--------- Good evening, everybody. I'd like to make a motion to return to public session. Do I have a second? Mr. Fain, all in favor of returning to public session? It's unanimous. Thank you very much. We have no board recognition tonight, which makes me very sad, because it's my favorite thing. We have no presentations. Mr. Schiff, do we have any administrative reports this evening? We do not. So, we are on to… correspondence. And I know that we did a lot of back-to-school nights, so…
I am going to start on this side with Mr. Mayor. And everybody can go around and just give a little bit about the back-to-school nights that they attended since our last meeting. I don't recall if it was before the last meeting or not, but I was able to attend, uh, attend a back-to-school night for Cherry Hill West. And with Ms. Cherfain, we were there. We were there to greet. Happy parents, send them on their way, help them… find the right people to ask, to get to their children's classrooms.
But it was another, uh. Another great night of seeing the enthusiastic teachers, they love meeting with the… With the parents, um, seeing the administration ready to go, and, um… while we weren't, I stayed through most of the… Introduction, you know, through the… welcoming once things got going, I sort of… slop off, and I was happy to see that. You didn't need to attend your 500th back-to-school night as a West parent? It was… it was, uh… It was your final back-to-school night as a West? It was my final back-to-school night, it was, and it was meaningful. I was glad to be there, but…
Again, it was about the parents, and I know that the staff was. As always prepared and ready to welcome the parents and enthusiastic about what they do, and show the parents that. Um, I was able to attend one other event. Of note, the annual East vs. West Soccer night. I got there just in time for the second half of the girls' game. We watched that exciting game. Congratulations, Cherry Hill East. And, uh, was there for… the men's, uh, the boys' game. Along with Mr. Greenbaum, um, it was an honor to, um.
Meet captains and observe the coin toss, and have a, a, uh… sideline, um, opportunity to see a great game between two schools that just love to play against each other. Um, the energy on both sides. Was outstanding, student sections were loud, they were boisterous. Um, they were very well behaved. But aggressive, um, and it was a wonderful night. Um, and I was… I was very pleased to be close to. Seeing at least one outstanding athletic performance. But both teams, both… We're ready to go from the beginning. The rain did not slow anyone down, the rain didn't damper anything other than.
Our physical, uh, you know, our bodies, but it was a wonderful night. So great. The Cherry Hill gets up for these things, whether it's football or soccer. That is one of the, I think, true benefits of having. Two large high schools. Um, the competition is spectacular. Um, and it's where it belongs. It's on the field, it's good-spirited. Um, and it's something that I'm certainly gonna miss. I was glad I was there. Um, so you might have attended your first high school, or your last high school, uh, back-to-school night, but I attended my first, the Cherry Hill West, um… a couple weeks ago, I don't even know what day it is now.
It was sometime in September that we were there, um, as well as Bex, which was nice. It was the first time that I was, um, at… inside of Beck. I've been outside for many activities, but it was the first time I was inside. Got to meet a lot of staff, tons of parents. Um, apparently I know those hallways really well now, and, um, that was exciting. And then, as well as… Those two, I also attended the ribbon cutting, um, for the Kingston APR, which was really, really exciting to have a formal. Opening of the APRs, and to see some kids enjoying. A good game of basketball in the APR.
Thank you. So, I attended back-to-school nights. At Marlborg, Russell Knight. Rosa, East, and Last Night at Sharp. And so, I really got to see a bunch of different schools around the district. It's just always so… it's such a joyous occasion. That's what I was saying at Sharp last night, just the… Excitement of families when they come into the school. Getting ready for the school year, seeing what their kids are gonna learn. It's just such amazing energy, and all the schools around the district, and everybody was just so excited to be there and welcoming. It's… it's just great.
So it was really nice. I also was at the ribbon cutting, um, and then Mr. Greenbaum and I also participated in the Candidates Forum. Through Zone PTA and the League of Women Voters, so… That's all I did over the past two weeks, was a lot. Mr. Greenbaum. Alright, not leaving me with, uh, with much to talk about here, but that's okay. Experience. Um, I attended Cooper back to school night. Um, it also happens to be my kid's home school. Um, but, you know, we had some nice conversations with parents, new and returning, and it's very well attended and ran smooth as always.
I also had the pleasure of attending East vs. West, uh. Soccer game with Mr. Mayer. It's an exciting game, even with the rain. Pakistan's really amazing players, and it's always great when the community can come together as one Cherry Hill. Dr. Dreizen. Great, thank you. Since our last meeting, I had an opportunity to attend. Ocean County School Board Association meeting. This was particularly interesting, um, given the focus was on AI. As you may have heard in our prior meetings, um, the CNI committee discussed AI, and now it's gone over to.
P&l, and as Miss Winters had mentioned, a number of other districts, not just ours, is focused on this topic right now. There's actually going to be 18. Different sessions at our upcoming workshop. Focus exclusively on AI under a bucket of, as that is an area of focus. So it's interesting to hear what other, um. Other counties are talking about. Thank you, Mr. Well, I was really trying to beat your record, Mrs. Winters, um, in attending back to school nights. I don't think that I did, because I think in total, I only attended 6, so… I think you attended more than me. I would have attended Cadence if they hadn't been moved.
But anyway, all right, that would have been 7, but still, I don't think I would have been enough. Alright. We're getting a little competitive about this. Um, so on September 10th, I did, and I normally don't do this, but I did write this down. September 10th, the dates. September 10th, I attended man's Back to School Night. Saw their new APR, which was exciting. And I attended ROSA 6th grade back-to-school night. And saw a lot of the bond work improvements, which was fantastic to see. I attended… Um, back-to-school night at Stockton.
And was not able to direct any parent to any of the building… any of the classrooms, which was, by the way, that's the theme everywhere, even though my kids went to that school. Everything has changed, so… Um, and then I attended the Becked back-to-school night, 6th grade back-to-school night, and I saw parents almost running across the building. Um, and comments like, my kid's gonna have double dessert tonight, I had no idea how much she has to run back and forth. Um, and in hearing a little bit more from the parents and some of the staff talking about it.
Um, you know, I think it's a challenge. I think that the junior high model has created. A challenge with that, and it was interesting to kind of hear about that, that the kids are kind of zooming around, and… Um, you know, I think it's a challenge to us to, in year one, you know, really see how. Um, the more cohesion can get, um, created, not just for the students, but for the staff, because they're not having, like, the team stuff that they used to have. As part of their cohorts. Um, so that was, you know, it's kind of interesting hearing about that.
It was also really cool. They shared… they were asking all the students, and I think this was the, you know, part of the effort to create, um, a sense of belonging and unity and, um. Cohesion, so they were doing falling into belonging. A fall core value initiative, so they were asking every. Parent to grab a leaf. For, um, their student. Um, to fill out about, um, to decorate a cutout of… a cutout paper leaf.
Represent the reflections on compassion and belonging. So I love that they were doing that, and again, like, every school you go to. You learn about the different ways that they're kind of do something special, like the sorting ceremony at Johnson, you know, like. Just all these different things. So, um, it was neat to learn that. And then I went to the Kilmer back-to-school night. Um, which, um… was, you know, great as always, and I got to see, um, the… the… The acting principal and the new principal, who is starting the next day in the building, I think he was starting the next day.
Um, so that was really cool. Um, as always, and I mean, so well attended, you know, just… Scores and scores of parents, and many kids, too, who come, so… who was great at the APR, um, dedication at Kingston, um. You know, a particular sense of satisfaction, you know, being part of that kind of official. You know, opening and ribbon cutting. Um, yeah, I think that was it. That is a lot. Ms. Palmer. Okay, so I attended not quite as many back-to-school nights, but I was at, uh, Bread Hart, Clara Barton, Thomas Paine.
And then I attended both the 6th grade and the 7th and 8th grade back-to-school nights at Karusi. They split theirs into two. Um, it's always fascinating to me just to see the differences in personalities from school to school, and I think that's. Especially evident at the elementary level. It's always special. Truly appreciate the amount of parent participation that I see, just… Uniformly across our district. That is one thing that does not vary from school to school. Um, and also was heartened by the amount of attention that the… at the middle level, that the.
Every single teacher that I heard speak at Karusi, both sessions. Focused on the ways that they're using the win period, which is very new for all of us this year. Um, love to hear that very much it's being used for enrichment for what students need if they need extra help. Um, so, you know, I look forward to updates on that, but I thought that was a great start, and again. Fantastic feedback on the, uh. Temporary classrooms at Carusi, I think. For the 6th graders in particular. Um, it's having that intended consequence of, of…
Creating that smaller, um, smaller community as they kind of ease their way in the middle, so… Thank you to everybody for having me. Perfect. And Dr. Raddock, who is joining us from cyberspace this evening, do you have any correspondence to share? Uh, I… can you hear me, first of all? Okay, I do not, because I was… We can. Making another human, or another human was arriving, so… say hi to Tenley. Which is why I'm all… which is also why I'm, uh, in cyberspace. But no, no correspondence. Maybe next week or the week after.
Well, they… Tenley's happy to be here. That was the best correspondence ever. Welcome, Tenley! We're excited that we have a new Future Cherry Hill Public Schools student. So exciting. Abby, she will, uh, be at Rosa and East and Johnson, if I remember right, if I'm remembering correctly, but yeah. So, Tammy says hi, so if anybody in the crowd sees me moving around, it's because I'm feeding a tiny human. Thank you for joining us remotely, Dr. Braddock, we appreciate it, and congratulations to you and your family. That's wonderful news. Okay, so… I don't think anybody can top that correspondence. That was wonderful.
Um, and we're gonna go to our student representatives, and I'm going to start this time with High School West for the report. Okay, so for our September report. The school has officially started with everyone back into their routines. All of our games, clubs, and activities are thriving. For extras. Our guidance counselor, Ms. Strummel, arranged a college instant decision day with 6 different colleges where West kids can sign up and get accepted on the spot. We are having an HBCU college fair on November 17th with on-site admissions and scholarship opportunities.
On September 16th, 17th, and 19th, we held another round of Senior Portraits in the broadcasting Room. The deadline of applications to attend the senior trip to Disney is right around the corner, this Friday, October 3rd. So if any seniors plan to attend, they should sign up now. West hallways have been flooded with extra purple this year, every Friday, as we are showing off our school Pride Extra this year. Students are super excited about our Fridays, as our amazing staff at the Cherry Hill West Activities Office. Offer line stickers and tattoos. And to ensure that everyone can rep West merch, we have a donation bin for everyone to drop off their merch.
The same teachers are posting student recognition on our Cher Hill Westway Instagram account to post our positive environment and increase school spirit. And now, for academics. Our senior parents were able to attend the Parent College Night on September 18th from 6 to 7.45pm, with an overview of Naviance, Common App, and financial aid. On September 26th, West had our annual fall pep rally. All of our fall sports got the recognition that they deserved. Teachers and students also engaged in various fun games like basketball, musical chairs, Roundabout Rush.
And human ring toss. On September 29th, we held a financial aid night at 7 in the auditorium to prepare parents for filing. For the FAFSA. As for athletics. On September 17th, athletes from both West and East participated in a positive coaching workshop to make sure every player. To make every player a better teammate. Our girls and boys cross-country teams recently visited Six Flags on September 27th after racing the Adventure Safari 5K with many personal records being beaten.
Our West Girls Varsity volleyball team placed third at the annual Eastern Volleyball Tournament this past Saturday. And although we unfortunately lost in the soccer night in Cherry Hill this recent Saturday, however, we were thrilled to see the student support from both schools. And this Friday, our football team will be having their senior day and a pink-out. At our home game against… Triton for the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We will be selling t-shirts where all proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. Additionally, we are so excited for the East vs. West football game on October 9th.
