board of education January 156 have been posted at the burough hall the school website and the burrow Present. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mrs.
>> here. Mrs. H. Mr. >> Mrs. Wolf >> here. Mr. W >> here to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The approval of minutes to >> Yes. Yes, Mr. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Walsh. >> Yes, >> Mr. Wolf.
>> Yes. >> All right. Now, we have our SSD. >> Yes. So, um according to requirements by the state, we are expected to report out twice a year on our data that we enter
into the student safety data system for the state. Um, it requires us to report out the numbers of incidents related to HIV alleged, HIV confirmed, violence, vandalism, substances or weapons
incidents. Um so reporting out for our reporting period from September to December 31st of this year we had three HIV alleged one HIV confirmed and we have no incidents related to violence vandalism
illegal substances or weapons. All right, we have visitors business. Visitors are permitted to comment on agenda items at this time. >> One at a time. >> All right, then. No correspondence.
>> Okay. District operations was to address probably source. We wanted to make a recommendation. office and show
this district very much. Anybody could do a very good job. They're all proximity. So what was everybody? Sorry.
We talked about a few other Great. Thank you. >> So, we met uh we met actually the same day that we had met for district operations. Um they ran over there review their district goals and how they're how
they're doing with that. They're doing a great job, but I think the most important thing for us is we were discussing. Um there's a there's a tuition change for what we're paying going into next year. So, um I told them
a little bit about why that's happening. Basically, it's because there's less students going than than were expected. So just to give you some numbers on that, there's a total of 841 kids in the high school. Um 240 247 from Masquerale.
Um but the the high school as a whole received 35 less students from the Senate districts than they were expecting and 27 less from Manis. So that's 62 less kids. Change the numer the uh the denominator.
expected. So that's what our what we say about% which is higher than it's normally and that that kind of that accounts for against us.
increase >> it was it was up 5% higher the total cost not taking into account the change in the number so Yeah. So it's
>> I think the 10% increase >> but we also we also did we get other that doesn't love you a long time about that. I feel like this number.
>> Yeah. You know, I think we are going to have to explore some options and additional questions. The total seven. >> Yeah. >> It's like
they are our students right here. That's always what we have to remember. And so, you know, with the kids going and then a larger percent, it becomes, you know, challenging to put
in ours. So now that we have that number, >> that's what I build at I know the maybe I misunderstood what you were asking the
their their costs went up by 5% student in general and that additional 5% is because of the insurance. So that's why >> or some of the other sending districts for whatever we can send a bunch of extra kids
>> all right any other questions or anything else from States start. >> All right. >> Warriors. All right. >> So, we just met this afternoon, so
I will go over some of the notes. We met at 5:00 p.m. Um, Miss Olra, Miss Pearson, representative Um I was there along with Walsh and Mr. W from the board. Um some
of the things that we talked about one was the leader initiative which is learning equity and academic recovery today. um which is basically the New
Jersey mandated early literacy uh focus that schools must be uh taking um as well as communication with parents. So letters just sent out data for students
um and everything is of course we were kind of ahead of the game with that coming out so it didn't jar what we were doing but definitely informed um the admin staff to increase
attention to the instruction. Um so they're making changes in here based on that data. Um health letters went out for parents concerning the uh health curriculum certain levels grades 2, five, six and
eight. So parents should receive that communication. Um again with the early literacy initiative they're continuing the walk to read where the classes are kind of getting matched up um so that students
are really getting targeted uh attention um in K1 they are not using that movement um because it could be maybe a little disruptive at that age. Um they said they're looking at changing
intervention schedules based on the midyear data. Um and in grade two there isn't really a justification for major changes because of the results. Um there's a strong result in literacy too. So we're kind of
just keeping our eye there. Um and there's been some look at um some of the early literacy programs as well. So everyone looking into a lot of focus on early literacy which I
think is really important um and we've already been on that as well as the district. So this is just what we're doing. Um there was update on the harbor grant which is
a grant that uh the school got they got some money out of thousand dollar from the state. Um it's a education grant and Smith
have spearheading some um program that presentations for the staff possibly looking those presentations to uh for the students as well until March. So,
administration is still working towards that. Um there are some administrative looking into um they're starting to get everything rolling with the schedule for next year.
You got to get that done well in advance. Um and there was a program that was brought to administration called American Young Voices. It's a program for singers and
that's something that they are looking at with um the course director here and possibly something they'd like to become involved with. Um so that's pretty exciting as well. Um one other thing
that is kind of also coming back around a BAC meeting that was done in the past without a lot of attendance is going to be redone. presentation will be redone for kindergarten parents um at 2:15
um so that kind of coincide with the pickup. So we had spoken about it at a board meeting a few months ago um and it's really great that that is uh in fruition now. So hopefully we'll get
more parents to get that information for that presentation review. Um and kindergarten prek registration is open. So that's it. Register children early to
help administration get everything. Yeah. So lots of good stuff happening in curriculum and programs. have two questions. First is
We don't start >> like I'm available for my kids first day here because >> I think because of the high school they are But spring upon and user >> I think so.
