WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=uNYbv-n2FdI

Part: 1

1
00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:15.679
All right. Good evening. This public meeting of the board of education of Clark Public Schools adopt notice of this reading has been given in accordance with BL1975 chapter 231 special notice made for four section 13 of the act.

2
00:00:15.679 --> 00:00:32.079
>> All right. Can we get a motion to the public? M Harrison by followed by Miss Melnik. >> All in favor? >> I. >> All right. So at this time if we can just rise for the pledge. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the

3
00:00:32.079 --> 00:00:51.920
United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible liberty and justice for all. At this time we'll do a roll call >> here. >> Mr. Benvinga >> here Mr. Grey Harrison

4
00:00:51.920 --> 00:01:08.880
>> here. Mr. Sikman, >> Mr. May present, Mr. McCarrick >> here, >> M. Melner >> here, >> Mr. Smurl >> here, >> and Mr. D here. Having 10 board members, we have a quorum. >> Okay. So, at this time, we're just going to do

5
00:01:08.880 --> 00:01:32.880
a presentation. Mr. Kobe kiss is at his son Jack's Allstar D1 game this evening. So, he couldn't be here, but he prepared some comments that he asked me to read on his behalf and then we're going to proceed with the awarding of certificates.

6
00:01:32.880 --> 00:01:48.079
I would like to take a moment to thank everyone for attending this evening to honor our baseball program and their coaches for their success and achievements throughout this past spring season. A special thank you to Mr. Ed Grandy, our superintendent, Mrs. Mr.

7
00:01:48.079 --> 00:02:05.759
Tara Olivera our principal, Mrs. Katy AOS our assistant principal, Mr. Christristenucci our dean of students, our athletic committee led by Mr. Robert Breedy, Mr. Robert Smoral and Mr. Dino Benzeka and of course our entire our

8
00:02:05.759 --> 00:02:23.040
entire BOE led by President Steven Derson. It is really a wonderful idea that the board of education takes time to recognize the wonderful achievements of our student athletes and athletic programs and we are so lucky to have them. Last but not least, I would like

9
00:02:23.040 --> 00:02:39.840
to recognize and thank all of our pride parents in attendance tonight. Success is never guaranteed no matter how hard you work or how talented you are. So, I hope that you are enjoying every minute of this wonderful accomplishment. The Arthur L. Johnson High School

10
00:02:39.840 --> 00:02:56.000
Baseball program really did have an amazing spring athletic season this past year. And a key component for that success was the coaching staff led by head coach David Kennedy who led our program to its first Union County

11
00:02:56.000 --> 00:03:11.680
Championship in the last 46 years. Even more remarkable was the manner that they did it in using extra innings to defeat rival Governor Livingston in the semi-finals before dismantling Union Catholic

12
00:03:11.680 --> 00:03:28.879
in the championship game by the final score of 11 to zero. >> Wow. >> They finished with a record of 21 to 5, captured the UCC Mountain Division, and were ranked throughout the season in the top 20 in the entire Southern region.

13
00:03:28.879 --> 00:03:44.799
It was just wonderful all-around job by our baseball program. Even more impressive than the championship, this team was a pleasure to watch throughout the year. Not only because of their stellar accomplishments, but because they acted appropriately in our school

14
00:03:44.799 --> 00:04:09.400
and communities and played the game the way it is supposed to be played. Now, I would like to call up the team to receive their certificates of achievement. We'll be doing the coaching staff. Head coach. Head coach David Kenny,

15
00:04:13.360 --> 00:05:12.493
assistant coach John Swer, volunteer coach Greg Baker, volunteer coach Thomas Urban, And now coach Nick GOES REAR. POWER [applause] PLAYERS BASIC [applause]

16
00:05:29.360 --> 00:06:26.360
JOHN CORNELL LUIGI MARTINEZ Junior Vincent. 500 [applause] and finally seniors Ben Raphael Jack.