As for our arts, our whole set of concert dates for every choir and band has been set. All of our dates can be found on the music website. Our ceramic club has officially opened back up, with many additional students working on our mosaic and A-Wing. The progress is amazing, and it should be completed soon. For extracurriculars, we had our activity fair in September 19th during both LBs. Our turnout has been great, as these incoming freshmen are super involved. Clubs old and new, are starting up again. The Lines Roar newspaper is expected to have over double the riders it had last year.
Wes is also introducing its new HOSA, or Future Health Professionals chapter, in collaboration with the Science Club. Latinos Out West is holding their annual Hispanic Heritage Month tour at multiple elementary schools to educate and celebrate. The many different Hispanic cultures. And Wes cannot wait to see how this amazing year unfolds. We wish all students and staff a great October. Thank you. Thank you so much. Very much looking forward to. The football game between West and East and the Latinos at West tour. It's one of my favorite things every year.
Switching to High School East. Thank you. Uh, we have had a great start to the school year at East, and we are looking forward to a great year. We have a lot of things to talk about. Starting with academics, uh, East Welcome the Class of 29 at the start of the school year on September 2nd. Everyone is very well adjusted. We have unprecedented levels of turnout for all of our extracurriculars among the freshman class. East was a testing site for the SAT exam on Saturday, September 13th, from roughly 8am to 11am. There will be another SAT held at East this coming Saturday, October 4th.
Our guidance department has begun hosting a series of events to help seniors and parents understand the college application process. Meetings for students were held during lunch from September 15th to September 17th. Last night, on the 29th, there was a college night for seniors and parents. The final event will be a college financial aid night on October 15th. Moving on to activities, Senior Sunrise was held on Friday, September 5th, before the school day began. Seniors gathered on the field to celebrate the start of our last school year with friends. Picture day for all sophomores and juniors, as well as freshmen who did not attend orientation, was on Tuesday, September 16th.
Additionally, the final round of senior portraits began Monday, September 15th, and continued through Friday, September 18th. Our activities fair was held during lunch on Wednesday, September 17th, and Thursday, September 18th, to great success. Freshman and sophomores were able to explore and get involved in the dozens of amazing extracurricular activities offered at East. Our back-to-school night was held on Thursday, September 18th, from 7 to 9 p.m. Parents had the opportunity to go through their children's schedules and meet their teachers, as well as attend a presentation. Hosted by administration and guidance. Freshman student government elections were held on September 25th and September 29th.
Congratulations to Class President Ayala Ganguly, and Vice Presidents Taylor Park, Laura New, and Audrey Wren. Moving on to athletics, the East football team is off to an amazing 5-0 start, shutting out Atlantic Tech 42-0 on Thursday the 25th. All eyes are on Tuesday, October 9th, when East faces west in the annual bootcamp. The boot, as expected, is already sitting with us, and we do not plan on giving it back anytime soon. East Girls and Boys Soccer hosted its first games under the light at the Cougar Stadium on September 27th.
With both of our teams defeating Cherry Hill West 3-1 and 1-0, respectively. East Girls Volleyball is off to an impressive 8-1 start and is preparing for its next match versus Absalomi on Friday, October 3rd. Congratulations to all of our fall sports team for their successes, and we wish them luck as they finish their seasons. Finally, with arts, East theater Department has been hard at work on their first show of the year, Fast Food. This is the Crimson Theater production for this year, meaning the cast is entirely freshmen and sophomores. With juniors and seniors acting as directors and stage managers. The show will be one night only on Friday, October 3rd at 7.30pm, so make sure you get your tickets.
Overall, we've had a very successful September and are looking forward to a great school year. Thank you so much. Appreciate the updates. So now we are moving on to first public comment. There will be two opportunities for public comment this evening, and the first public comment section is for board action items only. If you wish to speak on any topic other than what appears on the agenda, you may speak during the second public comment, and speakers must provide their name and municipality. Students may comment on any topic during the first public comment period by identifying themselves as a student. That means if you're online, please put an S after your name, that way I know to call on you first, and that you can comment on any topic.
We will alternate between speakers in the room and those wishing to comment online. Each speaker has 3 minutes to speak, and the timer on the screen will indicate the amount of time remaining. All statements, questions, or comments shall be addressed to the chair. And your inquiry may or may not be addressed by administration at the close of the session. So I am now opening first public comment. By tradition, we start in the room. Is there anyone who would like to approach the microphone for first public comment? I don't see any takers. At the moment.
One second. I do see a hand online. It's a phone number ending in 788. If you could unmute and give us your name and municipality, and the agenda item you're speaking on. My name is Jeff Podowitz, and I live in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and I'm talking about… Um, 16.3 appointment certificated LaCoya-Wevington, um, interim supervisor of Student Services, please vote no. Something happened a number of years ago, and that's why I'm bringing this up. In an article, um, written November 15th, 2018, by Bob Halperin and his Cherry Hill Sons.
There were a series of two articles, by the way. It's entitled, Cherry Hill School District Found to Be In Violation of State SEPAG Requirements. Local parents group, which filed complaint, vows vigilance on all district education. Matters. The parent group is CHEPTA, Cherry Hill Special Ed PTA. Please read this and… article, and another one from the Cherry Hold Sun. It wasn't only on the SEPAG, they weren't doing what they were… what they… what they were supposed to be doing. But that was Cherry Hill.
School district. Um, the result of this… was basically that the state of New Jersey, that… that SCH chapter, the Charles… Dr. Potowitz, is this on the agenda item still? That you cited? Yes, it is. I told you the agenda item. It's 16.3. I'm saying don't vote for LaCoya Weathington. Why? It goes on from here. Please don't interrupt me, which is what you do. Okay, I'm sorry, thank you. I apologize, I misunderstood, Dr. Patowitz, I'm sorry, go ahead. Which you've done before? I understand that. Give me some more time, which you won't, alright? The chapter filed a complaint because they warned they were not… the district was not doing what was supposed to do. The state's solution was to…
I'll create a SEPAG, which school leaderships and administrative leaders lead, alright? It is under their supervision. Chapter was not. Now, it just so happens Ms. Wellington was praised by SPAN, and under the article, Cherry Hill Making It Work. Written back then, to how wonderful it is that Cherry Hill created this SEPAG. Well. The state coming down and not really. Really taking care of the complaint.
All right, but saying, this is the solution, do an SEPAG, and he or she is, Ms. Weathington, in this article, Cherry Hill Naked It Work. Taking credit, and how wonderful she is, and how wonderful the Cherry Hill District is. All right? For creating this SEPAG. So just read that article, and read… read what the Cherry Hill Sun does. Cherry Hill School District found to be in violation of state SEPAG requirements when they were in violation of a lot more than that.
So read those articles, find what it is, and that's why these things should have never been given credit. But she was. How wonderful the district is, when in fact. They were not, at that point. And it's the fact that credit was given. Thank you, Dr. Bodowicz. Thank you for calling in. All right, going back to the room, is there anyone who would like to make first public comment on an agenda item? I don't see anyone in the room going back online. The next person's name is Brendan. Please give us your full name and municipality and the action item you're speaking on.
Uh, hi guys, my name's, uh, Brandon Silverstein. I am… Uh, I was a student at, uh, Cherry Hill West. Before that, I went to… Bret Hart, I went to Sharp, I moved all around. Mr. Silverstein, are you speaking on an action item that we're voting on on our agenda tonight, or is this a general public comment? Do I have to wait till the second to have a general comment? Are you a current student in the district? I am not, I'm, uh… I'm doing this for an educational assignment, so do you want me to wait till the second one? Oh, okay. Can… yeah, second public comment tonight. Please give us a call back, we appreciate it. Thank you so much.
All right, anybody else in the room who would like to comment on an action item? That we are taking action on this evening. I don't see anybody looking back online. I don't see anybody with the hands raised, so I'm going to close first public comment. And moved to superintendent comments. Thank you very much, Ms. Winters. Wow. Probably move this back just a little bit. Just a few comments from me, uh, this evening. Uh, just want to double down, um, and also wish, uh, everyone celebrating.
I'm very happy Hispanic Heritage Month, the month runs for approximately. 30 days or so from September 15th through. October 15th. Um, definitely appreciate and recognize and honor the contributions of the members of the Hispanic. And, uh, Latino-American, uh, community. Uh, thank you to all of those who have helped the school year get off to. A great start, uh, September is a time where we transition students in, and we begin to teach students routines.
And, uh, by all accounts, from personal observation and. Um, additional anecdotes. Uh, we have… we have gotten off to a great start. I'm particularly, um… grateful to our staff. For the way that, uh, as a district, our staff has tackled challenges. Uh, we're no different than other districts that have faced budgetary challenges. Um, construction-based challenges and things along those lines. Um, but as I… observe and see the impact, particularly with our middle-level program.
Um, what we've… what we did in going through that process was, uh, allow a committee of individuals. Um, teachers… administrators and other faculty to collaborate in the development of that schedule. And we trust Him. We trust the recommendations that have come forward that. Uh, those people who have the expertise and who walk a mile in those shoes. Provide us with, um, their perspective, and… I think… I think it's paid off, that trust has paid off.
Um, it's not perfect, by any means, and they'll continue. There'll continually be a need to make adjustments, but… That's just one… one, uh… Anecdote as well. I have to tell you, I really had no idea how the TCUs would turn out at Karrosi. So the Karusi building is undergoing. Unprecedented construction. That entire building. Is being torn apart and rebuilt, right? We're just… think about just a frame. Um, what a house looks like when it's torn down to the studs and then rebuilt. That's essentially.
Um… analogous to what's happening over at Karusi. And, um, just to see. The way that the TCUs have been set up, the thought that's gone into. Into the equation, uh, the work that the administration has done, that the, um, facilities team has done. It's remarkable. It is absolutely remarkable. And again, it makes me grateful to have the opportunity to, uh, to interact and work with people. Uh, who are true problem solvers. We're willing to iterate and always find, like, these positive solutions to positively impact students, so…
Truly outstanding. Uh, October is a great month. Aside from the fact that it's a wonderful month to be born. Hint, hint. It's actually a great month. Very… thank you. Uh, very festive month, uh, filled with, uh, many, many, uh, wonderful events and celebrations and, um. Transitions as well. Uh, this month, we'll celebrate the Week of Respect. There's a resolution that's on. Uh, the agenda for this evening. Uh, that's scheduled to be the week of October 6th through 10th.
Uh, every week should be a week of respect, though, technically, and every day should be a day of respect where we, uh, where we interact with one another… one another. Uh, in the manner that we… would like our individuals to interact with us, uh, just… Just important, I can't double down on that concept enough of treating individuals with respect. With dignity, uh, with courtesy. And with kindness. Um… So this… this week serves as a reminder, uh, but it's always a reminder for us to, um.
To behave in that manner. Um… mostly on the other thunder from… Mr. Mayor's comments, but uh, Saturday night was truly a remarkable. Evening and Cherry Hill Public Schools, and, um, you know, the soccer night in Cherry Hill. Major success. Thank you to all those who came out. Um, unfortunately, I was in a family celebration. But, uh, Mr. Burrell sent me a picture of the High School East. Students with what looked like baby powder thrown in the air as they celebrated their wonderful win.