>> Yeah, we went back pulled out old calendars. I can't site the year exactly, but I think that was one of the first things that we looked at before we started. >> Do you remember uh when I when I
mentioned it? said, "Well, it's not really >> I don't remember as a teacher. I don't know. Fantast. So I think again you know we took um a lot of time and thought to put into
this. I think the idea of um starting with two half days is a way to introduce kids to a lot of the routines the expectations you know without right off the bat starting with two full days. So
I think that's a pretty common practice. Um and then when we come back from Labor Day we're able to kind of hit the ground running. Um, I would also say that, you know, the other thing we thought about is the longer you go into June, the more
difficult it is to keep kids engaged in learning, especially after Memorial Day. Um, so, you know, if you can get done sooner in June, I just think that's a better use of the instructional time. Um, and you know, giving, you know,
again, those first two days I think are absolutely vital. I think it's really great that they're act because the kids especially our younger ones don't come back on day one with the stamina to really have a productive you know first full day. So those are the thoughts
about the beginning of the year and the end of the year. So I'm asking Was it was it released somewhere? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. No, no, no. But I mean like
>> does that adopt the calendar? So you know they put it out for public opinion and then wait to see what people say and then move forward. >> Yeah. That's my only thing is like what would our practice be if we were to
table then we send out and solicit feedback on it. I don't know if that's I feel like that's probably going to be a nightmare. I feel like you guys having staff one day and then they're
having fresh orientation and things on the second prior Are there any alternatives extending the school year in June September people And it's going to be, you know, it's
it's selfishly like going to be whichever one is like what your family does. Like if you guys are the ones that go right on a camping trip as soon as school gets up, you're voting for this. So it's it's kind of a tough call and I again I'm trying to take it from the
instructional perspective and where I feel our time is best spent with our students. Um, and I think by the end of August, kids are ready to come back to school. I don't think they need to wait another full week into September. Parents are actually kind of ready.
Maybe in my case, I know I'm speaking as a parent. Um, you know, by the end of that month of August to send them back. I think those, you know, first two days will be good days to get kids acclimated. And like I said, once Memorial Day comes, once you go beyond
that third week of June, I'm not sure our instructional time is as productive or as fruitful and trying to kids keep keep kids focused the longer you go into June really does become a challenge. So
ultimately, I think that's what we were thinking about is where are we going to get the most um productive instruction for the time that we were choosing. Another thing I see like the chance that we've seen this since 2012
weather thing that makes me a little nervous about pushing back. I mean last this year you know last year we had three days.
So what we're talking about is functionally pushing back two extra days. >> Yeah. >> Yes. Yeah, I think I mean I think the argument has been that that's
late and that that kids >> I think it was the 22. I'm not >> It's tough to compare those things because of how Memorial Day. Yeah, >> that's impact.
So, I guess what it is, >> right? I mean, that's the other thing too is that this is like obviously this comes around, you know, however many years and it's an anomaly. I don't think
anyone here at least and I would administration intends to be like, oh, what now? From now on, we start on September 3rd all the time, you know, or like prior to Labor Day. I think the intention is just
to deal with the fact that Labor Day falls as as far back as you possibly can in this instance in this one time. So, I don't know. >> So, that's a strong factor for many.
>> Yeah. in adding I gotta take away or add at the end. I'm going to go with the 21st or I'm sorry, >> which is probably going to be more san >> September is
>> the hard to give a long weekend. So you wanted kids to come into that either a private >> thing about like well let's extend it as long as we
can for the kids and have the kids Friday off >> right and a lot of people around here especially like we stay because it's gorgeous weather and so one so kids just having a half day we're not going in like I would rather have my kids like
having them home for four days seems silly after they started you know so I I like that compromise as far back as it possibly can be without pushing us well into that what is it that third week in June
like school understand what you're saying. I understand from a parent perspective employee as well. I think to me this this satisfies I think the half days are good for teaching and learning. I think it gives
our teachers a chance to learn students for those first couple days and adjust have some vertical articulation as well and it gives parents the opportunity to reach right afterwards. Right. I know. I know. >> But we still do. We still do. This is a
lot. This is like I don't know the calculation. Yes. Either way, >> most of those factors are 100%. You're going to have a small 50% of people say a good 20% of people say
>> yeah the case in Europe. It's it is what it is. But not going to say right what's important they're going to prioritize what's important but yeah I mean I think I
think you know I I don't think there would be any advantage to tealing for further input because that would be counterproductive. So I mean I completely understand your point as
well. I I love September and day and I was like no >> we can't turn it we can't turn we can't >> but that is yeah it just it was well
thought out it does make sense I'm not happy about day either let's say every single parent I'm just being obviously every single Maybe the entire school calls you up and says, "We
don't want this." >> All the other districts are pretty close to what we're doing. Everybody started, you know, in trying to work through this. Um you know but Belmar Spring Lake Spring Lake Seager they are all starting
>> for this year with the snow day we lose another day. >> Yeah. So that's the second calendar that's here and that what's the difference? So what I am proposing to make up day is that the
13th was supposed to be a full staff in service day and students were going to be off. I'm proposing that students um from 12:15 to get their their day in that counts towards attendance for the state and then we keep the teachers in
the afternoon. Then on the Friday, kids will still be up on the Friday before Memorial Day and we will bring the teachers the other half PD that they owe us in the morning to half day P day for staff on the 22nd.