17
00:06:32.349 --> 00:07:25.120
[applause] Heat. Heat. [applause] Many congratulations on such as [applause] nations are very proud. Mr. Sarah also um Bob Reed has asked me to uh to

18
00:07:25.120 --> 00:07:40.800
speak to you guys on behalf of the board of education and the athletic committee. Um, first of all, I want to congratulate you on just a spectacular season. Uh, for those of you that don't know, in addition to winning the county championship this year, this team also

19
00:07:40.800 --> 00:07:56.800
won their conference regular season championship. And so, um, it's just been it's been a a spectacular season for them. 46 years. Um, I played here in in 1974, 75, 76, and 77. I feel like I'm

20
00:07:56.800 --> 00:08:13.360
part of this baseball fraternity that we've had. You guys will forever be part of the fraternity. You You have created a tremendous legacy. When you come back here years from now, you'll look and you'll see your team on that banner and

21
00:08:13.360 --> 00:08:30.319
the stories will will will stay forever. Years and years from now, people will talk about this team and what this team accomplished. What was great about you guys was you you had great camaraderie. You worked hard. You conducted yourself with class on the field and off the

22
00:08:30.319 --> 00:08:46.080
field. And we're enormously proud of you for doing those things. And your ability to compete was second to none. Um we couldn't be prouder of you as a town. And and when we, you know, the day we won the county tournament, day you guys won the county tournament, if you

23
00:08:46.080 --> 00:09:02.320
remember, you had a um uh an escort from the police and the fire department over to the school. It was just so exciting. The crowd was huge that night to come and see you guys. So, the town is just enormously proud of what you accomplished. We We love you. You're

24
00:09:02.320 --> 00:09:21.760
always going to be a b a Crusader baseball player. And again, congratulations on on what you accomplished. [applause] So, at this time, we're just going to excuse the baseball team because they're moving on to the town council so we can concentrate on our

25
00:09:21.760 --> 00:10:01.760
So, we'll take a minute. baseball team to leave. Congratulations, guys. Good luck. >> Thank you so much. All right. So, all right. So, we can All right. So, we can properly move on to our next portion. We're going to honor our

26
00:10:01.760 --> 00:10:17.760
validictorian saludiatoran, which is welld deserved, Rhonda. So, Mrs. Alvivera as principal regrets not being able to be here to see. She has a state game for her daughter and as we always say, family comes first and

27
00:10:17.760 --> 00:10:36.480
she puts so so many hours into our high school and our district. So tonight, Mrs. Posuke as assistant principal is going to be pitch hitting for her. >> Absolutely. >> Thank you. I'm happy to be here on behalf of the administrative team of the high school to congratulate um both

28
00:10:36.480 --> 00:10:56.160
Charles and Erie. Uh we're super excited about them. So I'm going to start with our saludiatoran which is Eerie Lugo. [applause] Few students are as mature, self-aware, conscientious, passionate, and bright as

29
00:10:56.160 --> 00:11:12.079
Erie Lugo, the saludiatoran for the Arthur L. Johnson High School class of 2026. Over the past four years, he has proven himself to be an academic powerhouse. Not only strong in STEM, his chosen field of study, he is well-rounded

30
00:11:12.079 --> 00:11:27.920
across all subject areas. He is an AP scholar with distinction, signifying that he has scored a three or higher on five or more AP exams. Secretly funny, Erie has a good sense of humor. One of his proudest accomplishments has been

31
00:11:27.920 --> 00:11:44.720
not failing physics, which to Erie probably means not earning lower than an 85. It is not uncommon to find Erie long after the final bell has sounded in a quiet corner of the school completing his assignments. He has truly treated his academic journey here at ALJ as a

32
00:11:44.720 --> 00:12:01.680
privilege. In his free time, Erie can often be found researching, working on coding related projects, or serving as a senior patrol leader as part of his troop in scouting America. Is Eerie intelligent? Yes. But [snorts] more importantly, he is hardworking, kind,

33
00:12:01.680 --> 00:12:22.833
thoughtful, and an outstanding human being. Erie plans to study mechanical engineering at NJIT as a member of the honors college. We want to congratulate our saludiatoran, Erie Luca. Our [applause]

34
00:12:33.258 --> 00:12:51.839
[applause] valictorian is Mr. Charles Nemoth. As the number one ranked student in his graduating class, Charles Neoth is the best of the best. Some of his teachers even refer to him as YoungSheldon in reference to the television character,

35
00:12:51.839 --> 00:13:07.920
purely due to his sheer intelligence and natural ability to seemingly understand challenging concepts within seconds. As our valadictorian for the class of 2026, Charlie has never earned a grade of less than an A throughout the entirety of his

36
00:13:07.920 --> 00:13:24.320
high school career. His work ethic, inquisitive nature, and desire to succeed are truly unmatched by his peers. While other students shiver in fear upon hearing the words organic chemistry, Charlie appears eager to learn and apply his skills.