Uh, over High School West, but truly, truly a win for Cherry Hill. Um, in totality. So, congratulations to everyone who took part. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Morton. Moving on to our action items for this evening, we're starting with item 13.1, which is the resolution appointing a member to fill the board vacancy. And is there any board member who would like to make a motion to appoint a board candidate for the vacant seat? Ms. Palmer. I'd like to move to a point, uh, Melissa Manzano to the Board of Education.
There's a motion on the floor to appoint Melissa Manzano. Is there a second? Mr. Mayor. Mr. Schimp, can you please take a roll call vote on the motion to appoint? Mr. Braddock. I'm sorry, Mr. Shim. I apologize, Mr. Payne is correct, I should have opened it up to comments. That was my fault. I said I was going to do that. And then I got excited and didn't, so Mr. Payne. Go ahead. Um, oh my gosh, this is very loud. Uh, thank you. So, I just wanted to make a quick comment. As someone who.
I feel like I generally am the opposition to a lot of the decisions and discuss… discussions that we have. I… and this not being my first process of going through this, I'd like to say that I feel. That there was very good discussion around this in our executive session before this meeting. Um, and I… so I appreciate all of my fellow board members' perspective as I… did not initially have the same, and I feel that… I'm more secure with the decision that we're making tonight, based off of the discussion that we had, so I appreciate that, and I wanted to say thank you to those.
Who provided their insight to me. Thank you, Mr. Fainst. Does any other board member have a comment? Ms. Stern? I just want to thank, um, Board President Winters. For, um, your very, um, thorough, thoughtful, um. Effort to really, um, have a well-designed process. For us, so I want to thank you for all of that, and for the ongoing communication with us about that process. Thank you, I appreciate that. Ms. Palmer. Uh, so I want to echo what Mrs. Chervain said. I truly appreciated the discussion. I thought there were a lot of.
Fantastic points made. There was a lot for us to think about. Um, I also do just, since there are more people in the room, and I know Mrs. Winters, you said it earlier, I just want to thank. All of the candidates who applied, the three who came out and interviewed tonight, it is not easy to put yourself out there and. Even asked to sit in this seat. Um, you know, so I appreciate anyone's willingness to step up and serve the community this way. I also just want to say that, as I told the candidates, I was in their position twice. I interviewed once and was not selected, and then I interviewed again and was. So I've… I've been in both positions.
And the first time I interviewed, and I was not selected. I… it wasn't the end of my involvement. Attending board meetings and being part of the community of Cherry Hill Public Schools. There are all different ways. To be involved in the community, so I really encourage everybody who submitted. A resume, everybody who was interested in the position, everybody who put themselves forward, it really is an amazing opportunity to serve on the board, but there are so many other ways that you can serve the community, and I encourage everybody to stay involved and keep their voices.
Out there and strong. Um, anybody else have… Any other comments? Oh, Dr. Braddock, I'm being told I can't see you, but that you have a comment. Yeah, I do. Um, in the spirit of collaboration, I actually want to thank Mr. Fain for her points, too, during Executive, uh, because I think that she does an excellent job. I bring up points that we don't think about. So, in the spirit of collaboration, in the spirit of… good-spirited discussion, I wanted to thank Mr. Fain as well.
Anybody else have a comment? Well, I think with all of this. Collaboration and teamwork. We are a great board team that Ms. Manzano is joining, and we're excited to have her with us if… The vote goes the way I think it will, so Mr. Shim, please call the roll. Mr. Braddock. Let me talk about it. Mr. Fain? Yes. Dr. Dreisen? Yes. Mr. Greenbaum. Yes. Mr. Mayor? Yes. Ms. Palmer? Yes. Ms. Stern? Yes. Ms. Winters? Yes. Motion carries.
Thank you so much, and thank you, Ms. Manzano. We are excited to welcome you to the board. Okay, moving on to the CNI agenda, I will move the CNI agenda. The superintendent recommends, and I move the following, 14.1, approval of attendance at conference and workshops for the 25-26 school year. 14.2, approval of out-of-district student placement for the 25-26 school year. 14.3 approval of professional service agreements for the 25-26 school year.
14.4, Resolution Approving Educational Services for the 25-26 school year. 14.5 resolution approving professional service agreements between the Cherry Hill Board of Education and Southern New Jersey. Perinatal, and S&JP Cooperative for the 25-26 school year. 14.6, approving the use of commissioner-approved activities for highly effective tenured teachers. And 14.7 approval of consultant agreement. Do I have a second? Mr. Fain, are there any questions on the CNI agenda tonight? Ms. Stern. Just a comment on 14.7. Um, and I'm gonna say her name wrong, but, um, Ms. Uh, Patty…
Pacertia, I think, is the proper… I think I've been saying it wrong this whole time. Um, is on our agenda, um. And this is the disc… this… she would be stepping in to assist with. Some support services, um… For our special ed, um, uh, central office team. Um, this is something that came out of, um. Was first discussed, um, or brought to a committee. And I just really want to thank, um, Dr. Morton for supporting this, Ms. Mallory for bringing this forward. Um, this is an effort to continue to strengthen and support.
Um, the way we deliver special education services in the district, by bringing in a highly skilled. Highly experienced, um, person with administrative, um, many, many years of administration in public schools, high school public schools district. Um, and others, um, to provide some extra support in a very fiscally responsible way as a consultant, rather than hiring an extra position or what have you. Um, and I'm excited to see, um, how that benefits our district, and specifically our special ed.
Students and families. So, um, I'm very… I was very happy to see, um, that this is on the agenda tonight. So, just want to thank you both. For your leadership. Um… Alright, thank you all who were involved for your leadership, so thank you. Thank you. Are there any other comments on the CNI agenda tonight? Questions, comments, concerns? Mr. Schimp, can you please open the voting?
Mr. Shimp, on 14.2, uh, I will be a yes, but I need to abstain on the contract award to Bancroft. Mr. Shind, I am… I'm gonna abstain on 14.7. Unfortunately, I've been locked out of my account today, and was unable to review the information provided. This morning about that item. It is nothing about the item itself. Um, I just unfortunately able to review any of that information.
Just a point of clarification, the pop-up on my screen was to vote on 14.1 through 14.6. So I just want to clarify if we are voting on 14.1 through 14.7. Yes, the motion is as I read it out. So, disregard what's on the screen, is what I'm saying. Mr. Schiff, I think that's right, because the motion would be as I read it, and then was seconded. Correct through 14.7. Mr. Schremes, I don't see the voting… window popping up on my screen, so… but please mark me down as a yes on all…
Noted, thank you. Motion carries. Thank you, Mr. Schimp. Mr. Greenbaum, can you please move the BNF agenda? Thank you. Superintendent recommends, and I move the following. 15.1, approval of minutes, board working session, special action meeting minutes, and executive session minutes dated August 12, 2025. 15.2, approval of minutes, regular meeting minutes, and executive session minutes, dated August 26th. 2025, 15.3, financial reports, 15.4, resolution for the award of transportation.
15.5, resolution improving participation in the National Purchasing Cooperative. 15.6, resolution authorizing and approving certain purchases in excess of the bid threshold. Through New Jersey state contracts and or purchasing system cooperatives. 15.7, resolution authorizing and approving certain purchases in excess of the bid threshold through New Jersey state contracts and or purchasing system cooperatives. 15.8. Resolution approving special education tuition Agreement. For out-of-state student, 15.9, resolution for the award of change orders, 15.10, resolution authorizing acceptance of the fiscal year 2026.
Teach STEM classes in non-public schools grant. And 15.11, resolution utilized the 2025 Emergency Maintenance Repairs and modifications of Infrastructure Facilities, road storm sanitary and Utility. Program under the Cherry Hill Cooperative Pricing System identifier 37-CHCPS. Do I have a second? Ms. Palmer. Are there any questions? Seeing none, Mr. Schimpf, please open the voting.
Voting's open. Mr. Shimza, on 15.3, I just have to recuse myself from the fourth bill list. To, um, recuse myself from a conflict of interest with Beata. Thank you. Similarly, Mr. Schrimp on 15.3, I have to recuse myself from… Um, invoices to Effective School Solicits. Solutions to avoid a conflict. And, um, and also, I'm still trying to reload BoardDocs, um, would be a yes.
On… on all items. Noted. Mr. Schiff, I have one more for you. Uh, I am a yes, except on 15.3. I need to abstain from the payments to Bancroft on, uh, bill list number 4. Motion carries. Thank you. Mr. Fang, can you please move the HR agenda? Sure. The superintendent recommends, and I move the following, 16.1 termination of employment certificated, 16.2, termination of employment non-certificated.
16.3 Appointments Certificated. 16.4 appointments non-certificated. 16.5 assignment salary change certificated. 16.6, assignment salary change, non-certificated, 16.7, leaves of absence certificated. 16.8 leaves of absence non-certificated. 16.9, other compensation certificated, and 16.10, approval of sidebar agreement. Do I have a second? Dissenters. Um, are there any…
Comments. Um, seeing none, I have one I would just like to draw attention. To… what item is that? Is it 16.3. We are finally filling. The vacancy of the ROTC instructor. Um, although I do not know this individual, I'm extremely excited that this is no longer a vacancy in the district. Um, I know that we've had a tremendous amount of growth in this program over the last year, and.
I am beyond excited to see where this continues with a secondary instructor and the expertise that this person is bringing on. So, welcome, and I'm excited. Assuming this goes the right way. All right, uh, Mr. Schimp, can you please open the voting? Voting's open. Mr. Shimp, I may, uh, no on 16.3A. Um, yes to the rest, please.
Motion carries. Thank you, and with that, I see two new administrators who have joined the team tonight. Dr. Martin, would you like to welcome them? Absolutely. It is my pleasure to, uh, introduce first Mrs. Haritha Totempoudi. New principal of. Stockton Elementary School, Ms. Totem Pudi comes to us from, uh, Plainfield Public Schools, where she's an assistant principal currently. Uh, she's also been an instructional coach there. She's been a teacher for over a decade in the South Brunswick School District.
Um, she stood out throughout the entire process for her strong, strong instructional. Knowledge, great instructional leader, uh, her understanding of how to use data to drive achievement and to drive instruction. Um, our understanding of. The multi-tiered systems of support, process, and how to use that to support an entire community. Uh, what I was most impressed by in our conversation is what my conversation asking her about her vision for Stockton and moving forward. Um, what she communicated to me was this idea of creating a collective.
Collaborative vision with all the different stakeholders in the school. And that summarizes exactly, uh, who we are as a school district, and I knew she was the perfect fit. Uh, she has a degree in, uh, economics from Kean University. And also a degree, a master's degree in educational leadership from Seton Hall University. This totem polety, if you can come up and just share a few words. Yes. Okay. Good evening, everyone. I'm thrilled to be joining the Cherry Hill Public School family. I'm especially grateful for the opportunity to serve as principal of the Stockton Elementary School.
And I'm looking forward to getting to know my community, my students, staff. And the community of Cherry Hill at large. Thank you again so much for the… for the opportunity. Thank you. Fantastic, and I'll just note that we, uh, actually, uh, the board appointed this evening, uh, Karen Rock Hill officially as the interim. Principle. Um, Ms. Totempouti is… her start date is on or about December 1st. So, uh, welcome. Definitely a pleasure. I also want to say welcome back.
To Mrs. Leslie Walker, uh, Leslie… Ms. Walker will be serving as the interim principal of High School East, and moving forward. Ms. Walker knows Cherry Hill, and she knows it very well. Uh, she's been a teacher and administrator here in the district, she's been a parent here in the district. She's had multiple children graduate. From high school East, actually. Uh, she's been a district superintendent. Um, she's done a number of interim principal. Um, I was gonna say gigs, but it wouldn't be… it wouldn't be professional now, would it? Assignments, a number of interim principal assignments.
