All right. Good evening everyone. I want to call the meeting to order. Uh Mary, can you open with a roll call, please? >> Yes. Here. >> Henry, >> here. >> Algeri >> here. Master Serio
>> Kennedy >> here. Mesmer >> here. >> Robert, >> 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 any business affecting their
interest is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the provisions of this act, the Brook Township Board of Education has caused notice of this meeting posted on the administration office bulletin board, the official district website and channel BTV20, and sent to the Osprey Park Press, the Brick Times, the Star Ledger, and the
Municipal Clerk's Office. >> Thank you. I'll now ask everyone to stand for salute to the flag and a moment of silence. All right, Dr. Anderson, could you introduce the student representatives? >> I am delighted
to from Brick Memorial High School, Michaela Goran. Yay. Hi everyone, I'm Michaela Gorhan, your 2025 2026 BMHS
SGA representative and here's the monthly report for January. Brook High School recently held the seal by literacy testing, a state recognition for seniors who demonstrate proficiency in English in at least one additional language. Here 43 students participated with 23
earning passing scores across seven languages. Three students achieved tri literacy by passing assessments in two additional languages. Successful students will be officially recognized by the state, honored in the spring, and celebrated at graduation. Rick Memorial is proud to continue to
host elementary science visits, part of our aquaponics program run by our very own Mr. Shively. In coordination with Miss Ernest and her Excel programs at Lanes Mill and VMAS, elementary students who already work with small aquaponics and hydroponic
systems in their schools visit Brick Memorial to see the program on a larger scale. During these visits, Mr. Shriley's AP environmental science students lead hands-on lab activities, giving younger students an early look at the AP and honors level
sciences. Students also take part in our lettuce harvest and bring home produce grown in the classroom, helping build earnest in science and future learning. Congratulations to our VO voice of democracy scholarship speech competition winners. This award is sponsored by VFW
Post. Students in Miss Stanberry's DE public speaking class recorded a three to five minute oral response on the topic, what makes them a great patriot. The winners were first place Mara Tani, second place
Amanda Kurig, and third place Sha Collins. All received a cash scholarship. Brook Memorial High School's mock trial team continues to prepare for the upcoming county competition in two weeks. Recently, several staff members volunteered their time after school to
serve as a practice jury, giving students valuable real world feedback. Under the guidance of IDE, Miss Cord Leon, the under the gu the team include including the prosecution, defense, and witnesses has shown strong preparation commitment
as they build on the success of last year's championship team. Students are rising to the challenge and looking forward to competition. Also, congratulations to longtime Mustang Girls soccer coach Billy Caruso, who was officially inducted into the New Jerseys
Girls Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame over the weekend. This is tremendous and well-deserved honor for a true legend of the game and someone who has been bleeding green and gold for over four decades. BMHs is getting ready for the upcoming end of the semester in preparation for
our final exams. We look forward to the spring semester and a new slate of classes and teachers. We'd also like to congratulate all the our early graduates and wish them happy and well as they move forward in their journeys after brick memorial. Please stay current with
all our happenings by following us on our social media platforms and our straight from the Mustangs M podcast. Thank you and stay safe over the weekend. >> Thank you Michaela. That was wonderful. And now we'll hear from Erica Cornney from Bricktownship High School.
>> Good evening. I'm Erica Bakornney, the president of the BTHS student government. I'm excited to share this month's BTHS Dragon Report with you. The fourth annual staff student play was last week and it was a huge success. They performed Vampires, Werewolves, and
Zombies. Oh my. BTHS administered the sealed by literacy test earlier this month. We are proud to announce that 89 students tested their linguistic skill set by sitting for the test. Participants will find out later this year on their success rate. We held a
science symposium last week highlighting student research and passion projects within our biology and honors biology classes. Teachers brought their classes to the IMC to engage in conversation as students shared their projects with attending students.
