some uh expansion or possibility of uh uh making some uh increased parking uh

96
00:49:12.079 --> 00:49:27.520
throughout the town for some of our teachers. Um but we are we're just looking at uh it was like m making a wish board basically looking and seeing what we can do uh with the economic climate currently as well as the future.

97
00:49:27.520 --> 00:49:42.640
The board is also very thankful for Dr. Freeman and his administrative team because of the relations we have with the town council. We talked about uh how we are uh continuing to uh uh make that

98
00:49:42.640 --> 00:49:59.440
relationship uh become very very healthy and um and uh some of our discussions went into uh what the future holds with that. So, it was basically a very brief meeting of what could be and what is, but uh that we're in very good shape. And again, uh we thank the uh business

99
00:49:59.440 --> 00:50:19.680
office for putting us there as well as for the upper administration team for making some uh very sound decisions. >> And that was pretty much it, Mr. President. >> Very good. Thank you. Any questions for Mr. Zupkco? All right. Moving on to our report from

100
00:50:19.680 --> 00:50:37.280
Mrs. Hi or Somerset County Educational Services Commission representative. >> Um at our last meeting what we discussed um just with the educational programming they currently have 150 students and they um are in the continual process of

101
00:50:37.280 --> 00:50:53.119
uh intakes and uh interviewing new students. They have an anticipated um population of 50 students for their ESY program and they are expecting a few more. Um their staffing needs there it's

102
00:50:53.119 --> 00:51:07.440
transportation and they're currently conducting second round interviews for um the to run the transportation department. They're looking for a nurse, a new lunchroom person, uh Spanish teacher, TAs at the present point uh

103
00:51:07.440 --> 00:51:22.800
time. They also are looking to um expand their autism classrooms. Um presently they have five students and each requiring a um personal TA and they are looking to expand that program.

104
00:51:22.800 --> 00:51:40.880
There is also the the NJCESC which is the New Jersey Council for Educational Services Commissions and that is um members of ver a variety of ESC's that from around the state they

105
00:51:40.880 --> 00:51:57.680
meet and they discuss just their shared administrative goals. Uh the building project update is they have the ShopRite Beastro and they're doing alterations to that and they're kind of ch they're changing it to a career center cafe where and it looks really the the

106
00:51:57.680 --> 00:52:12.720
architectural plans are wonderful and what they're doing is having it so that students can um run that from the ordering to the cooking and then have it for uh meeting places so that when

107
00:52:12.720 --> 00:52:29.760
families come for intakes they could do that and they're thinking of, you know, inviting boards to come and see, have a meal there and just see what that is looking like. Um, and the only other news there is that the there will be upcoming negotiations because the

108
00:52:29.760 --> 00:52:52.400
teacher for teacher contracts and administration administrative contracts, but one is in process, the other is coming shortly. >> There you go. >> And that's it. >> Thank you, Mrs. High. Any questions on the SCESC? All right, Mr. Al in Calcater, you're up

109
00:52:52.400 --> 00:53:08.240
for southbound Brook report. In southbound Brook, we nominated two student board members to the board that will be actually appointed on our 27th meeting. They are non- voting. We had the final reading of our budget. We have the end of year testing currently

110
00:53:08.240 --> 00:53:32.800
winding down and uh a successful teacher appreciation week. That's not all. Sounds good. Any questions for Mr. Incalcer? All right. Any other final comments or questions for committees? Everybody's ready to move on. Gotcha.

111
00:53:32.800 --> 00:53:50.160
All right. So, at this point, we are up to item 5.1, open to the public for agenda items only. If anybody is interested, please approach the podium. Seeing no one, we will move on to item 6.1. Be it resolved that the Bound Brook Board of Education upon recommendation

112
00:53:50.160 --> 00:54:05.040
of the superintendent approves the minutes for the following board of education meetings, regular and executive meeting minutes from April 29th, 2026. I have a motion. Thank you, Mr. Inc. Alcalcatera. Second.