And she comes to us with a wealth of experience. It's my pleasure to ask Leslie to come up and just share a few words. I saw so many familiar faces over here. It's like a throwback night for me. Um, it's really exciting. I started here in Cherry Hill in 1995. And I left in 2005, so I was here for 10 years. And it was… it was a time of great change here, and Dr. Morton Sherman. Was the superintendent. And I'm having a really hard time not calling you Mort, because we… by the end of the 10 years, we were on a first-name basis, so I have to… I'm going through that, it's like a really crazy thing with your last name. Um, I'm happy to be here. I'm thankful for the offer of this.
Opportunity to go to East. It's near and dear to my heart. I have 3 children. 33, 36, and 39. Bret Hart, Beck, Cherry Hill East. Um, an anecdote from my son, who's 39 and is also an educator now with his master's in education and special ed and going on for his administration. He, um… he… he got his B-minus to keep his parents off his back. Throughout his time at EC, graduated in 2004, and he got his B- just to get off his back.
Then he went away to college, he went to Towson University. And after about 2 weeks, he called home and he said. Oh my god, mom, I am more prepared than any kid in this school. And I really… I thought, whoa, you know, the B-minus coming out of Cherry Hill. School system from kindergarten through 12th. That had him prepared, and he was able to say that, and that's what this school district did, and I have no doubt that it is the same now. I was part of the whole movement of changing. From a junior high model to the true middle school model.
I bought into it, um, and it has been my passion throughout my career. I've been a middle school person, and I hear you're moving to the junior high model. I read about it this summer, and that's why I actually reached out. Um, because I know there were so many budget cuts. And budget cuts to this school, and because there were changes. And I thought… I was really retired, my husband's a. Teacher, 27 years retired, and I said, I think I want to go back, and that was kind of a… a push, but he's happy I'm coming back, and I just wanted to say, in ending, I'm thrilled that you're going back to the junior high model.
And the reason I'm thrilled about it, I don't know whether it was forced or whether it was a, uh, you know, research, or what made you decide to do that. But I'm thrilled because it's 20 years later. And because needs have changed, because kids have changed, because opportunities have changed. And as much as I loved creating that middle school model and being a part of it and carrying it on to different districts. I'm thrilled to see the Cherry Hill is ready to move when it needs to move, and ready to change when it needs to change, and I wish you great success with that at the middle school. Thank you again. Um, I'm just beyond excited to be at Cherry Hill East and fill that seat until you get a permanent position, and I hope I do you proud. Thank you.
Thank you so much. We're delighted to have both of you joining us here in the district. Moving on to P&L, Mr. Mayor, can you please move the P&L agenda? Again, the superintendent recommends, and I move the following item, 17.1. Um, remote attendance. Uh, these are all for first reading, anticipate move to second reading at the next meeting. Item, uh, 16… Policy 1620, which is Administrative Employment Contracts. Paul 1648, record keeping, this is the abolishment of the record keeping for healthcare settings and school buildings. That was an abolished COVID-19 policy.
Policy 2422 on circular requirements and the new student sun protection policy 53. 39.01. Um… It was brought to my attention earlier that. Item 17.2. Which is our… Um, student representative to the board, Palsy, does need some additional language with regard. Um, to onboarding process and meetings. Um, and in that regard.
I don't know that it would be appropriate to vote on that for second reading today, so… Um, is there a motion? I'll call for a motion. To hold 17.2 for those changes. For our next meeting. Recommit. So I'm hearing on the floor there's a motion to recommit. That item, policy 10143.2, so the P&L Committee for further revision. It's the motion on the floor. Is there a second? Ms. Stern seconded. All in favor of recommitting that policy back to P&L for further revision.
The motion carries. Thank you. Moving on, item 17.3, the resolution for the recognition of School Violence Awareness Week. Item 17.4, um, referenced earlier by Dr. Morton, a resolution for recognition of the week of respect. And item 17.5, approval of the Cherry Hill Public Schools HIV Self-Assessments. And statements of assurances. Any questions or comments? Dr. Dreys. Thank you. I know this is just, um, first read. Um, so, um, but maybe can you share more from the P&L discussion on Policy 2422?
In 17.1. I just could use a little bit more, um, context on the revisions being suggested. Whether or not this is a fair to pass off to Dr. Mahan or not, Dr. Mahan. Sure, maybe Strauss estimated, that's why I was just curious to get some more context on these updates. Yeah, given… given the… given the breadth of the policy. I noted, had there been an opportunity to respond to questions earlier in the week, we would have been happy to have done it at the table.
I'm not prepared to do that at the. Table. Dr. Mahan, if there are any specific comments, you might be able to help Dr. Dreisman with. Well, it's first read, so we can have this over the… in between now and the next meeting. I just thought this is an opportunity to discuss it. Well, let's do… let's do that, then. I would be more than happy to… provide that information prior to the next meeting, so by second reading. You'd be that much more comfortable. Well, I think it would be helpful for the board just to hear context if they're… yeah. Okay, all right, then we're gonna… Dr. Mahan says she may have some information that'd be helpful. Great.
Sorry, we're mic-deprived over here. So… Um, the updates to Policy 24-22 relate, excuse me, directly to. Statutory curricular requirements. The policy before used to speak directly to health and physical education. Now the policy is encompassing. A variety of topics, including, um, items that are. Indicated in the QSAC process. So the language is moving away from health and physical education and changing the title of the entire policy to.
Statutory curricular requirements. So, there are things in here that speak to bullying prevention. Gang violence awareness. Um, cancer awareness. Sexual assault prevention, Lyme disease. History of the disabled and LGBTQ+. Um, and then it also goes into speak to the overall curriculum requirements. For, um… language around inclusivity. So, that's what it includes. Thank you, and these changes are coming from the state, or are they Cherry Hill-specific?
These are changes that are coming from the state, and we did receive an update from Strauss Esme. And we are now updating the policy to reflect the changes that are included. Thank you. You're welcome. And also, just to add on to that, during our discussion at P&L, we did not entertain any. Consideration for Cherry Hill-specific. Language. Mr. May. Mrs. Snur. Just as a member of the committee, just to clarify, um, one of the, um.
Recommendations from Dr. Mahan in taking the helm of… as liaison is. To really move away from what Dr. Mahan referred to as the orphan policies. That seems to be… kind of not a best practice, and Cherry Hill has quite a few orphan policies, which mean… which are policies that are maybe differ from. Kind of standard language state. You know, stress estimates. So, just as a point of clarification from our committee, and that's… we've… that kind of comes up every… Every meeting, you know, trying to really steer away from orphan policies and really try to be more.
Standardized to the state, um, you know, the state-recommended language, um, coming down from stress asthma. So just. You know, it's a good question, and I think, um… I think we're really trying to, you know. Not that there aren't occasions where we. You know, need to kind of modify a bit, but um… but yeah, moving away from that. I think that we've generally been in agreement in the committee. You know, Dr. Braddock and Mr. Mayer, you know, that makes a lot of sense, and it's under the guidance of, you know, Dr. Mahan to follow that, so we've really been trying to.
Thank you. Alright, seeing no additional questions. Um, I have a… is there a motion? You wrote it down. All right, and Mr. Schimp, would you be so kind as to open the vote? Voting is open. Motion carries. Thank you. There is nothing for governance this evening, so moving on to new business, are there any.
Board members who have new business tonight to raise? Don't see any new business? Are there any board members who have old business to raise? Dr. Dreisen. Yeah, just on a personal note, to put it on the record, I had committed. At the start of my tenure to complete the requirements for a new board member, boardmanship certification, and so. I'm happy to report that I've completed all of the requirements, so now it's just in processing phase, hopefully within the next month, but… Um, that was something I was eager to do. I really credit Ms. Surefane and, um, and Ms. Gallagher.
And I encourage everyone, um, to, um, to look into the professional development opportunities through the NJSBA. Thank you so much, congratulations. That's wonderful news. Um, just to piggyback off of that, I want to remind everybody that our board retreat is coming up. It's on the district calendar. That will be October 13th. That is one of our requirements on the path to full board certification. Um, in addition to individual certification, we're pursuing that as a board, and the topic will be the board self-evaluation and the development of board goals for the first time in a long time.
So, we are taking those steps forward. Does anybody else have old business this evening? Ms. Stern? Um, so first of all, congratulations, it's exciting. And I think on the topic of. What we might think of as a little bit of, like, extracurriculars or, you know, outside of, kind of. Meetings and stuff. I just really want to… Um, thank Dr. Morton, um, and the team for inviting us to events in the community. I think they're really important. Really gives us a sense of our, you know, what's going on, um, and connecting with the students and the families.
Um, and I just want to shout out to the board members, you know, who were signing up, and encourage everyone to continue to do so. It really, um… You know, when I first got on the board, actually, and it was… it was just kind of coming out of COVID, it was 2021. Um, and that had all stopped. We weren't going to events, we weren't in the community. Um, and then that came back under Board President, um, Benovadia at the time. He really emphasized how important it is. So I just really want to, kind of. Raise that, and maybe that was maybe a little bit more new business, but, um, you know, that it's… it's just… it's an important opportunity, and quite honestly.
You know, although I was joking around about this, you know, the competition with Mrs. Winters and Ms. Didn't realize it too, Mrs. Palmer, but I think, you know, I think we do need to all, um. You know, do our fair share as well. I'm gonna just put that out there. So, you know, as much as we can, as much… you know, it's a volunteer job, but… Um, it really enriches our experience, and I think it's important to the community that actually. Um, you know, people will comment on that, it makes a difference when we show up. Um, so I just, you know, again, thank you for the opportunity. I know there's a lot of them. We have a lot of schools, a lot of things going on.
Um, but they're… they're really great events, so… Thank you. Ms. Surefane. Um, I have two. I first wanted to clarify my vote. For, um, agenda item… 14.8, because I think that I might have recorded it incorrectly. Um, my intention was to abstain only from 14.7 and yes for the rest of that. Section, but I think that I accidentally abstained from the whole thing. I just wanted to clarify that. Okay, thank you. And then, um, I do have one item. My intention was to do this at the October meeting, but I…
For sake of radical transparency, I decided that. I will do it at both meetings, just to give an update on the redistricting committee that we had, um… Scared me for a minute there. …this month. Oh, sorry. The last time this happened, Ms. Gallagher resigned. Don't do that. Oh, yeah, no. Now, you would know if I was doing that. I wouldn't spring that on you, for sure. And you can't get rid of me that easy. But anyway, so, um, I wanted to give an update on the redistricting committee that we had this month on September 22nd, because I think it's important the more we talk about this. Hopefully, you all can spread the word to everybody else that's not here or in the, um.
In cyberspace. But we met on, uh, September 22nd. It, uh, the committee members, um, Dr. Braddock, Mr. Mayor, myself, and Ms. Winters met with. Dr. Morton and Mr. Guy, um, we reviewed our plan for the rest of this year on a communication plan around this and some more sensing sessions, or. Community input meetings that we will be having. Um, in October, there will be a lot of planning by Dr. Morton and Mr. Guy and the team.
Um, to deliver a video, first and foremost, outlining the intentions behind redistricting, the issues that we're facing, and why we are redistricting. Um, that video will hopefully serve as a purpose to give some background information, primarily for the meetings that we'll be having. Um, in November. We will be having three meetings to, um, to gain more community input for… specifically for redistricting. The first will be at Cherry Hill East on November 13th at 7pm. The 2nd.