The Computer Science Honor Society recently visited the Brick Senior Center as part of a of a technology outreach initiative, providing valuable support to members of our local community. Students assisted seniors with updating their devices, strengthening cyber
security practices, and addressing a wide range of technology related questions and concerns. Now for the sports. The girls swim team has a record of of 51 and two heading into the state tournament. Congratulations on being co-ch champs of their division. This is the first
division title in brick swim history. The boys team swam well last week and got their first two wins. The wrestling team is currently standing at 8 and five. Girls basketball is looking to make a strong run in states. Boys basketball picked up two wins last week
over New Egypt and Lakewood. Our cheerleading team has done a great job at both the boys and girls games. Congratulations to the hockey team for clinching the short South Division title last Friday with a 4-2 win over Southern. Rodia Acropolis reached a huge
milestone of 100 points. The girls bowling team has an impressive record of 8 and five. Boys bowling is not far behind with their record of five and eight. They're both doing an amazing job this season. Next month, classes will be preparing
for the upcoming Battle of the Classes, which will take place on February 26th. That's all for today. Be sure to stay connected to BTHS events and inside information by accessing our school website, SJ Instagram at BTHs SGA, and
our school Twitter at BTS-dragons. You can always see our happenings monthly through Dr. Cajun's Dragon Review. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you, Erica. Dr. Pharaoh. >> Thank you. Uh, so January, this January
this year marks the 24th annual school board members recognition month in New Jersey. A time for us to honor the dedication and hard work from all of our board of education members up here. Our board members up here are true community
stewards, volunteering countless hours to steer our district toward success. I've said over and over again, I think Mr. Benedictus repeated it last month or at our reorg meeting that uh it's truly a thankless job that does take
aormous amount of time um to express our gratitude for their tireless service and leadership. each member should have in front of them. Right, Mary? We put out a little certificate of recognition, a small token of our appreciation, but I'm hoping you'll all join me in thanking
these dedicated individuals for their commitment to excellence for all of our students and all of our communities. I want to personally thank all of you. Thank you. Thanks for that, Dr. Okay, I need a motion and a second for
approval of minutes on December 18th executive session, December 18th regular meeting, and January 6 reorganization meeting. >> Motion George. >> Second, Fran >> Mary for the vote. >> Mala, >> yes. >> Benedictus,
>> yes. Mr. Henry, >> yes. >> Maljiri, >> yes. >> Miss Kennedy, >> yes. >> Mesmer, >> yes. >> Okay, moving on to committee reports. Miss Ro uh Miss Roberts, you want to
start with uh facilities and finance? >> Sure. Uh the facilities committee was on January 15th. In attendance was Miss Henry, Miss Pala, Dr. Farrell, Mr. Edwards, me, Mr. Kapor, Miss Garlatti, and Mr. Core.
Uh, discussed was Warren Wolf's air conditioning, Herbertsville's air conditioning, Osborneville's kitchen edition air conditioning, Osborneville's air conditioning, Brickai's ADHD airlift. Uh, the next meeting is for
February 18th at 4:15. I'll move on to the finance committee which took place on January 15th. Attendance was Mr. from memer, Miss Kennedy, me Edwards, and Dr. Farrell joined a little late um because he was doing other committee meetings.
>> Uh discussed was state aid litigation, our 2425 audit, the 2627 budget, and the date set for the next meeting is February 18th. >> Thank you. Uh next we have policy and planning. Dr. Barrow.