113
00:54:05.040 --> 00:54:27.359
>> Thank you, Mr. Dawson. Any comments. >> All right. Hearing none. Miss Lee, can we have a roll call, please? >> Sure. Mr. Bell, >> abstain. >> Mr. Dawson, >> yes. >> Mr. Hy, >> Mr. Encotera,

114
00:54:27.359 --> 00:54:43.599
>> Mr. Januzi, >> yes. >> Mr. Miners, Miss Mosen, Mr. Wmer, Mrs. Zupco. Motion passes. Thank you. Item 7.1. Be it resolved that the superintendent recommends for approval the resolutions

115
00:54:43.599 --> 00:55:05.599
as outlined in district personnel resolutions. These are items 7.2 through 7.39. May I have a motion? Thank you, Mr. Zucko. A second. >> Thank you, Mr. Incalcera. Any discussion? Okay, hearing none. Can we have a roll

116
00:55:05.599 --> 00:55:22.720
call, please? Sure. >> Mr. Bell, >> yes. >> Mr. Dawson, >> yes. >> Mr. Hy, >> yes. >> Mr. Encata, >> yes. >> Mr. Januzi, >> yes. >> Mr. Manhaz, >> Miss Mosen, Mr. Balmer, Mr. Zupkco.

117
00:55:22.720 --> 00:55:37.920
Motion passes. >> Thank you. Item 8.1 be it resolved that the Bound Brook Board of Education approves the resolutions as outlined in district education resolutions items 8.2 through 8.16. May I have a motion?

118
00:55:37.920 --> 00:56:02.640
>> Thank you, Mr. Dawson. A second. Thank you, Mrs. High. Any discussion hearing? None. Can we have a roll call, please? >> Mr. B, >> yes. >> Mr. Dawson, >> yes. >> Mr. Hy, >> yes. >> Mr. Enakura, >> Mr. Januzi,

119
00:56:02.640 --> 00:56:18.640
>> yes. >> Mr. Manhaz, Miss Mosen, Mr. Bulmer, Mr. Zupkco. Motion passes. >> Thank you. Item 9.1. Be it resolved that the Bound Brook Board of Education approves the resolutions as outlined in board action resolutions items 9.2

120
00:56:18.640 --> 00:56:43.119
through 9.34. I have a motion. Thank you, Mr. Incalcatera. A second. >> Thank you, Mr. Dawson. Any discussion? I do think we have one donation. Should we say a quick thank you? I believe it's to Joe's Meat Market for their

121
00:56:43.119 --> 00:56:56.480
contributions. Always great to see the community coming out in support of our programs. >> On uh I have a question. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> On we're on nine, right? Nine. >> Yes.

122
00:56:56.480 --> 00:57:25.119
>> So on 9.24, do we need to uh abstain for those members that are listed or >> That is a good question. So this is regarding the uh funding for board members to attend. I don't think we can all abain because

123
00:57:25.119 --> 00:57:44.720
then we can approve it. >> Yes. >> So, we should abstain if we're traveling. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, we have seven members who will be attending. I just want to make sure if we all abstain it's the remaining members that are left and a majority of

124
00:57:44.720 --> 00:58:20.160
them would be carrying the vote. Correct. >> Or do we want to table this to >> just give it a second? >> Say yes to everyone else. Okay. >> Okay. >> Who's special?

125
00:58:20.160 --> 00:58:40.400
>> I see that. >> Okay. So, would it be administratively more efficient for us to uh move 9.24 24 separately from the remainder of the items or do you want us

126
00:58:40.400 --> 00:59:03.280
to move everything in one shot? >> Yeah, we can do separately. >> We'll do 9.24 separately. Okay. So, right now we will be doing a roll call for 9.2 2

127
00:59:03.280 --> 00:59:27.760
through 9.34 with the exception of 9.24. >> Ms. Lee, whenever you're ready. >> Okay. So, uh, certainly. So, uh, exception of 9.24. Uh, Mr. Abel, >> yes. >> Mr. Dawson, >> yes. >> Mr. Hy, >> yes.

128
00:59:27.760 --> 00:59:42.960
>> Mr. Encotera, >> Mr. Januzi, >> yes. >> Mr. Man has this motion Mr. Valmer Mr. Zupkco motion passes. >> Okay. Now on the matter of 9.24

129
00:59:42.960 --> 00:59:59.599
I will entertain a motion to approve. Thank you Mr. Zupkco. A second. Thank you Mr. Incalcera. So Miss Lee I believe we're back up to a roll call. And for the board members who are

130
00:59:59.599 --> 01:00:25.119
covered within this agenda item, yeah, just note if you are abstaining from voting on yourself. >> Um, yes, with the exception of myself, uh, which I abstain. >> Okay. >> Mr. Dawson.