So that way we're not, you know, kids will be here on the 13th but only half day. Families get to keep the Friday before Memorial Day. Teachers will come in the Friday before Memorial Day for the half day. The other half was made up
without having to add or take away from spring break. All right. Is everyone okay forward? Okay. Disney um committee met February 4th meeting
last hour. We met in person and in attendance and as well as virtually. Um we discussed two retirement agenda talked about
discussing elementary schools. Thank you. >> Sure. Yesterday pretty great response from parents about back summary is basically very strong
support introducing optional spending limits about this helpful break down across the options that were available 90% that said there was also and then also
they possibility. There was concern raised previously short. So as next steps one option request
There's a couple. >> Yes. So, I was able to touch base with Jesse from the PDF and she shared a few items on March 5th. They will be having a death of a gangster murder mystery dinner. Tickets are still available.
They're $125 per person including cocktail hour dinner and bar interactive murder history experience. Sponsorships are still available. Latin sponsorships are sold out. Um they have
a 2026 goal in partnership with the BDF is funding a collaborative learning technology tables or media center. These tables will be stationed will allow students to collaborate at shared visual tables while teachers
be small group instruction. um created a technology intrigued collaborative learning laboratory accessible to the entire school. Um Miss Janine and Christy from the PTO, they wanted to have a big thank you to
all the volunteers that contributed to a successful event, the snowball dance for six eighth graders as well as windowing. Some upcoming events. Uh Friday there's a sweetheart dance at Eagle Oaks Country Club. Today is the last day to sign up.
Get your tickets. It's 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The readathon, our biggest fundraiser of the year, is starting March 2nd to March 6th. So, be on the lookout for that. Blazer Boys event is happening Friday, March 27th, 6 8:30 at Lake Banner. Look
for tickets on the website to open up next week. Art appreciation committee they are still working on details for sometime in March. Spring enrichment is happening to run starting April 14th for six weeks. Look for more information
around March 24th. Um and I have a meeting in March working with administration on coming up with a topic to invite parents to learn a little bit more.
human resources. So, um, since our meeting on January 21st, we celebrated actually 98 school. Uh, that day included our school assembly house of preparedness for bringing classes together, for example, the whole school, including recognition
of our Blazers of the Month and our Blazer boxers. Uh, we had an afternoon pep rally for our winter sports teams, Belar Wrestling. our students who come together for that team cheerleading boys and girls basketball. It was a very
wellreceived event. Um and both our basketball teams were in the NCA finals that Friday afternoon. Uh the boys were runners up in the tournament game. They played a great game and our girls
actually won the league title. So we're very proud of both of those teams. I want to thank Mr. and Mrs. L for their outstanding coaching this season. Uh we have two retirements on our agenda this evening. Very long time staff members, Mr.
Benadetto and Miss Dolan will be retiring after many years of service and we will have recognition for that. Um, it's already been reported that some of our PAC U components have been postponed until March 19th. And I really do appreciate everybody's efforts and
pulling together everything that we need for that audit. Um, as Miss We're doing random acts of kindness week this week. So certain themes every day. Mrs. Kennedy and Mrs. Smith have been doing great job organizing activities for our
students this week. Um, as Mrs. Baldino mentioned, we have the BF fundraiser on March 5th and encourage people to attend. We are really looking for updates. You know, that's such a beautiful space here um and would like to continue to make upgrades and really
make this um a learning lab where kids are going to be able to interact and work collaboratively. So, we're looking forward to making that report. So, All right. No reports. That brings us to
history. Sure. Approve the following um let's see A1 through A4. Becker. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Walsh. >> Yes. >> Mr. W. >> No. >> All right. on your district >> exhibit.
Mrs. Yes. Mr. Mrs. >> Yes. Mr. >> Yes. Policy Mr. Board of Education policy regulations that
>> Yes. Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mr. >> Mrs. Walsh. >> Yes. >> Mr. W. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mr.
>> Yes. Yes, >> Mrs. McDavid. >> Yes, >> Mrs. B. >> Yes, >> Mr. Mrs. Wolf. >> Yes, >> Mr. >> Yes. >> All right.
Mr. Becker, would you please take those? >> Sure. Uh, I'd like to make a motion that the board of education authorization of the following January 2026 bills list and that the secretary is authorized to draw the treasur to
$598,583 >> Mrs. Yes. >> Yes. >> We have our board secretary which brings us to our executive session. >> No. Oh, sorry. There will be other.
>> Oh, you're here. Sorry. Thank you. You go. I'm back.