>> Thank Thank you, Mr. Mesmer. Uh the policy and planning committee met virtually I think right in between facilities and finance on the same day Thursday the 15th. It's January so we just had a reorg meeting so we had new committees and uh we were kind of going
in and out. Uh Mrs. De Benedictus our chair was present as well as Mr. Malieri. uh we discussed the second appro uh second approval second reading of the policies attached plus the school
calendar uh for next year to 2627 and I thought it would be apppropo to just talk about what goes in to the creation of a district calendar I've been doing it for about 13 years now there's no exact science but there is a
lot of work that goes into it especially here in brick a lot of moving parts Um, for example, here in Brick, we start out meeting with the other county superintendent in December, specifically some of the other larger districts in the area since our uh teachers and
staff, many of them live in the different surrounding towns that have their own children that go to school there. We then meet with the vocational schools since Brick, Tom's River, and Jackson are the largest uh constituents for that school district in a way. So, we work with them to try to get a
similar calendar. We also meet with the county superintendent at our county meeting. Um, here in Brick, it's very, very difficult as I see Mr. Bleam here as well from BTA. We have five, I think five or six different unions. Uh, in
Brick, plus we're civil service for our non-certificated, which takes into account for 12-month employees and federal holidays and the like. So, a lot of work goes into it. Not always the best, but being in the short town, we try to get out as early as we can. As
our two seniors just told me, I always try to build in because we don't build in inclement weather days, but I do always try to start with the Friday before President's Day weekend as a day off in the initial calendar. Uh because that gives us some leeway moving
forward. Thanks. All right. This will be our first opportunity for public comment and will be for agenda items only. Each participant is asked to give his or her name prior to making a statement. All
statement shall be directed to the presiding officer. Comment shall be limited to five minutes. Anyone have any public comment on agenda items? None. >> Dr. Anderson, can you introduce
curriculum and instruction? >> Thank you, Mr. Mesmer. Under curriculum and instruction, the superintendent recommends that the board approve the following items 1 through five. >> Can I get a motion and a second? >> Motion for >> second. George
>> Barry for the vote please. >> Miss Pala, >> yes. >> Benedictus, >> yes. >> Henry, >> yes. >> M >> Jerry, >> yes. >> Miss Kennedy, >> yes. >> Memer, >> yes. >> Miss Roberts, can you please introduce
operations? >> Sure. Uh, the superintendent would like to recommend operations items 1 through 14. I need a motion and a second, please. >> Motion for an >> second. George. >> Mary with the vote. >> Miss Pala.
>> Yes. >> Benedictus. >> Yes. >> Mr. Henry. >> Yes. >> Mjuri. >> Yes. >> Kennedy. >> Yes. >> Memer. >> Yes. >> Okay. Miss Roberts, still with you. Introduce uh human resources, please.
>> Mr. Mesmer. Um, the superintendent would like to recommend human resources items one, two, and four through 25. >> I need a motion and second. >> Motion for an >> second. George. >> Mary with the vote.
>> Miss Pala, >> yes. >> Miss Benedictus, >> yes. >> Henry, >> yes. >> Malerie, >> yes. >> Kennedy, >> yes. Memer, >> yes. Think we have one. I would like to welcome and congratulate uh any of our
new employees as well as always congratulate and best of wishes for our retirees. >> Uh moving on to policy and planning. Dr. Anderson. >> Thank you, Mr. Mesmer. Under policy and planning, the superintendent recommends that the board approve items one through
two. I need a motion. A second. >> Motion BR. >> Second. George with the vote. >> Mala. >> Yes. >> Benedictus. >> Yes. >> Henry. >> Yes. >> Maljeri.