131
01:00:25.119 --> 01:00:49.680
>> Yes. >> Mr. Hi >> Mr. Encalater. >> Mr. Januzi. >> Yes, with the exception of myself for which I abstain. >> Mr. Manhaz, >> Miss Mosen,

132
01:00:49.680 --> 01:01:13.119
Mr. Bulmer, Mr. Z upo >> motion passes. >> Thank you. Uh we are up to item number 10. Uh I have not received any other matters to come before the board. Uh which brings us to item number 11, new business, which uh any of the members

133
01:01:13.119 --> 01:01:42.359
can introduce if you are so inclined at this time. All right. Seeing none, we are now open to the public for discussion. Anybody interested, please approach the podium. I don't I don't think it's on.

134
01:01:44.079 --> 01:02:09.599
How about now? You got it. Right. Sean Driscoll, 453 Avenue. In uh June of last year, my son attended multicultural night at Smalling School. At that event, he was harassed and physically threatened by two adults.

135
01:02:09.599 --> 01:02:27.040
Ean Pal and Tamisha Smith. The adults escalated the situation to the point where it became necessary for Dr. Freeman, Anthony Eaggan, and another staff member to intervene in the matter. To date, I haven't been informed of any consequences for those adults.

136
01:02:27.040 --> 01:02:42.880
I made a request to review the security camera video of the incident and was told I would have to wait until the video was edited to blur the facial images of students in attendance to protect their identities. I viewed this as an unnecessary delay as this was a public event with many adults

137
01:02:42.880 --> 01:03:00.160
in attendance taking pictures and videos of the event and intentionally or not caping capturing images of the students in attendance. There was not any expectation of privacy in this environment. The district claimed that the facial images were protected by fur.

138
01:03:00.160 --> 01:03:14.319
It's highly probable that's not the case. In the end, I reviewed a zoomed-in version of the original with blurred facial images. So, while the offenders were entitled to a complete view of the incident, the father of the victim was

139
01:03:14.319 --> 01:03:31.039
restricted to a much more limited view. Now, given that the district considered the recording of student record, I made an attempt to obtain a copy of the video by accessing my son's student record. This evolved into a lengthy multi-step process.

140
01:03:31.039 --> 01:03:46.480
Step one, I contacted Principal Santa Surma at the middle school to make my request. That was on May 1st. As he requested, I forwarded my request to his secretary. That was step two. Step three, she refers it back to him.

141
01:03:46.480 --> 01:04:03.839
Step four, principal Santa Surma refers me to Christine Lee, the business administrator. I assume that's her sitting right over there. Am I correct? >> Is that a yes? >> I'm sorry. >> Are you Christine Lee? >> Yes. >> Okay. Trying to Okay. Step five. I

142
01:04:03.839 --> 01:04:18.559
contact Christine Lee. She refers me not to another individual but to two departments, it information technology and registration. I infor step six I inform her her referral is not helpful.

143
01:04:18.559 --> 01:04:36.000
I need a point of contact an individual. Step seven, Kristen Lee in her capacity is Oprah Cad Cadustrian informs me that I need to submit an OPER request for the student response record response. Step eight, sensing that this didn't sound right,

144
01:04:36.000 --> 01:04:50.880
I kept it simple and sent her an email with three basic yes or no questions. Here are the questions. Number one, does the district require an OPER request each time a parent has the need to obtain student records? Is this method consistent with the district's policies in New Jersey law?

145
01:04:50.880 --> 01:05:09.119
Is this policy documented? Step nine. Christristine Lee responds today, not answering my question, but reverses herself saying an Oprah request is not required. So, it's just a ploy. That's all it was. And but she concludes that the video

146
01:05:09.119 --> 01:05:25.119
that I'm asking for does not exist. This is something that I watched with my own eyes. Right? So this lengthy, complicated, multi-step process was so complex that the district's highly paid business administrator

147
01:05:25.119 --> 01:05:40.079
Christine Lee that handles the district's business and financial affairs was confused. She couldn't even handle. So, how would you expect your average parent to handle that? >> Does anybody think that's an acceptable

148
01:05:40.079 --> 01:05:54.960
process to go after a student record? >> Yeah, I I don't believe that we're going to be responding, but you're welcome to. >> Okay, consider rhetorical. >> Yeah, that's fine. So, at this point, it's not just about

149
01:05:54.960 --> 01:06:10.880
the video, but it's about this abnormal process and who orchestrated it. Now, who's the epicenter of the problem here? You can start with Christine Lee, right? That ploy about submitting the Oprah request was silly. There's just another

150
01:06:10.880 --> 01:06:31.520
way to drag it out. You know, whatever the OPER request timeline is, seven days, 10 days, whatever it is, but it was ridiculous. And her being the custodian, the Oprah custodian should know better. And that's it. Thank you very much for your feedback.

