Thank you. Can I have a motion to open the meeting? >> Can I have a Thank you. N and Charlie, can I have a motion to go into executive session? >> Do we want to do all the pledge and stuff? Yeah. Okay. Sorry. Um, welcome to the meeting of the board of education of
Branchburg. Please be advised that this and all meetings of the board are open to the public and media consistent with the open public's meetings act and that advanced notice required therein has been provided. This is a meeting of the board of education of branchburg at which formal action may be taken. The public will have a chance an opportunity
to be heard as shown on the agenda. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice
for all. >> Can I have a roll call, please? >> Mr. Blouse here. >> Mr. Celebrity >> here. >> Mr. Hollandback. >> Mr. Krishna Murdy >> here. >> Mr. Mater. Miss Smith. Mr. Tuma >> here.
>> Mr. Desai. >> Mr. Carpadier >> here. Okay. Now, can I have a motion to go into executive session? >> Motion second. Matt and Charlie. Please >> Mr. Blousestein >> here. >> Mr. Celibbury >> here.
>> Mr. Krishna Murdy >> here. >> Mr. Tuma >> here. >> Mr. Sai >> here. Mr. Carver >> here. Can we please stand for the pledge of allegiance? Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> And then Miss Desai, you just have to do your oath. So if you can stand and read your >> my
>> I puja decide do solemnly swear that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the state of New Jersey and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and to the governments established in the United States and this state under the authority of the people. So
help me God. >> Read another one. I pic I do solemnly swear that I possess the qualifications prescribed by law for the office of member of a board of education am not disqualified as a voter persuant to RS1
194.1 and that I will faithfully impartially and just perform all duties of that office according to the best of my ability. So help God. Congratulations. >> CONGRATULATIONS. >> Just for the purposes of the record, Mr. Desai, you have in front of you the code
of ethics. If you could please sign that you've received it and you understand them before the end of the meeting. We'll take that back tonight. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Fores. Um, and now I'm going to hand it over to Dr. Burton for her report. >> Okay. So, we have
uh we have a number of presentations. Uh I really enjoy seeing uh all of the friendly little faces of our friends and our families that are with them this evening. So uh the first presentation is the Branchburg Ed Foundation who will be sharing the winners of their kindness
campaign. And so with that I'm going to turn it over to Mrs. Anita Christie. >> Hi everyone. Before we hand out our awards, we wanted to um just >> Can if you want to use the mic just so our lovely audience on YouTube can hear you.
>> I have a big mouth. >> They won't they won't hear, >> but it's recorded. I might start singing. >> No, that's fine. >> Golden guys. Um we just wanted to um thank our community and everyone who volunteers and um participates in our
fundraisers um for the kindon. We raised over $8,000. Um, we have a few other um, fundraisers coming up, but first I want to introduce you to a few people. Um, I'm Anita Christian Murie, the president of Branchburg Education Foundation. I
have Lorine, who's uh, our fundraiser lead. We have Leslie, who's also a fundraiser lead. We have Kristen, who's our kind lead. And we have Mike, who is our wonderful grant lead. And with that, because I know we have to be quick, um
Lorraine's going to tell you a couple of things that we have going on so that we can save Mr. Krishna Murdy some time today. I promise not to sing. Um I'll just put this back up. All right. Thanks for having us again. Um just
wanted to announce a couple of our fundraisers. Our sweet deal for discounted Hershey Park tickets will be live soon. Um, our adopt and axelottle event at the Hummingbird Studio in Flemington will be this Friday for some of our little ones. Um, tickets still
available. I'm not sure if you have seen in some of our um our communications, the event of the season will be happening in April. Uh, the Brber Education Foundation will be um hosting a night of secrets, a roaring 20s murder
mystery suare. Uh, we invite you all to join us. So you can get tickets and tables. Um, and it's going to be a really fun night. Uh, I have included a sheet that there's a couple over there. There's one on the table over here that have some QR codes for more information and tickets. And the last but not last
but not least, um, we are have been selling blankets. This is one of them. >> The ones we sell do not have the Branchburg Education Foundation logo. These are displays. Um, but these are the ones that we've been selling and um,
very excited to announce we have them across all three schools as well as wanted to let you know and you'll see a picture here. The home sweet Branchburggs blankets will be coming very soon and available for um, Valentine's Day. So,
just just a heads up on that. But those are going to be extra large. And with that, I am going to pass it along to Mike who's going to give a update on our grants. Hi, my name is Mike. Um, thanks to the effort and time of everybody behind you and all of the awesome community members