37
00:13:24.320 --> 00:13:40.000
Unsurprisingly, Charlie will be studying chemistry at NJIT as a member of the honors college. More than his academics, Charlie has been an involved member of the Arthur L. Johnson High School Key Club, a volunteer oriented group. As a student volunteer, Charlie has committed

38
00:13:40.000 --> 00:13:58.120
over 250 hours of community service throughout high school. Clearly is Charlie is not only books smart, he is also kind, caring, and giving. The hallmarks of being a stellar person. Congratulations to our valadictorian, Sir Charles.

39
00:13:59.719 --> 00:14:31.279
[applause] Our [applause] last honore this evening is Maline Schmidber as our student board rep this past year. And Maline, before I read the words that your school counselor, Mrs. Sam Bowling you prepared on your behalf.

40
00:14:31.279 --> 00:14:48.639
I just want to say having worked with you this year. You never needed a reminder to reach out to the principles. You always represented each school equally. Everything was timely and you really helped forge a bond between our schools

41
00:14:48.639 --> 00:15:08.959
and the board of education and the public. So, thank you. You took the right. [applause] [applause] And again, as Mrs. Ambone prepared for us, Meline is an ambitious senior who has pursued a rigorous academic path, including honors courses and 13 advanced

42
00:15:08.959 --> 00:15:25.120
placement classes with an emphasis on history. A member of four National Honor Societies, Meline demonstrates a strong commitment to excellence both in and beyond the classroom. Passionate about political science, she ran a campaign to

43
00:15:25.120 --> 00:15:41.199
promote voter registration and contributed to her community through her involvement with the Clark Lions Club in her role as a student advocate for drug and alcohol prevention. Maline's leadership skills are exceptional. She served this year as vice president of

44
00:15:41.199 --> 00:15:58.639
her class, president of the National Honors Society, and captain of the varsity cheerleading team. Recently, she was crowned prom queen. Maline will be attending Forom University with a major in political science and integrated neuroscience on the prejud

45
00:15:58.639 --> 00:16:26.079
track. She will be part of the D1 cheer team as well. Congratulations, Maddie. >> [applause] >> Great job. [applause] And that concludes our showcase of success. And as you can see, we have so very much to be proud of from our

46
00:16:26.079 --> 00:16:43.440
student athletes to our validictorian saludiatoran and to our student board. Thank you again. [applause] At this time, if Charlie and Yuri said you would like to stay, you guys are more than welcome. But if you want to make a graceful exit, you can just wait

47
00:16:43.440 --> 00:17:10.480
a minute. Try this for you guys. Give me another 20 minutes. So, >> we're not offended. >> We're not offended. Walk out in 5 minutes. It's up to you guys. We're just giving you the option. >> Congratulations. [applause] Okay. So, moving on. We'll just give

48
00:17:10.480 --> 00:17:26.799
that a second. All right. So, moving on to that. Can we get an approval of minutes from last meeting? See, Miss Aalonus, Mr. May, any questions or comments? A roll call on that, please. Melon. >> Yes. Mr.

49
00:17:26.799 --> 00:17:43.440
>> Binga. >> Yes. >> M. Harris. >> Yes. On the May 4th meeting, abstain from May 20th meeting. >> Mr. May, >> yes. M. McCarrick, >> yes. >> Mel, >> yes. >> Mr. Smurl, >> yes. >> And Mr. Derson, >> yes.