Will be at Cherry Hill West on November 18th at 7pm, and then we will hold a virtual meeting that's open, obviously, to everybody. They're all open to everybody. Um, but virtual will also be an option if you cannot attend the other two in person, and that will be November 20th at 7pm. So spread the word on that one. The intentions behind these meetings are… a less formal discussion and ability for those board members that will be in attendance to have more dialogue related to the redistricting process.
And to gain more insight from more community members. We also had a discussion on ensuring that all of the work that has been done. To date on this, and the input that was. Given by the group of community members last year on redistricting would continue to be. Um, a part of this process. Um, some of the issues that we're facing, we want to make sure that the community understands that. Everything that's going into this is to optimize multiple factors throughout the entire district. Primarily around transportation efficiencies, um, the special education plan, and overcrowding, which is probably the biggest issue that we're facing, and why we're redistricting.
Um, so looking forward to a video, um, starring our superintendent, and, um. With some more… more information on, um, really just the why behind all of this, so please watch that video for those of you listening that are in the room, please watch that video before attending the. One or all of the meetings that we're having, um, our attention is really to optimize that time together to hear from as many community members as possible. Um, we will not have a decision by any stretch of the imagination by that day. It's really just to hear from all of you and to engage into some discussion.
Um, the intention is by the end of this year, we'll have, um, some… some more data and compile all of the input from the community members. And then hopefully by the end of January, we'll have more of a definitive. Idea of where we're going with this, and, um, to be implemented in the 27-28 year. So, that is our timeline for this. I know we have, um, some… goals related to our strategic plan around redistricting, so we will be reevaluating them at each of our committee meetings. And ensure that we're keeping in time with the timelines that, um, we originally set up for that. So more to come.
I'll reiterate all of this at our next meeting, but if you are able to attend any of those meetings, please. Attend them and spread the word, because this is really… Um, this is really the opportunity for us to hear from as many of the community members as possible, so that everybody understands that we're listening and. Trying to make the best decision for what will impact. Generations in this district. Thank you so much, and thank you for your leadership on this. This is… Probably the biggest project. We're tackling currently, um, and it's a heavy lift, and I really appreciate you taking the lead.
Are there any other board members who have old business this evening? Seeing no takers on old business. I'm going to move to second public comment. Public comment is an opportunity for members of the community to provide input to the Board of Education on educational issues. The board welcomes diverse opinions on relevant matters. However, statements that are abusive. Obscene, or which demeanor or defamatory to any individual or any group of individuals will not be tolerated.
Such comments are disruptive to the orderly operation of this meeting. Speakers wishing to provide the board with information which is not relevant to the district's operations may communicate directly with the superintendent and the board president. Via email or other alternative means. Just like first public comment, you will have 3 minutes. We will start in the room, as we always do. Was there anybody who would like to make. Second public comment on any topic this evening. Please approach the microphone. Just give us your name and municipality.
Because of some concerns that I wanted to be sure you all knew about. I don't know any of you, I've never been involved with the school board. Um, but I did serve on the New Jersey Commission for Holocaust Education for a number of years. And I just wanted to make you aware. Um, and see what you might offer, um, because I'm getting phone calls from the tri-state area. People who are very concerned and up in arms about where Cherry Hill. Is headed with some of their DEI policies. Singling out people, calling people Nazis, white supremacists.
And I'm getting a lot of calls. And my kids went to Cherry Hill, I went to Cherry Hill schools. It seems to me patently unacceptable to be moving in this direction or allowing this to go on. In the schools are pushing this, some sort of agenda. So I just wanted to say, you know, sometimes we live in a bubble. And I don't know what your bubble might be, but. There are many communities in the tri-state area. That see Cherry Hill as not what it used to be, and as a failed community for allowing this to go on.
So, I'm wondering if anybody could direct me. To information that might clarify what really, you know, what you think is going on versus the perception. In the public, because I'm not gonna let it go. I'm a resident here, my kids are long gone, but it's… really disturbing, um, knowing the realities and going to schools for years and teaching about the Holocaust. To have anybody in this community be referred to as a Nazi, because they have different opinions. It's… to me, it's patently unacceptable, and it's what I work for. So, I'm hoping somebody can give me some direction, because I'm going to dive.
You know, into this a little deeper. I wanted to come see. For myself, who you all are, and what you have to say about things. And I hope you take my comment with the way it was intended. I really want better for Cherry Hill, and it's just really ugly. What I'm hearing. So I hope… I hope somehow this can get addressed. Nobody should be made to… be called a Nazi. I know what Nazis are. I'm hoping you guys do. We don't have Nazis in Cherry Hill. We have differences of opinions, but we don't have Nazis. So, I'm wondering what we can do. You know, if somebody can direct me to a website or information about what.
The goals for the district are, and how they're being. Sort of pushed out to the kids, I'd appreciate it. It's very upsetting to me. Thank you for your comment. Thank you. And just to clarify, because you said that you haven't interacted with the school board much, at public comment, it's not a time for us to go back and forth, so I don't want you to think that. Like, we're not understanding, but we… somebody will come and speak with you at the end of the meeting to clarify. Um, next steps going forward, okay? Of course. That's why we're here.
All right, going online, the first person with her hand raised, it says iPhone. If you can unmute and give us your name and municipality. Laurie Neary, Cherry Hill. I just wanted to congratulate Ms. Manziano. I had a wonderful conversation with her and her husband earlier this evening, and I think she'll be a wonderful addition to the school board. And I also wanted to say congratulations to the new interim. Principal at High School East. Um, welcome back to the community.
Oh, and that's it, thank you. Thank you so much for your comment. Alright, going back to the room, is there anyone else who would like to make second public comment? Seems to be a decision occurring? Yes. Please approach the microphone. Give us your name and municipality. I'm Sarah Jocelyn, I'm from Cherry Hill. First, I'd like to congratulate the incoming principal from Stockton, the new interim from East.
Um, welcoming to the people to come to the Cherry Hill community. I, um, particularly tonight, would like to, um. Thank thee. Efforts of Mrs. Chervain to. Answer my questions in advance of public comment. I think that report is well received. And I'm looking forward to continuing, um. Action, um, on the part of the redistricting. I applaud you all for attending every school. I didn't have a checklist, but you hit a lot of them.
So, thank you for that. Um, and I truly appreciate the questions that were asked during the. Interview session. I think they were very, um. Revealing, and uh… and helped you to make a decision. I know there were some differences of opinion, but you worked it out, and thank you for the board for working for consensus. What I thought was a very important thing is what would add value to the board? And that, to me, was a very revealing question that was included in here.
Because we have an existing board, and we want to represent the full nature of the community. And I felt, um, uh, some of the aspects there were really… were really an important. Point to be making. Um, I do remind you that in Cherry Hill, not only do we have the redistricting going on. But we are still working towards our movement for the 10-year plan for affordable housing. Which will be, uh, the deadline for making any. Amendments, uh, or…
So forth is kind of the end of this year, so that's going to be coming into the timeline that. That is going on. And as, of course, you know, um. New Jersey is a quarter of a million units short on housing, so this is an issue, relatively large issue for everyone. Um, I… I thank the, uh, board for the work towards the strategic plan, and I applaud the fact that you're going to have a retreat. Work on, um, board goals. So, thank you so much. Thank you for your comment. Going back online, the next…
Person is a caller with a phone number ending 788. Please unmute and give us your name and municipality. My name is Jeff Podowitz, and I live in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Um, one article that you should all refer to is Camden County's Effective Property Tax Rate rank ranks second. Among more than 20,000… 3,000 counties in the U.S. My God, we are being taxed enough and overtaxed enough.
One way to help that is if we get our fair share of aid. We're not… our administration has not done enough, our politicians have not done enough, and I've been speaking about this for a good 20 years. I understand it. I'm not listened to, and I've been criticized for what I said. All right? An example of what's going on is Perth Amboy has this beautiful new high school. Gorgeous, state-of-the-art high school. And they paid about 3, or they didn't pay, the state paid about $500 a square foot.
We added classrooms. Preschool classrooms. Just classrooms, alright? I'm not talking about what's inside of them, and it's not state-of-the-art. We paid about $630 a square foot. Okay. That's all. We pay top dollar. They got their money's worth. But everything's fine, but I'm just telling you. We paid a lot more than they did. About someone who just talked, this is not my thing, it's not what I talk about. Though, the first time I talked about anti-Semitism in the Cherry Hill School District was May of 2022.
And I was talking about it, what we saw from the right. The Nazis took Manhattan. You know, I took Manhattan, that whole story back then. In 2023. May, again, a Veterans Day. I spoke about. Anti-semitism, and the article… the article… Uh, the oldest hatred that was written in AAVOP Magazine. I was interrupted speaking when I started to talk about what the Holocaust was and the Nazis, that the Nazis wanted to wipe out every Jew from the face.
Of the Earth, which a book my father had from military intelligence, just classified. That's all. The lowest level. But the State Department and British Naval Intelligence said that. So I understand a little bit of what's going on. The most was… that you could find is from. The article, um, a group that was supporting a child, a student at Cherry Hill East. But yes, I understand it, and I've talked about it, and they do shut you up, they do quiet you, because I was interrupted speaking, just like I was interrupted today.
Because they didn't want to hear what I said, alright? Because I talk about special ed. I know that more than I know about anti-Semitism. I'm not the one to talk about that kid. You could, if you could get in touch with me. Yeah, I could tell you a little bit. Thank you, Dr. Potowitz. Thank you for your comment. Going back to the room, is there anyone else you would like to make second public comment? And Einhorn Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Jersey. How about I go too hoarse on you. I'm sure that would be a pleasure for some.
Um, on September the 25th, I had the privilege of attending. An A1, uh… discussion, which our superintendent attended as one of the. Main, uh, speakers and contributors, which I actually found quite fascinating, which was sponsored by Sport… Smart Social. So, another… I consider myself to be a dinosaur in the district, um, and I was speaking to another semi-dinosaur.
I prefer to be a brontosaurus when the push comes to shove. So, a couple of things that we discussed were, um… Do we as a district create some kind of hybrid system? Because it could be useful to… with… obviously, it's ups and downs. Or is public education. Not in my lifetime, becoming a dying industry. Um. I really think, Dr. Morton, that if it's illustrious copyright issues, you need to put this on our district website.
Because you had indicated there has been some movement. I didn't go back on my notes for CNI about the discussions about A1. Ai. But, um… Worcestershire sauce, right? Um… I think it'd be a great tool for our community, especially those that are so computer literate, it blows my mind. I'm not one of those people. But I did find the comments and the suggestions as. It could be used to be more of a bull… So, if that's something that we could do.
Some way, somehow, and congratulations, I'm glad that you were there. To speak on behalf of Cherry Hill. Um, Mrs. Sokoloff, I was there that evening, and it was an insult. And it should have been stopped, because those kind of words don't belong here. Um, I understood the frustration of the board member having. Sat on that set of table at one time. But it should have been stopped at that time by the, uh… people in charge. Um, it really was…
A difficult situation, um, especially when your grandparents. Help people escape Nazi Germany, um… My husband was Jewish. I just, to this day, that… the lot, the suit for the, um, New Jersey… I'm not gonna go on on. It was a disgrace that he was not censored for at least 6 months after those remarks were made. I would like to say something, though, about interrupting people. When they call in or stand here at the mic.