that we have here. Um, you guys have an opportunity uh to see the grants that were put out uh by the education foundation this year. So far this year, we have funded nearly $22,000 worth of grants, which is really awesome. And that ranges from things along the lines
of a uh BMX uh motivational assembly, 3D printers, wind turbines, drum circles, uh STEM presentations, author's day, uh ninja experiences across schools. Um these awesome experiences which will
help both the teachers and the students in our community are only possible because of the people behind you. So, uh, that's a really awesome experience for everybody. And I think that, um, so far we've done 22,000. I wonder how much
more we can do. Um, Kristen. >> All right. Thanks, Mike. I am Kristen. I was the kindon race, whatever you want to call it, lead. We have these wonderful scholars here. These are our top um, donors and winners. So, I'm
going to call them up one at a time. We have nine that are here. When you come up, you're going to go over to Miss Anita. She's going to present you with your award and your prize. And then we're going to have you stay up here so we could take a great picture. Okay. So,
the students in front of you, they raised not only money by getting donors, by going out into the community, asking family, friends for donations, but they also completed lots of acts of kindness. We had students putting boxes together
for homeless shelters. We had kids going to the soup kitchen. It was really cool. This was our first year and we brought in over $9,000. So, buckle up. Next year we're going bigger. We're increasing our fundraiser goal. We're getting administration
guidance on board, teachers on board as well. Bring this into your curriculum. Bring this into your classroom. Um, we have kindness trees. So, we are going to touch base towards the end of summer, beginning of the school year to really kick this off so that students who didn't get the opportunity to
participate or didn't know what was this about, now they'll know and they'll see pictures and whatnot. All right, are we ready? So, I'm going to call you up. You're going to come over. I'm going to step aside so everybody could see how fabulously dressed you are. So, first
winner we have is William Steel. And there's a fun little envelope attached um with something inside. SEBASTIAN, JACKSON, Ava Congratulations, ZOE, ANGELA,
JORDAN and Megan. We also have Jay, but he's playing basketball right now, so he's in multiple places at once. So, thank you everybody. I'll put my >> You all say kind
>> Thank you. Oh, and I should add after this we have some fun refreshments in the media center just for you guys. >> Yay. >> They can come. >> They want to know if they know this whole night.
>> All right, families. Thank you. If you guys want to go over and have some cupcakes with juice, Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> I'm going to go.
>> Okay. >> That's a lot. >> Thank you. Good. Thank you. Thank you. Sorry. the second. >> Okay, soon as we have our next presentation is the December
spotlight awardees. So I'll direct your attention. Apparently not. >> Did Tony go? She probably has to let them into the building. was
>> Tony. >> Oh, it was over here and Tony grabbed it. >> You moved the keyboard. >> She grabbed the keyboard. >> Yeah, she did. She grabbed >> I think she probably has to let them in the building, right, to get to where they need to go. >> Here she is.
>> She's coming. >> There she is. Sorry, I was playing >> So again, the December spotlight uh our awardees. Um this is um on a monthly basis. We have staff around the district um that are
acknowledged by colleagues, by students, by other staff members. And so we want to just have an opportunity to spotlight the recipients for the month of December. So this is again
Go ahead. Sorry. Excuse me. I don't like to be. Thank you. >> So again, the process is to uh just recognize the exceptional work, dedication, and contributions of our staff. And so first is Cassandra Mazuka,
and she's actually here this evening. So, I'll just mention as the the staff members or whomever is the um the one to um I I'll read to you just a quick just a sentence or two from the um those who um nominated the um each of these
recipients. So, they say, "Cassandra brings excitement, support, and a positive energy to every classroom and collaboration, always inspiring students and staff alike." And there's way way more but just you know just just as a standout. So we recognize Kandra. Thank you for
being here tonight. >> Robert McMahon. Uh he is a Stony Brook custodian. Again the comment was Rob's dedication, his kindness and tireless work make our school shine and create a welcoming environment for everyone. SO
ROBERT Kristen Burgess is the BCMS school secretary. Um, again, Kristen's expertise, her positivity, and willingness to make every e every staff member feel confident, supported, and ready to succeed each and every day. So,
CONGRATULATIONS. Next is Xavier Gomez, bus driver. Mr. X, as he's affectionately referred, greets every student with a smile and enthusiasm, building strong connections and spreading positivity throughout our school community. Again, CONGRATULATIONS.