>> Abstain. >> Kennedy. >> Yes. >> Mesmer. >> Yes. Okay, this is the second opportunity for public comment. Each participant is asked to give his or her name prior to making a statement. All statements shall
be directed at the presiding officer. The board is not required to respond to comments during this session, but may address them or anything else during the board comment portion of this meeting. Comment shall be limited to five minutes. Anybody have any public comment
on any other items? I'll be quick tonight. Uh, again, my name is Kristen Sts. Um, I know we've been applying for a lot of grants. There was one posted yesterday. I don't know if you guys saw yet or not. So, Dr. Frell and Anderson helped and some
others applied for this $5,000 family engagement. Fortunately, they did not pick us. Ironically, they picked someone in Nashville and the event Nashville. So, I'm a maybe a little suspicious, but um the good thing is is that we can reapply for it again in July. So, we
need to get together at some point and do that. Um on the exciting forefront, I know you're already aware and it is posted. So, we have got two scholarship opportunities for our graduating seniors. Uh the vets middle one just opened up. You can apply online or paper
form. I know it's posted. So, if your kids haven't seen it, it is in there, right? Um, and then the Ocean County PTA one we have as well. It's open to all Ocean County high school uh students. So, it's Brook Memorial, I say Old Brook, Brook
Township, um, Lacy and Manchester. So, the odds are good. We're going to at least try to give at least one $500 one um if not more depending on what our donors supply this year. But, we haven't done that in a couple years. So, we're bringing that back. Um,
what else? Uh, Founders Day, it's next month. buy your tickets by January 30th. Last call. We've got about half of our schools coming, so that's at least good for brick. Um, which is exciting. And sorry, I'm running off of Post-it notes. I usually bring my folder of fun with
me, but I did not tonight because you guys made this at 6 and ran right here from wrestling. Um, can I do a shameless fundraiser plug or is that not allowed? Okay. Um, so we've we're off to a really good start. We've already sold 185 boxes of
chocolate bars. I've got 1,700 chocolate bars in my car if anybody's interested. They're $2 a piece. I need them gone before it snows because I don't want to carry them around anymore. Um, and then lastly, I don't know if anybody I hope more people are watching, but our nominations are open for Vets Middle. If
you want to run for the executive board, now is the time. We are looking for president, vice president, treasure, and secretary. If there's any incoming sixth grade parents that are interested, join now. you have to be a member for 15 days. So, if there's any new coming parents and want to apply at any of the
schools, please do so. That's all I got. >> Thank you. My name is Walter Herszenko and I'm here as a representative of the Brick Chamber of Commerce Educational Foundation. And we announced today the opening of our
scholarship program. We have over $20,000 worth of funds plus maybe some more. And not only are all of our students eligible to apply, but any employee of Brick Township because we
are a member of the chamber can apply. So it was posted today. It's posted in the schools also. And I know for my own children, the last thing somebody wants, a senior wants to do in January is a
write another essay. But it's worth it because last year one of the scholarships was $5,000. So I mean it's very useful and helpful to people. So the other thing is that as principal of Herbertsville, Herbertsville PTA is also
opening up our scholarships. Thank you. >> Where do they go to apply, Walter? Is it online? >> Yeah, you said they were posted. Do you know where they're posted? just so our website or >> Okay, >> let's make a comment.
>> Hi, my name is Christopher Fenomore. I'm an Orthodox Christian. Um, a portion of Orthodox Christians have a calendar that is different from the Gregorian calendar that most other Christians have. That calendar is about 13 days ahead or
behind of the Gregorian calendar and it's mostly followed by Russians, Bellar Russians, uh members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Middle Eastern Christians and we have 12 major holidays. None of
them are accounted for in public schools. None of them have off for public schools. We have a variety of them. Some in the beginning of the year, some towards the end of the year. Preferably, if it's possible, Orthodox Christmas would be a big boon for our
community. Orthodox Christmas is January 7th. Orthodox Christmas Eve is January 6th. If that can somehow be applied to the calendar, that would be fantastic. And there's a great shame because members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church
are currently persecuted in Ukraine. So the government makes it very difficult to for people to celebrate on January 6th and 7th. And then in the United States, there's no representation for it. I know that there
are a lot of members of the Ukrainian community currently moving to Lakewood to uh towns nearby and likewise. So, um, if you would like further information, I can give you the dates of the 12 major
holidays of, uh, Orthodox Christianity and maybe we can fit something in to the school calendar in order to get those days off so kids can celebrate those days with their families and members of the workforce that are Orthodox Christians can get those days off
without the without any hassle. Thank you. have any other public comment. >> Seeing none, I know Dr. Frell just wanted to um just speak quickly about your question. >> You can um my email's on the website.
You can forward that to us. I always bring it to our policy and planning committee, but I I want everybody to know all staff and students have excused for any religious holiday. So they're all excused absences regardless uh of the holiday any any recognized religious
holiday for staff and students. So please share that with your uh con and you can email me on the website. I'm always looking to see that in our community and sometimes it could fit sometimes it may not because we have a statutory requirement of 180 school. So,
Miss Kennedy wanted me to make sure that it actually is so important that you can't confer high school diplomas unless that statutory requirements met. So, but please email me and please share with your own group that all religious holidays are excused for staff and students.