If you're going to continue to do this, and it's been going on all year, Ms. Winters, um. You have to stop the clock immediately if you're going to have dialogue. And if you don't, then you have to give the seconds back. We only get 3 minutes, and sometimes it is not enough. Regardless of what someone is saying, um, that is the right. Thank you. All right, going back online, the next caller, the name is Michael.
Michael, if you could unmute, give us your name and municipality. Uh, good evening. Um, my name is Michael Nussbaum. I'm a teacher in the Camden City School District, a doctoral student in educational leadership, and most importantly, a father. Of a child currently in Cherry Hill Schools. I'm also a second-generation Cherry Hill resident. My mother grew up here, I grew up here, and now my son represents the third generation. I'm here tonight. Because I'm deeply concerned about how the district has handled my son's special education services.
His individualized education program has remained virtually unchanged for the past 3 years. With only superficial edits. The goals run for him are not only not smart goals, meaning that they are not specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Okay, they… without these SMART goals, there's no clear pathway for growth, no accountability, and no way to measure progress in a meaningful way. As a teacher myself, I know that inclusion matters. Research consistently shows us that when students with autism and other disabilities are placed in inclusive settings with the right supports, they thrive.
To use a simple metaphor, if you keep a fish in a small bowl, its growth is limited, but if you place that same fish in a larger tank, it has room to grow. Right now, my son is being contained, rather than given the space and opportunities he needs to flourish. When I requested an IEP meeting this summer, I was outright denied. When I raised the issue. With higher-level supervisors, I was told in so many words, if you don't like it, go to the state. That's not collaboration, that is dismissive and adversarial. Families should not be forced into litigation just to get their children's needs met.
We did go to this state. We entered mediation, yet instead of working towards solution, the district attempted to. Conditioned basic inclusion services on waiving. My legal rights. That is not how the law is supposed to work. Even now, we cannot seem to secure adequate mediation time with the judge. It feels like a strategy of delay rather than a commitment to resolution. In addition, 3 separate outside therapists who observed my son in school independently reported the same concerns.
His goals are not appropriate, his progress is not being measured effectively, and staff are not equipped to meet his needs. This is not just my opinion, it is a professional assessment of licensed providers. I stand… I am here now, not only as a parent, but as an educator who has dedicated my career to serving students, especially those. With unique needs. I know how hard this work is, but I also know it can be done and must be done. Cherry Hill is a proud community, but we cannot rest on our laurels. We must do better for our children, mine and every child with special needs, every child facing bullying, and every child.
Who learns differently. I am asking the board and the district to take responsibility to honor the intent of IDEA. And to treat families as true partners. My son and all of our students. Deserve nothing less than a system that sets them up to grow, achieve. Thank you for your comment, we appreciate it. Going back to the room, is there anyone else who would like to give second public comment tonight?
Please approach the microphone. Um. We need to have a, uh… a truth reckoning. A truth reckoning in this… And the school board. We need truth. We don't need lies. Hate is at the highest across America right now. Hate, is that the highest because we can't identify hate.
Policy 2100, anti-racist policy. Students who have a racial identity other than white. We've been saying that this is racist for years. Is that true? Or is this district just dumb? Madam President, you once said, too many white kids and Russell Knight, and that's a problem. You never apologize for that. That's racist. Again, that causes more hate. Recently, a town councilwoman said, putting people of color in concentration camps at this mic.
She never apologized. Again. Causing more hate in the community. Teaching white privilege in school. More hate in our community. It's so funny that when I accidentally said, staff of color wrong. A statement was made by the Cherry Hill Public Schools. Statements from the Cherry Hill Board of Education regarding unacceptable language. What I said is, also under the recruitment and hiring. Staff of color, I said that wrong, you forgot about the LGBT community.
Wow, that's what I… that's what I said. No, but a school board member is now allowed to come up to a mic. And call the community right-wing extremists, white nationalists, and modern-day Nazis. And it's normalized. This is not acceptable, and it's not… fair. It is unbelievable that this happened to me when I accidentally said. Staff of color wrong, and the school board member gets away with calling. Half of the town, right-wing extremists, white nationalists, and modern-day Nazis.
It is unbelievable. The way this district is operating. And then. The lies, or the truth. What is truth? What is lies? Goldie Muhammad yelling out. Oh, agenda items? That's whiteness! Do you think this is… Good? You think this is good for children's heads? These consultants that you guys have? You can't hide anymore! You cannot hide anymore. The truth. Is coming out.
Oh, under student safety. This is unbelievable! You guys ignored the Rutgers University report! That our consultants are causing a hostile environment. But you keep it! It is unbelievable! What you do with hate, you're just teaching more hate. Thank you for your comment. Going back online, the next caller is Kim. Kim, if you can unmute and give us your name and municipality.
Yes, hi. Kim Gallagher, Cherry Hill. Uh, let me… hold on, let me grab my notes. Um… Okay, so I wanted to start off by just making the board aware that. You know, one of the bond projects was a new playground at Horace Mann. And I don't know what happened, but somehow the location. The original location of the playground was changed, and it was put to… Essentially, a remote area of the back of the school. Which means that we don't have enough staff.
To watch the kids on the blacktop and the swings. And the playground. So that playground sits idle every single day. The kids are not allowed to use it. Um, and it's sad. And I've talked to our principal, like. I've been made aware, and I think that the community needs to know that, you know, we put all this money into this playground. Um, and other bond projects, and we can't even use it, or our kids can't use it at school. And in order to use it, we have to spend more money.
To hire more recess employees to, um, watch the kids. So it's kind of… like, you know, a money suck right there. Um, secondly, um, thank you, Mrs. Chaffain, for the, um. Progress update for the, uh, redistricting. I will just make the board aware that there were two other key KPIs under Priority 2 that should have… Have been done this month, um, and that was a communication campaign launch. And, uh, a first meeting of the Collaborative Advisory Panel. So I would just hope that the board is constantly looking at goals and making sure that, um.
You know, items are being met on time, and if not, then they can be re-evaluated, but, you know, already two items. Uh, we're not… and I haven't even looked at the other priorities to see if anything was due in September. So, um… I know it's a tight timeline for redistricting, so just, you know, make sure that you're, like, staying on track, um, because it's a huge project. And I would also say, like, I don't know what the collaborative advisory panel is exactly, and I don't know if you're, like. Taking applications. But if you are, like, I think it'd be nice to maybe make the community aware how they could potentially be a part of it.
Um, and that is it. Thank you. Thank you for your comment. Going back to the room, is there anyone else who would like to approach the microphone and make a comment? See, no one in the room going back online, I see Brendan is back, who… be asked to come back at second public comment. Go ahead, Brendan, it's your turn. Give us your name and municipality. Oh, thank you, um… I'm happy to be back. I apologize for, uh. Being improper with the first one. I've never done one of these.
First, I'd like to say that. I would appreciate, just from, like, looking at it from a… Perspective of a student or anyone who isn't familiar with the Board of Education and how their agenda works, that maybe we should make it. A little bit more accessible. I feel like I spent, like. 20, 30 minutes trying to find it. It wasn't super easy, but, you know, I found it. Um, I also like to say that. I appreciate the… board being so, like, local and going to all the back-to-school meetings as…
In our class, we've learned about, like. How much local government actually. Does what the federal government can't, so I really appreciate that. And I also want to comment that this has been a great look into local government with all the perspective from the community coming out so far. And I can't wait to write my paper. Thank you. Thank you so much, Brendan. We were happy to help with your paper. Is there anyone else in the community who would like to approach the microphone for second public comment?
Go ahead, name a municipality. Andy McElvain, Cherry Hill. Um… This is in regard to the goals of the district and the five-year plan. So, um… This is just a kind of a random comment. Um, I'm hoping that as we go through the process of developing the next 5 years. I'd like to see a robust conversation about the meaning of academic success. An academic, um, excellence. Uh, one thing I would like to see as a common definition of the term, because I've always had difficulty defining it except in relative terms.
Um, as an example. I'm the youngest of three siblings. I have two older sisters. Both of whom hold higher degrees than I do. The oldest is Phi Beta Kappa from Northwestern University with a PhD from Cornell. The middle sister is a scientist and an MD who practice family medicine for over 30 years. High academic achievers, both. For years, I took pride in the fact that I was the top person in the bottom half of my high school class. Until I discovered I had misread my class rank. And it, in fact, been the bottom person in the top half.
Um, I did manage to get a BA in History and an MBA from Penn, so I don't think I did too badly. But as I said, success is relative. And I'm third out of three in my relatives. Um, lesson here, despite that, um, I did okay. So maybe the concept should be part of the con… discussion as we go forward. Thank you. Thank you for your comment. Going back online, I don't see anyone with their hands raised. Going back into the room, is there anyone else who would like to make second public comment tonight?
Okay, I'm going to close second public comment and move on to superintendent comments. Madam President, may I make a point of clarification, please? Yes. Um, first of all, I want to say, as a board member who sat. In this seat for, um… this is my fifth year, and who attended years of meetings before. Um, I want to just state for the record, there are many inaccuracies that have been said tonight throughout public comments. Many. Inaccuracy in language, inaccuracy in portrayal. Um, so I wanted to make that comment. The second comment I wanted to make, which I actually.
Probably should have mentioned during, um. This is a point of clarification, during our correspondence, is that I was at the man back-to-school night. And I had a chance to see not only the new APR, which I think I might have mentioned, but I also saw the new playground. Which is directly accessible to the wing where our special education students. Attend school. Those students have an entire wing in that school, and they have an opportunity to have a very safe. And well-designed new playground. So, just to clarify.
You know, that is a challenge in terms of having that accessible to all the students, but my understanding is it is used on a very regular basis, I believe every single day. By the special education students in that school. So I just wanted to clarify that. Information so that we have an accurate understanding. Of that. Thank you. Moving on to Superintendent comments. Thank you very much for those clarifications. Yeah, just to echo what you said, so during recess, there's a separate.
Playground and, um, other, uh, other space for. Kids to play during recess. The new, um… The new playground is adjacent to. The self-contained area, and it is utilized almost exclusively, really, by the children. In those programs, myself, Mr. Guy, had an opportunity to go over and watch that, and watch it in action. It's actually a beautiful thing to say. It's actually definitely a beautiful thing to see, so I had intended to clarify that. Uh, in reference to hateful comments and… Um, the district endorsing those. I mean, clearly, uh, our district does not support.
Any type of, uh, hateful comments, any type of derogatory language, any type of bullying, harassment, there's protocols, there's policy, there's state… regulations as well, that, you know, we're required to implement and enforce. Our district website is littered. Um, filled with, uh, examples of goals and statements about. Uh, what we believe as a district. Um, Mr. Guy, can you raise your hand, Mr. Guy? It's the guy that heads up our Access and Opportunities Committee, Ms. Akalau, he'll touch base with you.
Uh, to just speak with you directly about your specific anecdote, and then also to talk to you about some of the work that we are doing. Here within the district. Um… I enjoyed the AI conversation. Thank you very much, Ms. Einhorn, for watching, uh, watching that. Um, presents tremendous opportunities for… for us and for our district. There's some things that are somewhat, um… like the Wild Wild West, so we want to introduce it in somewhat of a controlled manner, where our teachers have.
Control over, uh, some of the inputs that students are putting. Into the… into the chat box, essentially as they are. Uh, we utilize a program called School AI that allows us to have some control over those parameters. But also, uh, allow the students to take advantage of, and staff to take advantage of. The power of AI. Still a learning process, we're still growing as we're moving forward. Um, but we will have much more conversation. In the coming weeks and months within this district. We are examining an AI policy as well.