And someone we know very well, our own business administrator, Stephanie Vorhees. Again, Stephanie leads with heart, integrity, and humor, fostering trust, collaboration, and motivation across every team she works with. And I of which CAN CORROBORATE THAT.
SO AGAIN AND we look forward to uh next month. But again these are again just some suggested again they really uh shine accolades on the staff members and it's an always a great way to build camaraderie amongst the in our school community to just highlight those that
are just really doing you know exceptional work each and every day. So we say congratulations to all of them. Okay, next up, uh Stephanie and I, um Zorhees and Ira is going to have um quick presentation on the initial budget
presentation this evening. >> Do you want a picture Tony? >> You got to take your picture. >> I don't know. We typically do that. >> Stephanie should be there. >> Oh, yeah. Stephanie, you got to go up to
>> Thank you. >> Congratulations. >> Take a lot of pictures. I >> lower the chair. suspiciously behind. Okay. So, good evening and
both Miss Vorhees and I want to uh present tonight's presentation is just really a high level view of the budget development process. Specifically, uh the overview encompasses discussions with our budget managers thus far and we'll also obviously be working with our finance
and facilities committee um as we move forward. and I'll be pointing out uh the plan to include um what will be included in the budget this evening as well as the timeline that we'll use for the process to meet our county requirements. So I think again I like to refer to the
budget process as sort of a story that unfolds and it takes again many months to be able to and so we've already been at this probably since the October time frame. So I mean this is January and we have probably until March you know eventually uh for this submission. So
we'd like to be able to speak to how this whole process unfolds. Ultimately the goal is budget managers have shared again their needs at the at the school and the district level. Uh and so uh as with all district budgets we have the task of presenting a balanced budget to the board and the
community. So how does this project process and how does it really kind of work? So you may remember uh a couple of months back um we presented I presented the pillars of strategic visioning and that's the the pillars about upon which the district goals were created and now
we begin incorporating the action steps towards these goals that essentially set priorities for us for the next year's budget. So just as a quick reminder of what those uh strategic um visioning pillars were and I'll run you through
the goals. So that was the first goal, goal one, specifically looking at the vision for student empowerment. And so we're under that goal, we've identified these sort of projects or expenses specifically with regard to technology. Annually there contracts with um safety
and security software, specifically GoG Guardian, Beacon 247, uh as well as Hipster for anti-bullying as well as ASAP. It's our threat assessment software. In the realm of special education, the program needs for our LLD classes, our autism, life skills
courses, as well as the preK and RCR classes. And finally, with regard to curriculum and instruction, again, just under this goal, there's many other things under curriculum and instruction, there will be annual subscriptions for our AI platforms. Again, this is part of our AI initiative.
Under goal two in curriculum and instruction we've identified we're in the process of identifying a program to support the social emotional learning. You probably have been familiar with the panorama that has been identifying various specific needs. Now our next step is a program that will help to
implement to address those needs that have been identified. Uh there are curriculum revisions specifically in ELA that will uh that will fulfill our mandated um requirements for updates. We're also looking to revise sets of courses at the middle school and also
multi-tered systems of support training. With regard to special education, uh we anticipate there will be program needs following the evaluation. An evaluation of our special ed program is about ready to get underway. Under goal three, again, communications,
always looking to enhance our our website in any way that we can. looking at continuing with partnerships um inside outside of the district and also shared services. And when we're thinking about budget, it's not just simply to address our expenses, but how might we help to develop possibilities of
potential revenues? And as we have already been having conversations with referendum 2.0, there would be costs essentially associated with some of the communications thereof. finally undergo four a bit more uh in
with regards to safety and security again on an ongoing basis um security cameras as things break or we find there are some blind spots you always want to be able to ensure we have um funds in our budget to address cameras swipe card access again we are looking at we've seen some limitations with the current
ones that we have uh so we're looking at some additional swipe card access um availability with with regards student services again we're looking at that mental health and well-being programming uh along buildings and grounds. Obviously, there is, you know, like we referred to as our home, there's always
maintenance priorities that have to be addressed. Um, as we think about the referendum and there were very specifically projects that were earmarked, you know, there may be priorities that can't wait that we may have to put into essentially the operating budget. And um in terms of our
fleet management, you know, bus purchases, you know, is uh something we want to incorporate as a priority in our budget. Personnel again on an annual basis, we meet our salary and benefit obligations. And invariably, there's always staffing considerations, you
know, increases of staff here and there. Uh and as well in technology, uh cyber security and threat protection software on an ongoing basis needs to be an integral part of our uh budget. So, how do we move forward? Just to give you a qu quick update, you know,
understanding of what happens next. Uh budget details again are happening, you know, as we go through into February, we as we start really unpacking all of the we'll be doing additional um budget presentations um until we get to March again where
we're really refining and closing the gap uh that we have in getting to a balanced budget. So there's meetings that we're having with finance and we maybe need to look for efficiencies if you will ultimately again to close that budget to get to a balanced budget.