Thank you. Okay, we're moving on to board comment now. George, >> thank you very much, President Mesmer. Thank you all very much as always for coming. Um, anyone with a vested interest in one fashion or another, it's always welcome. Uh, you are always
welcome uh to make question, comment, concern, recommendation, request known. Uh, we are very happy to hear about it because uh, frankly, we cannot do our jobs as board members unless we are engaged actively public, parents, residents, taxpayers alike. And Dr. Frell, uh, very quickly, I'd like to
thank you very much because came up to me right before the meeting paper. or I was emailing you and uh individuals within your cabinet at different levels because I was not sure about a few different things before this meeting and I I apologize if I missed anything with chain of communication or anything, but this is a testament frankly to the
wonders that our superintendent does in this district where he has to manage 15,000 different things. I only add to his I only add to his plate. Um I'm sure he could tell you that, but he's so gracious and wonderful about it. So, thank you very much for that, Dr. Frell. Thank you. And um in that spirit, happy
new year. I hope that everyone had a very a merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, holiday season, and uh congratulations all of our um in this case once again. He's not with us tonight, but um for joining us on the board of education, Misty Benedict is once again welcome
back to you and to all of our uh frankly elected officials at the state uh county and local levels. Forward to hopefully working with you um collaboratively. anyone with faith and genuine effort uh to make for better community here uh and
at large. In that spirit, I will say that is part of why frankly I abstained on uh particularly the uh item number one or policy and planning because of the library resource policy. This is nothing against the superintendent or uh central administration or my fellow
board members by any stretch of the imagination. My issue frankly is actually with how the law the statute is written for library resources at present in junction with uh text from the Freedom Act uh signed by our most recent outgoing governor. Nothing against him personally. Frankly, I don't think he
cares right now. He's probably out vacationing. Thank god I'm out of this job now. I can rest. But anyway, um yeah, for whatever that may be worth. But my issue is it's actually anecdotal, but it speaks to a larger issue in the state of beyond 9 million. I have a very good longtime friend who uh went to a
municipal council meeting uh some time ago uh not necessarily in this area said that he asked a particular question in relation directing municipal funds from a utilities authority fund his school district
facing a financial issue uh and would have occurred a major tax levy uh which was particularly significant given that he was similar to this one with a large senior citizen population on fixed incomes The response he received council was well you don't have children period never never mind in the district so it
shouldn't matter to you even though he pays taxes to support the district. The idea that someone the way that it is defined directly vested interest not by the district but by the state of New Jersey directly vested interest such a narrow definition all classes of our
society to have a say in how a district operates in terms of uh curriculum instruction whatever the case may be particularly finances that are supported by select individ um when opening their bill from their mailbox. Uh in that spirit, um I I I
could go on uh in relation that matter and other matters um because we hate the idea of um excuse me, I'm sorry, I apologize. I'm getting over a cold. um anything to support our students uh and districts, parents, residents, taxpayers
alike, and um for overall better experience, safety, security, enhanced measures with district. Um I could go on, but I'm sure you'd all like to go home. Thank you all very much. Thank you. >> Thanks, George.
>> Again, as well, uh thank you everybody coming out tonight. Walter, thank you for sharing that information have as a scholarship. I'm sure effort for them to write it, but one of my favorite things on a as a board member is representatives when
they share the incredible amount of activities and co-curricular absolutely occurring in the school. So, a big shout out for the students, the administrators, and the teachers that support them. So, just amazing. So, that just personally that's one of my favorite parts.