50
00:17:43.440 --> 00:17:59.760
>> Carried. >> All right. Thank you. At this time, we'll open the floor to the public for agenda items only. So, if you have any questions or comments on the 140 or so agenda items, now would be the time. At the end of the meeting, you'll have a time to address non-aggenda items. So, seeing no comments for the agenda, we'll

51
00:17:59.760 --> 00:18:16.160
move on for personnel items 1- 69. Before I get a motion, I just want to say that on item number 51, at this time, we're going to resend the position for the head cheerleading coach. And on item number 57, the stipen for AP

52
00:18:16.160 --> 00:18:33.840
chemistry is increased to $3,71. So, with those changes, can I get a motion on items 1 through 69 personnel? Mr. Small, followed by Missonus. Any questions or comments on those? Roll call, please. >> Miss, >> yes. >> Mr. Vivven, >> yes. >> M. Harrison,

53
00:18:33.840 --> 00:18:47.280
>> yes. >> Mr. May, >> yes. >> Mr. McCarron, >> abstain from items 1 through 3, 5 through 9, 11, 13, 17, 20, 27, 38- 40,

54
00:18:47.280 --> 00:19:05.600
42- 44, 47- 49, 54, 58, and 62- 66. Yes to all others. Thank you, M. Miller. >> Yes, >> Mr. Sora. Staining on number 27. Yes to the rest. >> And Mr. Be. >> Yes. >> Motion carried.

55
00:19:05.600 --> 00:19:20.799
>> And just as a reminder everybody, Miss McCerrick is from Garwood. She abstains for K through eight items. And we try to make it difficult and mix them all through. So, thank you. So, now we'll move on to curriculum. We have items number 70 and 70. 70 to 72. Can I get a

56
00:19:20.799 --> 00:19:36.640
motion? See, Miss Harrison, followed by Mr. May. Any questions or comments on those two? Roll call, please. >> Melon? >> Yes. >> Mr. Vinga? >> Yes. >> Miss Harrison? >> Yes. >> Mr. May? >> Yes. >> M. McCarron? >> Yes. >> Miss Melman? >> Yes.

57
00:19:36.640 --> 00:19:52.240
>> Mr. Smurl? >> Yes. >> And Mr. Duncan? >> Yes. Carry? >> Thank you. And now on policy, we have item number 73. I get a motion. Miss Melnick, followed by Mr. Bena. Questions or comments on that? Roll call, please. >> Mr. Aonz,

58
00:19:52.240 --> 00:20:06.240
>> yes. >> Mr. Missing. >> Yes. >> Miss Harrison, >> yes. >> Mr. May, >> yes. >> Mr. Carrick, >> yes. >> Miss Miller, >> yes. >> Mr. Sarro, >> yes. >> And Mr. >> Yes. Carry. >> All right. [clears throat] Moving on to board governance. We have items 74 to

59
00:20:06.240 --> 00:20:21.039
90. Can I get a motion? Mr. Bena, Miss Saconus. Questions or comments on those? Roll call, please. >> Mr. Aonus. >> Yes. >> M. >> Yes. >> M. Harrison. >> Yes. >> Mr. May. >> Yes. Mr. McCarrick. Abstain from items

60
00:20:21.039 --> 00:20:37.919
76, 80, 84, 86, and 87. Yes to all others. >> Thank you, Mr. Mulling. >> Yes. >> Mr. SM. >> Yes. >> And Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Carrie. >> Thank you. And finally, we have items 91 through 136. But before I get a motion,

61
00:20:37.919 --> 00:20:54.320
we have an update to item 9. Item number 97. Uh, it should read 1,625, not the 16,250. However, we would be eternally grateful to Acme if that was the case. So, with that change to item number number 97,

62
00:20:54.320 --> 00:21:12.640
can I get a motion on 91 to 36? 136. Mr. Small, followed by Mr. May. Any questions or comments? Roll call, please. >> Malone. >> Uh, yes. On all the items except I ex abstain on 96, 99, and 100.

63
00:21:12.640 --> 00:21:27.600
>> Yes. On >> I'm sorry. Could repeat that. 96 >> 96 99 100 and yes on the rest. >> Thank you. Uh Mr. Minga >> yes >> Mr. Harrison >> yes >> Mr. May. >> Yes. Mr. McCarrick

64
00:21:27.600 --> 00:21:44.480
>> abstain from items 94 98 135 and 136 and yes to all others. >> Thank you. Mel >> yes. >> Mr. SML >> yes >> and Mr. D. >> Yes. Commission. >> All right. So that brings us to the report of the superintendent. Good evening and thank you, Mr. Don