So I'm going to ask Miss Mues to come up talk a little bit about uh some of the process with regard to revenue. It never ceases to amaze me after 35 years the soup always gets to spend the money and I always have to find out how to support it through the revenue
section of the budget. Um the our understanding at this point is that we are still bound by a 2% tax levy cap. However, last year, if you recall, we were able to take two of the four waiverss that are available to districts. One of which was an increase in enrollment and the other was an
increase in our health benefits amounts. We believe that we will still be eligible for both of them again this year based on the information we have at this time. It's important to note that we obviously we all know we have a new governor and we're not quite sure how things are going to roll out. However, I
have received the guideline, the budget guidelines. Things look the same so far. Um, but we are hearing that state aid, we could plan for flat at this time, unknown, but it will be delayed. Um there is a statutory requirement that we
still submit the budget on March I believe it's 19th or 20 at that >> 19th >> 19th. So even though the budget address may be late and our aid may be late we're expected to you know do a dance and sing a song and make it all happen
within a twoe period and turn it around and and hand it in and we will do it. We always do. So uh keep those two uh revenue streams in line. If you want to change the slide for me, Tony or Dr. Burton. Thank you. Um, where do we get revenue from? There's a lot of different
options to consider. Most of all, this tax levy, you can see here, this is last year's numbers to share with you because we're not prepared to give you this year's numbers yet. Last year, the town people that live here contributed 85% of your budget.
We also had state aid, which is 7.7%. Unfortunately, uh the free public education is really not free to those that live here, but that's the state's contribution of 7.7%. And then you can see other smaller pieces that help support our budget in the way of fund
balance, which is really any excess funds that I predict are left over from this year to support next year's budget. Any miscellaneous income we may have or any other reserves. For example, the board has um at the end of the audit allowed us to put money into tuition
reserves to support any um concerns when Somerville gives us their their bill. These are the revenue sides of the budget, which must always equal the expenditure sides of the budget. Moving forward, I know that this was
high level, but I guess at this time we'd like to ask you if you have any specific questions, we'd like to begin unfolding some of these things. So this is tonight where we began letting you know where we are and where we're moving to. >> I have a I have a question on your part there. I know we do evaluation of like
the special needs program which you're in the process of. Do we do that with the regular curriculum as well? >> And is it an internal evaluation or is it external? Like do we get somebody else to do it or >> No, it's internal. It's an internal. Um so to answer your question, yes I mean that is something that uh we normally
would do and I've asked that question with regard to a lot of it comes as a result of mandates that come down with regard to um state standards whether it be math, ELA, science standards. It always gives you that opportunity to be able to take a look at uh look at your curriculum, look at your program as it
relates now to a new set of standards. Um but you always then also as part of it is um how well is this the program it's part of a curriculum renewal cycle. How well does the program that you're offering not just simply as it as it relates to what's mandated but how well
is it meeting the needs of your constituents you know your students in your in your schools um their needs their interests. So you always want to be able to take a look at that as well. So, we've been doing a lot of just meeting the the expectations with regard to the state standards, but I think in
time we want to be able to also look at it like we're doing with special ed, put essentially I refer to as kind of putting it under the microscope and asking the question, how well are we, you know, meeting the the needs of that particular program with our, you know, our school community. There is an external course that comes in and that's
called QAC every three years that also will ask us many questions over several days about the curriculum where we see our strengths, weaknesses, where we're going, our visions and those discussions will take place with the superintendent and probably the director of ed programs. And to that point that is sort
of a if you will an external a very comprehensive it looks at every every department in terms of all your procedures processes policies that you are essentially it's an it's an audit I mean it's a um you know that's what CUAC and that is we're engaging in that right
now because in the 2627 school year the state will be coming to do our official you know review. >> Thank you. question on transportation. I know we're on a normal regular cycle of replacing and upgrading our buses.