151
01:06:31.520 --> 01:06:46.480
It doesn't sound like a great situation. We will follow up with Dr. Freeman following the meeting to make sure that there is resolution and that everything is closed to the extent that it can be. >> I hope so. There's other parents shouldn't have to deal with this. And

152
01:06:46.480 --> 01:07:02.240
it's about the obstruction. All right. You know, sometimes you can push back on somebody and they'll go away. All right. That shouldn't that shouldn't be happening in school district. >> Yeah. Again, without all of the the facts, we appreciate you bringing this to our attention. We will definitely

153
01:07:02.240 --> 01:07:18.640
review. I don't want to, you know, offer opinions or responses relative to the motivation of the, you know, that the treatment that you received, >> but acknowledge as a parent myself that if I were in that situation, I would hope for as much support from our administration as possible. Oh, one one

154
01:07:18.640 --> 01:07:35.520
thing that I forgot that I want to include was that in Christine's response today. Let me find it. It goes on about the security footage might and might not be a a student record. All right. So, it's

155
01:07:35.520 --> 01:07:51.680
just gothic. It's, you know, now we're going to, you know, play around with it. And on the 26th of uh March, Dr. Freeman responded to me and said, "Under the

156
01:07:51.680 --> 01:08:07.920
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the video in question is considered part of the student record and must be handled in accordance with law." So that's my basis for requesting a video and it does exist regardless of what

157
01:08:07.920 --> 01:08:28.239
Christy says. >> Understood. Thank you again for your >> Thanks for the feedback. >> Yes. >> All right. At this time, unless there are any other public comments, we are up to item 13.1. Be it resolved that the Boundberg Board

158
01:08:28.239 --> 01:08:43.440
of Education enter executive session as allowed by NJSA 104-11. always forget the dash for the purposes outlined in the agenda under items 1 3 57 and 8. May I have a motion?

159
01:08:43.440 --> 02:23:10.560
>> Thank you, Mr. Inc. Calcatera. A second. >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Zepo. All in favor? >> I. We are adjourned to executive. All right. As chair, I would like to recognize Mrs. High for some additional comments. >> Wow. Um, we have the Memorial Day parade

160
02:23:10.560 --> 02:23:27.760
coming up which is taking place rain or shine. Um there's a there will be a little speech at the library from there move down to the Brook Cinema which will be open and for um people if they need

161
02:23:27.760 --> 02:23:43.920
to use restrooms etc. that in the Bound Brook um theater 2 is also where the registrations are going to be taking place. And you'll see people have t-shirts. We'll have t-shirts that they're white and they have a big flag on them and it, you know, those are the

162
02:23:43.920 --> 02:23:59.120
people who will be helping just to make sure that everybody's there. I'm going to send a um an email to everybody just with all the final details. Um we I couldn't go to the last meeting because we had negotiations. So, I'll get all

163
02:23:59.120 --> 02:24:15.840
that information to you. >> Excellent. Thank you, Mrs. Hi. We are now up to item 14.1. Be it resolved that the Bound Brook Board of Education approves the resolutions as outlined in approval of HIV cases under high school. This is item 14.2. May I

164
02:24:15.840 --> 02:24:31.960
have a motion? >> Thank you, Mr. Dawson. A second. >> Thank you, Mr. Zepco. Roll call, please. >> Certainly, Mr. Bell. >> Yes. >> Mr. Dawson. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hi, >> Mr. Encotera.

165
02:24:33.920 --> 02:24:49.439
>> Okay. Uh, Mr. Januzi. >> Yes. >> Mr. Manhas. >> Miss Musen. Mr. Walmer. Mr. Zupkco. Motion passes. >> Thank you. Item 15.1. Be it resolved that the Brownberg Board of Education approves the resolutions as outlined in

166
02:24:49.439 --> 02:25:05.280
approval of HIV cases under middle and elementary schools. This is item 15.2. I have a motion. Thank you, Mr. Dawson. A second. Thank you, Mr. Minhas. A roll call, please. >> Mr. Ba,

167
02:25:05.280 --> 02:25:19.680
>> yes. >> Mr. Dawson, >> yes. >> Mr. Hy, Mr. Enakara, >> Mr. Januzi, >> yes. >> Mr. Manas, Miss Mosen, Mr. Bulmer, Mr. Zupco. Motion passes.

168
02:25:19.680 --> 02:25:34.399
>> Thank you. Item 16.1. I will entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> Who was that? Mr. Incalcerero with the motion. A second. A second from Miss Mus. All in favor? I.

169
02:25:34.399 --> 02:25:37.880
We are journed.