Uh, we look forward to the work that will… that will take place. Uh, with that being said, thank you for… thank you to the, uh, candidates as, um. As was stated this evening, or who came out and, um. Who vocalized the interest in serving this community. We definitely appreciate you. Have a great night. Thank you, I'll make a motion to adjourn. Do I have a second? Ms. Stern? I… I want… I… excited to go see my family. It just came in from Israel today, so… Thank you, so exciting. We're finishing early, now I can go see them. So I definitely, I definitely second that. All those in favor of adjourning?
The motion Part: 2
I'd like to call this meeting of the Board of Education to order. Please rise and join me for the Pledge of Allegiance. I 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. Mr. Schimp, can you please call the roll? Mr. Braddock. Mr. Fain? Here. Dr. Dreisen? Here. Mr. Greenbaum? Here. Mr. Mayor? Here. Ms. Palmer. Ms. Stern? Here. Ms. Winters.
Here. We have a quorum. Thank you. Public owners of this meeting, pursuant to the open public meetings act, has been given by the Board Secretary on September 17, 2025, and the following manner. Posted notice on the school bulletin board at the administration building, transmitted to the Courier Post, Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Clerk of Cherry Hill Township. So, we have something a little bit different to start our meeting tonight. We are going to be doing our interviews for the vacancy on the Board of Education. We have 3 individuals here. Who submitted their applications and resumes to interview, and I want to thank them for applying to fill the vacancy. We appreciate it.
Um, if you are appointed, you will serve until December 2026. Tonight, we will conduct the interview in public. We will then move into closed session to discuss and return to the public meeting at approximately 6.30 p.m. And if the board is able to come to consensus, we will hold a public vote to appoint the successful candidate. In our meeting this evening, and that's agenda item 13.1. You've all been informed of the process, but I'm just going to reiterate it. You'll have the opportunity to give a 60-second opening statement. A 60-second closing statement, and 2 minutes to answer each question.
I will rotate who answers each question first. Our timekeeper will be Ms. Barati. When she holds up the yellow paper. You have 15 seconds left. And when she holds up the red paper, your time has expired, and I will be strictly enforcing the time limit, so please be succinct. We are going to begin with the opening statements, and you will have 60 seconds each. Again, the yellow paper is 15 seconds remaining, and the red paper says your time has expired. So I'm going to start on this side with Ms. Manzano.
You press the green light to go, and you press it again when you're done. Hello, my name is Melissa Manzano. Thank you for the opportunity to potentially serve on the Board of Education for our wonderful district. My husband and I are proud to be raising our four young children here in Cherry Hill, two at Johnson Elementary in kindergarten and second grade, and our 3-year-old twins at Malburg. I'm an educator with more than 15 years' experience dedicated to advancing education, arts integration, and equitable learning environments. I hold dual bachelor's degrees in music and theater education, a master's in teacher leadership, and my New Jersey school supervisor Certificate.
As a proud member of NAFME and NJME, I also contribute to statewide strategic planning to expand opportunities in music education. Through teaching and community, arts, initiatives, I strive to cultivate creativity, leadership. Cultural awareness and a strong sense of pride, passion, and excellence. My mission is to foster equitable, inclusive environments where every student, teacher, and family can thrive while contributing my expertise to the broader Cherry Hill community. With integrity and vision. I believe this requires responsible budgeting, fair funding to ensure… Thank you.
Thank you. Moving on to Mr. Manzano. Hello, everyone. My name is Miguel Manzano, and I've been a proud Cherry Hill resident since 2013. I'm a licensed New Jersey optician with an associate's degree in ophthalmic science who teams up with professionals every day. To help people see the world and live their lives a little bit better. Another amazing thing happened to me after the Eagles won their first Super Bowl. I became a dad. Uh, and um… I think now is the time that I step up and try to contribute to my community as much as I can. My professional background, which includes years managing teams at Walt Disney World, has instilled a deep commitment to service and excellence.
In the hospitality industry, um. We were an incredibly diverse team that worked towards a common goal. I want to help ensure our teachers and administrators are fully set up for success, we expect. I want our children to feel encouraged, nurtured, and empowered with a true sense of ownership in their education. Every student. From preschool onwards should have a sense of belonging, enthusiasm for learning, and regardless of what school they attend. Families should also feel that they are partners in their child's educational journey. I'm proud of my adopted home and my community, and I want to help make Cherry Hill the absolute benchmark. Thank you.
Ms. Neary, thank you, and thank you for considering my application. As many of you know, I've not gone far since my previous service on the board. I've remained engaged. And in fact, now my oldest is at school to become an educator himself. I remain incredibly passionate. Almost detrimentally so, to public education. Our students, in particular here in Cherry Hill. And understand the importance.
Of the board as oversight, and its role as the North Star. For our students, our staff. And it's important now more than ever. And the support that is needed. For our students and staff. Um, I believe in collaboration amongst everyone. Whether I agree or disagree, and I think it is really important now more than ever that we come together and move forward for our children. Thank you. Thank you. We're going to move on to the questions. You will have 2 minutes to answer each question, and I will rotate who goes first.
Again, the yellow paper is… 15 seconds… left, and the red paper says that your time has expired. So, we are going to start in the middle with Mr. Manzano. What do you see as the role of a school board member, and what do you think our school board members' primary responsibilities? I think our school board, um. And that only should have the, um, the, the… attention, uh, and the… the, um, the mission of making sure our kids are set up, but we also need to make sure that we're properly supporting our staff and our teachers and our administrators, making sure that they have everything that they need.
Um, so it takes for, uh, balancing a budget, making sure that we can allocate all the funds where we need to. Uh, just to make sure that we have everyone set up for as much success as we possibly can. Um, being, um… someone with… with four very young children at home, and, you know, at all different age ranges and different aspects and different things that they need. Um, it's very, um… It's very comforting for me to know, for example, when a teacher is.
Is sending me these progress reports, or giving us these updates as to what's going on. Whether it's a behavior issue or, you know, something where maybe one of the kids needs a little more tutoring. They are actually helping us help them, and I feel that that. That conversation is something that needs to happen. Not only more, but maybe even sometimes better, because we have been through a couple different schools. In the district, and some schools do it a little better than others, and. I don't know that that should be a thing. It should… be pretty seamless. We're all in the same district, so…
We should be getting the same type of progress, the same type of communication. Um, to be able to help our kids, and so I want to also make sure that the teachers are also set up to be able to do that, because if the teachers don't have their resources. Then they can't come through, and it takes a special, um. Person to begin with to be an educator, uh, and I think that. If we can help them be successful, I think everybody wins, and that's… I think what our role should be. Thank you. Ms. Nearing. The most important role, obviously, of the board is oversight.
And support for the administration, so that they can support the schools and staff. And ultimately, most importantly, our children. So, it's ensuring they have what they need. To provide those services for their staff and our students. Thank you. Thank you. Ms. Manzano. I think, uh, one of the most important roles for the Board of Education is visibility. I've been at 3 back-to-school nights recently, and I saw members of the board there, and that's really important, I think, for our community to see, that you're not just behind this closed building having meetings once or twice a month, or whenever that may be.
Um, I think communication is really important. Lots of times, I think districts, there's a disconnect between the Board of Education, the administration, the teachers, the students, the families. They all have to work together as a team, and I think that that's really, really important. Thank you. Thank you. Next question, we're going to start with Ms. Neary. Please describe specific attributes and skills you will bring to enhance our board team.
I don't want to overuse the word, but… you have to collaborate, because you're 9 individuals. With very diverse backgrounds that don't all think and believe the same thing, but you're all there for the same goal. So you have to come together, work together. And provide that unity while you most certainly, I would think, would disagree at times. So that we're still doing what we need to do for our students and staff at the end of the day. So it's that ability to work together, work with each other, and have meaningful dialogue.
To keep moving things forward. Thank you. Ms. Menzano. I think respect is really important. I think that every human being has different opinions, um… different values, even if they are similar, and so the ability to respect each other and have an open discussion then trickles down for collaboration. For teamwork, for all of those things that we hope that our children have. I mean, especially with young children, we're constantly teaching ours to be respectful of themselves. And their siblings, so I think adults really need to be able to showcase that as well.
Thank you. Mr. Manzano. Um, uh, I have been part of. Many teams, um. Going back to my, um, my days in the hospitality management industry. Walt Disney World. Sometimes we were 600 people deep, uh, and we were all different. And we didn't get anywhere if we weren't working together. And we were all from different parts of the world, some of us, we were all from different parts of the town. Different age ranges, um, and… That's exactly what community is. So…
Something like this is much bigger than any one individual here at any of these tables, so. We have to make sure that we're going towards the common mission. Of improving. So we need to improve. Our community, we need to improve our school district, we need to make sure that we are. Giving the tools that are needed to make sure that we've got our future leaders. Here, in this little incubator that we call Cherry Hill, right? Because this is who we are. Um, and if we don't do it together. One, we're setting a bad example.
If we can't put our heads together and come up with some sort of compromise. Because nothing's gonna get done, and that… that is just counterintuitive to what this whole process is supposed to be. So, you know, this is… I know we've got someone who's a senior over here, right? So, if we're not doing it knowing that we've got eyes, right? Because this is a public thing, so anyone can come in. What… what are we doing? Like, we… we have to make sure that we're working together. We're not always gonna agree.
We're gonna have, I'm sure, discussions and arguments and, you know, passions might… might… flare up a little bit, but at the end of the day, if we're moving the ball forward, if we're pushing. Let's keep doing that. Thank you. Next question, we're going to go back to this side to Ms. Manzano. What do you see as your biggest challenge or weakness as a potential board member, and how do you plan to address it? Um, I think my biggest weakness is my passion for wanting.
Things for my own children, and wanting to make sure that other students that might not have those opportunities are awarded those opportunities. So I am a passionate parent, I'm a passionate educator, and I think that. Um, I hope that that wouldn't work against me, but I… I hope to be able to. I think I will be able to make decisions, um, that benefit the district and the town, and not just think of it like a mom or think of it like a teacher, or think of it like a board member, but just kind of put all those things together.
Thank you, Mr. Manzano. Um, same? I, um… Uh, it's very hard to… to, um, separate the parent part of it, right? Um, but I kind of… I kind of try to approach it like I would at work, right? So, at work, I help people with their glasses and stuff like that, right? They see the eye doctor, they kind of see me afterwards, and I try to put them in a position where. They are able to use this new tool to their advantage, right? But I can't think of it as, like.
Um, and you know, I don't like that style lens. I can't… I personally don't like it, but it doesn't mean I'm not gonna tell you about it. Right? Because this might be the best thing for you. So, I think trying to, um… to step outside that box a little bit. Not as seeing it just for my kids, you know, I have a very broad sense of community, so I… trying to see it as. Multiple, as every kid, as, you know, your family, and your family, and… and trying to see where… where we can come together. I think that's the toughest thing to do, because when someone is talking about their own kids, they get a little more passionate, right? Mama Bear and Papa Bear comes out a little bit.
Um, and so I think trying to be as objective as possible with that, I think, can be tough. But that's kind of why we're all here together, to kind of help each other out with that. Thank you, and Ms. Neary. I think for me, what I've learned because of my children, right, and various challenges. Is a self-awareness, right? I'm very direct. You don't usually have to wonder where I stand on something. It's very rare. That everybody's gonna be like, I don't know what she's thinking.
Um, but it's… it's almost being aware of that bit about myself isn't always… a questioning in a negative way, or a questioning from a place. Of argument, but just understanding. And that… I am very succinct. But it's not necessarily in a combative way. So always try to be mindful of that. When I'm working with others. As my children remind me all the time. I'm not sure how to take what you said, Mom. Let me rephrase. So, I'm just always very self-aware of that when I'm working with others, that the directus is not necessarily.