Have we given some thought to the increasing enrollment and the possible need for additional buses and additional drivers? >> Yes, those are discussions we're having. >> And I you're raising a good point. in particular, we'll have um we'll be able
to um get a clearer understanding of what that number is, particularly as we hear the demographics report that's coming next month. >> Okay, thank you. >> Great question. >> So, um experience has been my experience has been the day you do a budget, the day it's wrong, right? Or the next day
it's wrong, right? So um at towards the end of the process when if you if you have overages or if you let's say um either have excess funds or you don't have ex or you have shortfalls what do you do with that money? >> Uh shortfalls are never allowed will end
up in the newspaper and the state will take us over. That's not acceptable. I we have to make it work. So as we're moving through every school year we each department has a budget. We follow it. That's why you have me. That's why you have the superintendent. We look at where the transfers are. We look at the
expenditures that that are happening. We look at any new initiatives that need to be integrated immediately. And we prioritize. Um this year, as in every year I've ever been a BA, and I believe Dr. Burton would agree, typically around February, January 31st here at Branchburg, I shut all accounts down. I
stop all spending except for uh PD special ed for obvious reasons and any maintenance needs so that I can evaluate our accounts, make sure we're in the right direction and make sure because we'll be talking in the future about some of our budget ated fund balances
because I have to have excess to support next year's budget. Otherwise, we'll be facing a 1 mil 1.5 million at a minimum deficit. So, I'm constantly in three years. I'm looking at the past. I'm looking at today and I'm looking at next
year. So, deficits are not allowed. We'll have to shift money. There are reserve funds. They're called surplus. You could with the district typically has the allowable amount, I believe, is 2%. 2%. Did it go up? 2%. It's about a million dollars. It's what you would
consider your savings at home. We also have reserves, capital reserve, um, tuition reserve, emergency reserve, and those are used for specific purposes. So there are ways that if we were to find ourselves in a situation, which we are not for the public purpose, we're okay.
We're moving forward. Um we could tap into those areas to do certain things. For example, we could forego some maintenance expenditures, tap into our maintenance reserve, pull it into the budget, and then move that money to support someplace else that may have a need, an extra out of district
placement. Same thing with surplus. We could do the same thing. But we try really really hard to conservatively budget meaning if I get a range as from an expert if the insurance rates come in you know they say 5 to 10% I go 10 because the
last thing we want to do is have to January dismiss staff because we can't meet our health benefits obligations in this school. That won't happen because we're on a school year rate. We're not in the state health benefit plans. So, as long
as we budget properly and and and appropriately, we should not be seeing any fiscal problems. If a roof blows off, we have insurance. If a four kids move in, we have surplus. So,
typically, or if we have a legal issue, we also have insurance for that. So, there's safeguards put in place to protect at some level, but budgeting is the key to it. budgeting. And I would also add to your your long-range facilities plan that
truly gives you that opportunity to along the way you're making those adjustments to and the improvements to and upgrades so that you don't have the unforeseen, you know, boiler, roof. These should be part of your long-range facilities plan that you should say, I
mean, a roof should last you x number of years. Okay, we've exceeded it by five years. It's we're going on six years. we should be anticipating at at some point in time a roof is going to be needed so that we don't wait for the roof to start leaking because you have a roof problem and you will then soon have a floor you
know problem that you're having to deal with. So long range facilities plans and I would say probably also you know you're always looking at trends you're looking at outside entities that are giving you insights on things that are happening what's coming down the pike opportunities for grants you know you're
always looking for many other ways in which you that are part and parcel to But those are only a short term and there in lies the the referendum where you have a medium and long term that helps with because we're talking about an operating budget you know one year
you need also to be looking forecasting further out long range facilities plans helps you because they're big ticket items. >> Thank you. >> I have a question. So last year we were I want to say relatively unscathed. We had to do a few things to the
programming like the late bus days changing and things like that. At what point can you kind of forecast the need to either cut staff or programming? Like when do you when do you get to the point where you
can actually see that that's going to be a must for the next year? So, it's um a number of different you know we as we're looking at you know we tonight we're not able to tell you what that gap is >> because a lot of other variables a lot of variables at this point in time what
the state aid is you know we've had we have to um finalize our you know the uh MOA with MOA finished with the contract and all of that and get that solidified um and so you get to a point by which you can determine okay so what is our