share that. So, and and just by all of you showing up here in the seat are actually supporting the student because you're you're sharing your comments when you come up to the lect turn. You need to hear that as board members and it's always always appreciated. So, thank you
everybody. Have a good night. >> Thanks, John. Right. >> Hi. So, Kristen, I just wanted a little clarification on something. So you have to Yeah. Um so if somebody has been a
member for the vets middle um P I always get confused. Yay. Do they have to then still have the 14 days or does their prior Okay. So that was my question. Yep. Just
some clarification for anybody. Okay. Okay. Got it. Okay, >> we did. She would say everybody hears it. Everybody heard it. All right, awesome. Okay, I just wanted that
clarification. Um so I am um chair of policy and planning and this was a rough one. Um this 2530 that um was number one not a fan of it. Um
I will explain sometimes sitting up here sometimes being on the board you have to because it is legislated you have to vote um yes to things that you might not
be 100% okay with kind of stinks. Um and this is one I was not 100% okay with. I feel that I I kind of explained it as you are Karen until proven
otherwise. Meaning that if you come up and you um say that you have a problem with some form of literature that's in library that you are told basically that you're wrong is kind of how I read it as
a parent like you have no say. you're wrong and that it is it is still available. And that was my issue is I tried to get this
a little bit in that we wanted the book taken off the shelves until the committee said whether it was appropriate or not. And due to the statutes and due legislative
law, it has to stay. It has to remain. And I'm sorry, I was a kid. We all were a kid. That is going to be like the hot commodity book. They're going to be like, "Oo, so and so's mom saw this and they said it was inappropriate. Let's all go get it." Like, and that's kind of
where I was not okay with it. But sitting up here, we have to obey the laws. And sometimes we have to vote >> and obey the law and then explain to all
of you why we're not cool with it. Um because sometimes we don't have the local rule that they say we do, which is kind of it kind of stinks. So elections matter. Um, I like to kind of do a little sandwich.
So, I started off with something nice, went to something not so great, and now on to something great. Um, so I am really excited about all of this money that all of our amazing people in
Brick are giving us. The I want to say a huge thank you, class of 89 to 91, for um your gift cards of $2,000. Amazing. Thank you so much. Um and then Freckle Juice, such a cool book. Thank you,
Elks, for giving um our third grade students and LRMS PTA. What would we do without our PTAs? I can't. They're amazing. Um thank you so much for the supplies and um grants. Let's all try and get these
grants for the kids. They are missing out on so much. We all know that they've kind of been slighted with COVID and everything. So, let's give them all the good things and let's get ready for that snow. Yay. >> Have a great evening, guys.
>> Thanks, Fran. Victoria, >> I would like to thank um Superintendent Farrell for the recognition for school board. I do take an issue with you saying it's a thankless job. Every time I drive to Trenton for meetings,
training or an advocacy, it's like a mini vacation and I enjoy it. So, so um there there you go. I don't I don't usually contradict you, Dr. Fowl.
Um let me go on. Yeah. Um, I want to thank the um the um EA's department and especially Roberts. We have gone I don't know how
many years in a row without um s suggestions or modifications to our audit and our financial system and that's something to be really really proud of. Would you like to say something, Mrs. Roberts? >> I would like to say thank you.
And and it's if Mr. Edwards is here, I'm sure you would say it's effort. We all, you know, the business office is uh not the most visible department, but we all do work long and hard to try and meet um all the well everything. We get a lot of money and we make sure that it is spent
properly. But thank you. >> I commend you for it. I enjoy uh reading about all our donations and grants coming in. I thank the people who pursue them for their extra efforts. Under um
human resources number 17, we approved fourth block stipens um for a couple of uh teachers. And it's not an ideal situation when we need a fourth block, but um we can carry out
and fulfill um needs in our curriculum for our students because these dedicated teachers take on these extra responsibilities and I want to thank them. Also,
as far as policy 2530 2535, I appreciate the legislaturator's efforts and interest to ensure our students have access to a variety of reading materials. I think it is good and appropriate that brick uh follows
the state policies and our superintendent stays out of jail. Um, also on the public complaints, I I read that that policy and as Dr. Farrell often says, there is a
a level of command, what do you call it? Gain of command. And um the flowcharts in that policy were to f facilitate the concerns of parents, members of the public, students.