To be mistaken for argument. Thank you. Next one, we'll start with Mr. Manzano. In addition to our regular board and committee meetings, board members have many time-consuming responsibilities each week, including multiple community engagements and reading to be completed over the weekends. How will you balance your time commitment to the board with your personal and work responsibilities? Um, like I had mentioned before, this is, um, something that I believe is much bigger than one in the.
Any one individual here, uh, so if there's… extra… extra homework or extra credit that has to be done. You just do it. Um, I don't know any other way around it. You know, I've always been… Um, that way. I'm a musician also, so, like, sometimes I'll get the music for a particular event that. Day before, and I have to… do my best to get there, be show-ready. Um, for the next day, uh, and that's kind of how I approach everything. So there isn't anything… that, um.
Would deter me from getting the job done, you know, if there's… something I have to read, if there's somewhere I have to go, if it's someone I have to meet. I've done that so many times that. It's just second nature to me. It's… we have to get the job done. Again, it's bigger than any one. Person or any one thing here, so we… just do it. Thank you. Ms. Neary? I'm fortunate now that I can actually say my youngest is 12, so… The time afforded, even though we are now involved in many more activities, and I think.
Possible in one week with all of them. That we can divide and conquer, we can leave them, and I can… Do those things, and I have done it before, so… understanding what that looks like and balancing that time is not an unknown. It's just, I mean. Much like Mr. Ronzano said, you just… you just do it. And that's a fair point. Thank you. Ms. Manzano? I think, um, time management is… might be one of my strongest suits, if we could have a spreadsheet, a giant Google Sheet in my kitchen. We would. Um, I think, again, like my other two colleagues said, that time management and commitment, and you… you get that commitment, and then you… you handle it. Our children are not strangers to, even though they're younger, us having busy lives and needing to get things done on deadlines.
My own deadlines that we have, so you get that handled, they… you have a team of people around you at home that can hopefully help, or, you know, the biggest brother takes everyone outside for a few minutes while you get something done. So, you have a commitment and you handle it. Thank you. Starting with Ms. Neary at this time? As a board of nine members, we don't always agree on issues. How would you handle disagreement or differences of opinion with your board colleagues? I think most important, you have to recognize and understand everybody has a voice.
And they need to be allowed to communicate that. Whether you like it or not, that's just the world in which we live in. Um, so I think you have to afford everyone to have that voice. And then you move forward. You communicate. Uh, and very rarely, at least. I've always found a way to find something common with someone, even if I vehemently disagree. And there's members of the community who vehemently disagree with me, and that's okay. Um, that's what we're here for. You can't possibly have a community this large.
And not have disagreement. And on a board of nine, you should reflect that community. And, you know, how they feel, what they say, and their beliefs. And it's okay. Just ensure that everybody has that voice. Thank you. Mrs. Manzano. I think that everyone needs to have the opportunity to speak, but we all should be here for the same common goal, and I think that that's what a Board of Education is built for, and whatever that goal might be for whatever topic or discussion.
Point is happening, if everyone is allotted that time, and that… I'll come back to the word respect that I used earlier, and you're respectful of the people that you are. Communicating with, then that should be… the way that you get things done, and I… I agree. The community and the Board of Education should reflect our community, and people can have different opinions. Um, but we all should be here for the same goal, if you're trying to be on the Board of Education for a district like Cherry Hill. Thank you, Mr. Manzano. I think that if there was a situation where, you know, there's a disagreement.
I think that if we take that. Thing that we are disagreeing on. And we kind of dissect it. I bet you we'll find some stuff that we agree on. And so, I believe in building bridges on those type of things. Let's find out what we agree on first, and then let's see what we can compromise on any of the disagreements on. Because again, we can't… we can't just stop, right? The ball can't just stop. Nothing gets done if that happens, so we have to try to figure out a way to keep pushing forward.
So, I think that, you know, we have to… take ourselves, again, out of that equation. Be a little more humble. Um, and be able to… think about all the things that we agree on. Take apart, necessarily, the stuff that we don't agree on necessarily, and then figure out, alright, well, what can we do here to kind of sweeten up the pot? I know you don't like this, but I think that if we did this, I think we can come up with a win-win, and if we can create that, yes. That win, then it's cool, and the disagreement is no longer there, because now we have an agreement.
Thank you. Guys, you're doing great? Last question? We're gonna start back over with Ms. Manzano. What are the three most critical issues facing the board in the next year? I think, um, that the… preschool issue is a little bit tough as someone living through it for the next two years and just finished our. Our second oldest is in kindergarten. Um… I don't feel as though the off-site locations are equitable to what is provided at Malberg, so that is something.
Um, that I find a little concerning. Um, I think that community collaboration is really important. I think that keeping the board out and about in public is really, really important for the members of the community to see that you're not just, again, in here in this building making decisions for our children in the entire. Community, and, like, that's it. Um, you said 3, right? Thank you so much. And I think that making sure that funds are managed properly to help our children succeed and get whatever they can, because we are kind of training the future of the world.
Here in Cherry Hill, and we're really lucky to have a big portion of. Southern New Jersey, right here in our backyards, and so a lot of… cool people are gonna come out of our town, and so I think that it's really important that we, uh. Make sure that it's okay for them. Thank you, Mr. Manzano. Um, definitely the, uh, the pre-K, uh, situation. I guess because that is most, um. Recent for us. We've been through two different pre-Ks, two different programs, and there's… there's clearly, like, a big difference.
Um, and one of the things that I've noticed is, is, um. Once… once the kids get into the elementary schools and into the. Other, um, you know, middle school, high school. It becomes a very different mindset with the parents. Like, everyone's like, cool, but I have… Spoken to other parents, talking about the preschools, and they're, like, crossing their fingers that their kids get into one and not the other, because. You know, they… they… there's a difference. There's a… there's a… blatant difference with them, and it shouldn't be. Um, you know, before and aftercare is really tough, too. The lottery is really crazy.
A lot of the parents that we are friends with, you know, we're all working parents, and trying to. Trying to hope and pray that you make that lottery. Is stressful. That is very, very stressful. That has to… we gotta do something better about that. Um, the, um… the buildings themselves, you know, some of the buildings, they need some upkeep, they need some… Some… some paint here and there, maybe some… some holes kind of fixed up a little bit. Um, you know, we… we should be proud of those buildings. We should be proud of…
Of our institutions, not only in a… in a. In a, um, philosophical sense, but, you know, like, this is… This is my kid's elementary school, and look how awesome that looks. I think we've done some really cool things with new parks. And the new, um, all-purpose rooms that have been con at some of the schools, I think they look gorgeous. Um, but I think that we can always do better, and I think trying to make sure that we are able to get the. The staff, the resources they do to… that they need to get that done, I think is important, so really managing that budget and.
And helping our people out. Thank you. Ms. Neary. I think the three biggest issues or priorities, I would think, is funding. Um, the uncertainty of the funding we're going to receive, both federally and at the state level. Weighs on me heavily, and the impacts, and that changing environment. Um, and how we're going to allocate our resources. Going forward, I think, is probably our utmost priority, because we can do everything else in the world.
But if we're not funded, it's going to trickle down immediately. Um, so I think that's… utmost importance. I think stability. And, um, stasis, I guess? For our buildings and our students, we've had a lot of change. So I think it's important, um, to get almost a sense of calm for the buildings and our staff. And I think that kind of ties in with the third one for me, which is our staff, our staff retention. Staff support, bringing in new staff, it's a very challenging time out there in education.
And, uh, I think it's just… and it's always been a priority, so don't misunderstand me. I know it's a priority now for the board. But I just think it's going to continue to remain a priority, which obviously ties into funding and so on. Thank you. All right, we made it to the closing statements. Take a deep breath. I'm gonna start in the middle with Mr. Manzano. If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm going in a row. It wasn't complicated.
All right. Uh, my commitment to Cherry Hill School Board is built on the principles of empowering our students. Supporting the educators and strengthen our community. First, we must foster a deep sense of ownership in every student. We want them to be active participants in their learning, not just. Passive recipients. This empowerment is vital to the future success and growth. To achieve this, we must consistently provide strong support to our teachers and administrators. They're the backbone of our system, and I am committed. To a budget that invests wisely in their resources and professional development.
Um, my commitment extends. To comprehensive support for students and their families. This means ensuring every child has access to academic and social, emotional resources they need. While actively working to engage and support families as true partners in education. I'm proud to be part of this community. I think that working together with students, staff, and families, we can create an environment where every child is encouraged to excel and establish the Cherry Hill School District. As the benchmark for excellence, I think that it's really there. Thank you. Thank you so much, Ms. Neary.
Thank you. I think for… the role, and for the next year, it's important to hit the ground running, to be able to. Continue to support knowing, you know, the challenges we face as every other school district does right now. Um, being aware of that. And being able to support. Understand the importance of the board, the role of the board, and to do that now. It is a short runway. And there is a lot on the plate of the board and the district.
Uh, in the next year, a lot of changes, the continuing bond work. Um, you know, potential redistricting, all of these very, very large items with not a lot of runway. Um, my commitment. To the schools, to our students, to our staff. To public education has not changed. In fact, it's only grown. And it will not change, and whether it be today or tomorrow, you will continue to see me. Um, because I… passionately believe in it, you know, as a child, school was my safe place.
And so it is really important. Thank you. Mrs. Manzano. As we move forward, my vision is centered on ensuring that every child in Cherry Hill has access to equitable and meaningful education experiences. No matter which school they attend, what side of Cherry Hill they live on, and what off-site program they are a part of. Equally important is supporting our teachers, the dedicated professionals on the front lines every day with our children. By valuing their voices, providing the resources they need, and respecting the vital role they play, we strengthen not only our classrooms, but our entire community. We may be many schools across our district, but at the heart of it, we are one Cherry Hill. When we work together with shared purpose and collective commitment to equity, we give every child the chance to succeed.
By uniting our efforts. Supporting our educators and prioritizing fairness and inclusion, we can ensure that even our youngest learners and those who follow them are prepared not just for academic achievement, but for lives filled with possibility. Together, we can build a Cherry Hill that truly reflects the best of who we are. Pride, passion, and possibility for every student. Thank you. That. I want to congratulate you all, because this was an amazing interview. Um, we have had next-door neighbors. Interview with each other before. Me and Joel, but we have never had spouses.
So, no, he's just… so I, um… so that was something new for us, but we really do appreciate you all coming out, and. Putting yourselves forward to serve the community. It's… being on the board has been one of the. Best volunteer experiences of my life. I think it's the greatest volunteer opportunity you can have to serve. The students, the schools, the community at large. Um, so thank you for putting yourselves forward for this. We really appreciate it. Um, we are going to move into executive session now. So, okay, I didn't write down what you told me to say.
Mrs. Winters, you need a motion? To move into executive session for the purposes of personnel matters, specifically. Qualifications of the candidates for the board vacancy. You will be returning to public session thereafter. Thank you so much, Ms. Gilfillin. I did ask her for that ahead of time, but… I didn't have my laptop on. Mr. Fain. I'd like to make a motion to move into executive session to discuss. Personnel matters, specific… specifically the qualifications of the candidates for the Board of Education vacant seat.
Second. And we will return. To public session. At 6 30. At 6.30. A second. There's a second. All board members signify by saying aye, aye. Excellent, let's move into executive session. Thank you guys so much for being here tonight.