what is our bottom line number as Miss Borhees mentioned, you can take advantage of uh waiverss to help you out with, but then it gets to a point like, okay, we got a critical number >> and we've got to be able to find efficiencies somewhere. >> Okay? >> So, we will get to as we get through and
we'll have conversations. That's the idea having conversations with finance and you will be an integral part of making those determinations with us. >> Okay. >> Okay. Anything to add? >> Nothing else. So more to come. We hope to, you know,
we tell you chapter two coming next month. >> Thank you very much. Good job. Okay. Finally, I want to mention that uh January is officially designated as schoolboard recognition month. New
Jersey's local boards of education play an essential role in students lives. They oversee 581 school districts which in turn operate 2500 public schools and provide educational services in nearly 1.4 million children. They set the policies for our schools, make important
decisions affecting curriculum financing and staffing. So therefore, January 2026 uh is the annual board recognition month in New Jersey. Again, a time to raise public awareness of the roles of the responsibilities of local boards of education and to thank our community school board members for their efforts
and service uh to the board of education serving the Branchburg school community. Again, I'll just remind the board of education members are not paid. This is a volunteer. And so on uh item B2 on the agenda is the resolution to acknowledge January as
school board recognition month with a sincere thank you to all of the board members this evening. And we do have a cake for you to again uh in celebration of uh school board's recognition month and again a sincere thank you for the
time, effort and your expertise that you bring uh to the branch board of education. So uh in just a moment we're going to have the opportunity to share some cake with you again. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. YEAH. >> Is that for the cake or for us?
>> I said just a couple uh just a couple of additional items. Uh kindergarten registration for the 26 27 school year will be during the month of February. Uh we try to do do the the bulk of it. Then parents with children 5 years old on or before October 1st of this year will be
eligible for entrance into into kindergarten. More information will be forthcoming from Whiten School and also available on the district website. I want to mention also that we will have an evening presentation next Tuesday, January 27th entitled the sandwich generation. So, if you found yourself
overwhelmed by the demands of both your children and your parents, uh unsure of how to balance it all through a partnership with Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health, come learn about an invaluable insights and strategies to regain your sense, as they refer to it as well-being through this virtual presentation. Uh you can RSVP uh for the
program on a link on our district's website. Again, the sandwich generation. Uh, I want to mention again on the um agenda this evening, the board will be accepting donations from the Branchburg Ed Foundation who donated funds for the Ninja Experience as we heard this evening. Again, this is a hands-on
experience for our fourth and fifth grade students as well as funds for an author's day at Whiten. Highly highly uh loved by students as well as the the Ninja experience. The kids just cheered when I was just at student liaison and they heard that they were it was coming to Stonybrook. Finally, we also want to
thank wrestling coach Kevin Roman who donated warm-up gear for the BCMS wrestling team. Just want to mention on Monday we observed Dr. Martin Luther King Day uh and honored the life and legacy of a man who dedicated himself to the pursuit of equity, justice, and services to others. Uh this day serves
as a powerful reminder of our commitment to fostering an inclusive community where everyone is valued and respected. We're reminded to reflect on Dr. King's vision and find ways to give back through service continuing the work toward a more just and equitable future for everyone. And also acknowledging
that uh next week, January 27th is International Holocaust Remembrance um day. It's observed on January 27th serves as a solemn global commemoration of uh to honor six million Jew victims of the Holocaust and millions of other victims of Nazism while encouraging
educational programs to help prevent genocides. Again, this is recognized observances. It emphasizes the universal les lesson of the Holocaust aiming to strengthen resilience against all forms of hatred, discrimination, and violence. And finally, you hear it here, snow is
in the forecast. We've received forecast information that there is anywhere from currently 8 to 24 inches of snow in the forecast. So, I just want to put an out on the proverbial radar. be on the lookout for information this weekend on whether we
will have school on Monday. And that concludes my report. >> I'm gonna say no. That's my guess. >> Thank you very much, Dr. B. You're welcome. >> Next, we are going to move on to public comment on agenda items only. Anybody
have any comments on agenda items? Going to see no movement. Moving on to governance. I do have a brief report. Um just an update on our superintendent search. So uh we as a board met on January 20th to review um a pretty
robust pool of 43 applicants. Um after a thorough screening process with our consultant, we've narrowed the field to seven top candidates. These individuals represent the values we prioritized for this role and the first round of interviews are scheduled to begin in early February.