I appreciate that. Last thing I'd like to mention is on the calendar on uh Wednesday, January 28th at 6:45, Ocean County School Board Association is holding uh a virtual monthly meeting
at 6:45. Uh the topic of the discussion is first term to veteran sharing about the learning curve of being a BOE member. I think that looks cool. Um,
January 26 is the deadline for questions and comments to be submitted for the Mammoth County School Board Association virtual meeting uh featuring New Jersey Senate Education Chair Vining Gopal and
Declan Ocanlin. They t they do take questions during the meeting, but if you put them in in advance, they prioritize them so that everybody gets heard. Uh, I think that's going to be very important for us all to hear. Thank you for coming out
and have a lovely evening. >> Thanks, Victoria. Allie, >> um, yes, Kristen, did you go to all the PTA meetings and talk to the fifth grade parents and ask them to put something out for your VMMS? I mean it
all right but just like let's go to the or at least reach out to the the side of town for VMMS um sending elementary schools and see if you can get something out to the fifth grade parents and let them know if anybody's in wants to be involved. That's the best way to get your foot in the door in the middle
school. Like the middle school's tough to get into. It's not the same as the elementary school. So PTA is definitely the way they're getting in, right? And it is a lot less work. You're right. Um Dr. Hersenko, thank you so much for the um Herbertsville
scholarship information. I'm like, it's my job. Here you go. Fill this fill out this form. Fill out this form. He's very enthusi enthused about a possible snow day and lots of essay writing. Um so, um I just just a couple quick
comments to echo what everybody already said. I can't glasses on. Um, I love the grant by Miss Johnson at BTHS for reducing food waste. Um, thank you to the BTHS alumni Brick Elks 2151 and LRMS PTA for your donations. Congratulations
to VMMS for the Hackinack Meridian Wellness Grant. Congratulations to our retirees and new employees. Um, thank you to our policy and planning committee and Dr. Frell for your hard work on the 2627 calendar. I know this is Dr. Frell's favorite time of year because we
actually never talk more than when I first get my eyes on that calendar. Some things never changed. It was like that when I sat in those chairs and it's still like it when I sit here. Um, good luck to everybody in high school taking exams next week. Um, I just want to give
a couple quick shoutouts. Brick Memorial senior James Gillan, who is our superstar bowler, bowled a perfect game of 300. Um, that's awesome, James. Congratulations. >> No, he's Brick Memorial. He's one of my son's friends. Yes. So, he's awesome.
Um, congratulations to Coach Billy Caruso who was um they spoke about who was um inducted into the New Jersey Girls Soccer Association Hall of Fame. Um, I am fortunate enough that my daughter plays for Coach BC and he is one in a
million. Um he says family forever and he absolutely means it. He gives his heart and soul to those girls and um Charlotte had the uh the luck I guess she played for him on a on a a summer team and then she also
plays for him on um Brick Memorial and he's just incredible. I can't think of someone who deserves to be in a Hall of Fame more than than BC. So um congratulations BC. Um okay. Hope and to my board members. I love serving with
you guys. So, happy happy board recognition month. Um, hope everyone had a great start to 2026. I'm actually wearing five pair of pajamas and not inside out so that it doesn't snow at all. But if it does, stay safe and warm. Happy birthday to
Dr. Nandy, Victoria, Michael, and Fran. All have birthdays before our next um meeting. That's all. Have a great night, everybody. Thank you. Thanks, Ally. I second that.
All right, onto the calendar. Um, onto the calendar. Uh, snow day. No, I'm just kidding. >> Um, we'll see how that goes. But >> yeah. Um, okay. Uh, January 28th and 29th, early dismissal, high school students only. January 30th, early
dismissal, all students. February 13th and 16th, President's Day, school is closed. And our next board meeting is February 26th at 6 PM here. I need a motion and a second for adjournment. >> Motion France. >> Second. George
>> Mary with the vote. >> Miss Pala. >> I can't believe this. >> Crazy. >> Yes. Unless Dr. Cajun wants to stay. >> Misty Benedictus. >> Yes.
>> Henry. >> Yes. Aljiri. >> Yes. >> Kennedy >> 643. Yes. >> Thank you. Yes. Good night.