We also have our committee assignments which I will email out to everybody but I'm just going to give a brief readout so everybody has a heads up. So we have our referendum 2.0 committee which will be headed by Mr. Mater uh Mr. Sai Mr. Tuma and I will also be on there. We
have personnel which will be chaired by Mr. Henbeck myself and Megan Smith will be on that one. Then we have policy that will be chaired by Mr. Desai um with Mr. CBre, Mr. Bostonine, and Megan Smith on that one. Finance and facilities. Mr.
Tuma gets the recurring job of chairing that one as has been the norm around here. Uh, Mr. Christian Mury, Mr. Houndback, and Mr. Mater are also on that one. And then curriculum, Mr. Christian Murdy, you'll be chairing that one.
>> Okay. Um, Mr. CBre, Mr. Blowstein and myself will also be on that one. For our liaison, Miss Smith has graciously volunteered to take on the role of being our Somerville leaison, which means she's on the Somerville board of education, too,
which also means she's on committees over there. So, it's quite a big job, and we really appreciate her stepping up to that. Mr. Meter will continue to be the PTO chair, her liaison. Um, Mr. Tuma, you'll continue to be the township committee liaison. I'll continue to be
the Somerset County Ed Foundation. Nat, you're still with the BEF. I'm still with the CPAG. And then Michael, I graciously volunteered you to just do the New Jersey School Board, which is pretty much just if there's a meeting or any other pertinent updates that come through email or any other avenues, you just have to give us a brief update on
that to make sure we're all on the same page. Does anybody have any concerns or anything? If you don't feel like speaking up now, just give me a call. M uh Dr. Bird and I talked about it and we feel like that's probably the best use of everybody's knowledge spreading
some people out so they get experience in other places etc. So thank you very much. We also have some voting items. We have one approval of minutes two schoolboard recognition month three approval of HIV investigative report and four approval of HIP findings report.
Can I have a motion to move those? >> Motion second. Nack and Charlie any questions or comments? >> We'd like to read Stephie and I would like to read too. >> Okay, sure. >> We'll read them. >> Read them. >> So, this is the um item the schoolboard
recognition month. Whereas, New Jersey School Boards Association has declared January 2026 to be school board recognition month, a time when all residents can acknowledge the contributions made by our local school board members. And whereas the Branchburg Township Board of Education
is one of 581 local school boards in New Jersey which sets policies and oversees operations for public school districts. And whereas the Branchburg Township Board of Education embraces the goal of highquality education for all New Jersey public school students. And
>> whereas New Jerseys local school boards help determine the educational goals for approximately 1.4 million children in pre kindergarten through 12th grade. And whereas New Jersey's 5,000 local school board members who receive no remuneration for their services act as
advocates for public school students as they work with administrators, teachers, and parents for the betterment of public education. And whereas school boards strive to provide the resources necessary to meet the needs of all students, including those with special needs. And >> whereas boards of education provide
accountability to the public. They communicate the needs of the school district to the public and they convey to school administrators the public's expectations for the schools. And whereas New Jersey can take pride in its schools which rank among the nation's best in key achievement indicators such as the National Assessment of
Educational Progress scores and the preparation for college through advanced placement offerings and SAT assessments. Now therefore be it >> resolved that the board of Branchburg Township Board of Education does hereby recognize the services of local school board members throughout New Jersey as
we join communities statewide in observing January 2026 as school board recognition month and be it further resolved that the Branchburg Township Board of Education urges all New Jersey citizens to work with their local boards of education and public school staff toward the ach advancement of our
children's education. THANK YOU. I think that's the first time we've ever been read though since I've been here. >> So, I appreciate it. >> Anybody else have any comments, questions? >> Can I have a roll call, please? >> Mr. Blowski? >> Yes. >> Mr. Celebrity?
>> Yes. >> Mr. Krishna Murdy? >> Yes. >> Mr. Tuma? >> Yes. >> Mr. Sai, >> abstain from one, three, and four. Yes. To number two. three and four. >> Mr. Carpenter here. >> Yes. Next up is policy. We have no
reports because we have not yet met, but we will be meeting in the coming weeks. We do have one v voting item which is policy and regulations first reading. Can I have a motion to move that item? >> Motion. >> Second. >> N and Charlie. Any questions, comments? >> Can I have a roll call, please?
>> Mr. Blouse? >> Yes. >> Mr. Criy? >> Yes. >> Mr. Krishna Murdy? >> Yes. >> Mr. Tuma? >> Yes. >> Mr. Sai? Yes, >> Mr. Carpadier. >> Yes. Next up is curriculum and instruction. We have some voting items. We have one, conferences and travel.
>> Two, approval of 2526 school field trips. Three, approval of service agreement. Four, approval of contracted service. Five, approval of revision of contracted service. Six, approval of acceptance about district students. Can I have a motion to move those? >> Motion. >> Second.
>> Matt and Charlie again. Uh, any questions, comments, concerns? Just a quick question on item number six. Those are students coming in from Scotch Plains. >> No. >> Yes. >> Oh, yes. I'm sorry.
>> I read it backwards. Yes, they are. Yes. >> I'm sorry, Tony. >> That's okay. Is it unusual for them to come in February as opposed to the beginning of the school year? >> It's not unusual depending on the circumstances. Okay, thank you. >> We can delineate what those
circumstances are later. >> Anybody else? >> Have a roll call, please. >> Mr. Blouse, >> yes. >> Mr. Celebrity, >> yes. >> Mr. Krishna Murdy, >> yes. >> Mr. Tuma, >> yes. >> Mr. Desai, excuse me, Miss Desai. >> Yes. >> Mr. Carpier,
>> yes. >> U, next up is personnel. We have some voting items. We have one, approval of substitutes. Two, approval of revision of ed camp presenters. Three, approval of additional ed camp presenters. Four, approval of extracurricular activity
aid. Five, approval of extra duty pay. And six, approval of revision of leave. Can I have a motion to move those? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Any questions, comments? Can I have a roll call, please? >> Mr. Blousestein? >> Yes. >> Mr. Criy? >> Yes. >> Mr. Krishna?
>> Yes. >> Mr. Tuma? >> Yes. >> Mr. Desai? >> Yes. Mr. Carpenter. >> Yes. Next up is finance and facilities. There's no report, but we have a few voting items. We have one billist and payroll. Two, secretary and treasury
report. Three, line item transfers. Four, approval of donations and grants. Five, approval of revision of contract with statistical forecasting LLC. Six, approval of agreement with Ruckers, the State University of New Jersey. 7
approval of purchase of 175 Chromebooks and eight approval of revision of contract with auditor. Can I have a motion to move those? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Any questions or comments? >> I did have a question on item seven. Um just from my background and education
about the um sort of purchasing process and how that moves through. So what typically happens and this is in reference directly to a comment that was made tonight on what do you do when circumstances arrive. So there are circumstances now that will drive the
prices of these items up significantly. So what our technology director has asked is that he buy them now um and he's exchanging those dollars for another project and he'll budget that project in 2627. It's important to note here the reason you're seeing such a
purchase is because it exceeds a threshold of 53,000 under a bidding process, right? Okay. >> Through the ESC. So in this situation, I have to ask the board to allow us to exceed the threshold through a board motion. So we're going to purchase them
and it's through a cooperative. So it's a um group of schools that all use this same bid. So it is economies of scale, if you will. the more you buy in bulk, the lower the prices. So, we're guaranteed a much better price by using
the ESC co-op in this case, and that's why you're seeing it tonight on tonight's agenda. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Stephanie. Anybody else? >> Can I have a roll call, please? >> Mr. Blouse, >> yes. >> Mr. Cbury, >> yes. >> Mr. Krishna Murdy,
>> yes. >> Mr. Tuma, >> yes. >> Mr. Sai, >> yes. >> Mr. Carpenter, >> yes. Next up is public comment on any item or any topic. Seeing no movement, I'm going to close public comment. Move on to board leaison
reports which we have none. Unless Mr. Tum you have anything from the township. That might be the only one. >> Just one update is uh the mayor for this year is Jim Schwarn. >> Okay. >> He took office January 2nd or January 5th actually on that Monday. So he'll be the mayor for this year.
>> Thank you very much. Can I have a motion to adjurnn the meeting? >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Thank you very much.