65
00:21:44.480 --> 00:22:01.280
Pursuit. Once again, congratulations to Charlie and Erie. Many thanks, Meline. And congratulations to our ALJ boys basketball team. And the hugest congratulations to Miss Applebomb on her appointment as Valley Road School principal this

66
00:22:01.280 --> 00:22:18.235
evening. Mallerie has already hit the ground running. We have every confidence that she's going to continue to move VRS forward in the most positive of ways. So, well, so excited to be working with you in this new role, Mallerie. >> Thank you. [applause]

67
00:22:23.039 --> 00:22:39.200
>> There's a number of additional new appointments on this evening's agenda that positions us at a strong place heading into the summer. The summer is a busy time with such things as curriculum writing, school counseling and child study team work, extended school year,

68
00:22:39.200 --> 00:22:55.200
Wharton Gillingham training, camp inventions and cl and Clark connects to the past along with our summer referendum projects. Our support staff have also been reappointed this evening and we are thrilled to have a new agreement with

69
00:22:55.200 --> 00:23:11.039
the Clark Education Association in place. Thanks to the CA negotiations team led by Mrs. Sasso and the BOE negotiations team led by Mr. S'moral and Mlanis. Many thanks to the Frankie Henley and

70
00:23:11.039 --> 00:23:26.559
Valley Road School PTAs for their donation of the summer reading books along with the gift card bank in partnership with Acme Markets Foundation for their donation of grocery store gift cards for use by our schools and our central

71
00:23:26.559 --> 00:23:43.679
office. This is such a busy time of the year every night and it's such good stuff. Our award dinners, our ceremonies, and we had our first moving up ceremony today with the preschool here at ALJ. Tomorrow will be Discovery,

72
00:23:43.679 --> 00:23:58.480
excuse me, Discovery. Then Wednesday will be kinder. We'll be moving to Valley Road School on Thursday morning, Henley School on Friday morning. We'll cap off the preschool ceremonies next Monday morning with the preschool annex

73
00:23:58.480 --> 00:24:15.200
and then Monday evening we'll be at hump but here on Nolan Field and our Super Bowl is Tuesday night here at Nolan Field for the ALJ graduation. [clears throat] We have some excellent news to share this evening based on the school

74
00:24:15.200 --> 00:24:32.480
performance reports from the NJDOE that look at, for example, student achievement, student growth, and student attendance. We are thrilled that our high school remains in the pack with some extremely strong high schools.

75
00:24:32.480 --> 00:24:47.840
In fact, NJ.com very recently put out an article that delineated this fact that we're we're thrilled to boast about. We're equally thrilled that our middle and our elementary schools

76
00:24:47.840 --> 00:25:04.159
all scored roughly in the top quarter, if not higher, of the state. And last year, we were at the top third, and we set as a goal the top quarter. And that's a goal we're thrilled, and I keep using that word because it's truth,

77
00:25:04.159 --> 00:25:20.720
to have met. Information on these reports can be found on our district website. Many thanks to our entire school community and congratulations to our administrative team and board of education. Please know that we will continue to use these reports to build on our strengths while addressing our

78
00:25:20.720 --> 00:25:40.400
areas for growth. Thank you and have a great evening. Thank you. [applause] I just wanted to uh do two things here. It's only appropriate that we thank you as the head of the administration for a job well done. And also, it's my pleasure to

79
00:25:40.400 --> 00:25:57.440
congratulate Dr. Grande on his successful completion of his doctoral degree. The achievement reflects years of dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence. Uh please join me in recognizing this remarkable accomplishments and wishing

80
00:25:57.440 --> 00:26:19.200
you well. [applause] >> As I always say, just don't take any medicine from me. [laughter] >> Yeah. I [clears throat] just want to um congratulate the CA group and and Miss Sasso for the positive working

81
00:26:19.200 --> 00:26:36.159
relationship that we had through negotiations along with myself and Miss Akalonus. Um you were enormously professional and everything that you did and uh made for made for an easier time as we went through the whole process. So thank you for all your efforts as well

82
00:26:36.159 --> 00:26:57.600
as the rest of your team. Miss. >> Yes. And I just want while we're saying thank you to everyone, I just want to thank all of our staff uh starting with our assist preschool uh teachers, our

83
00:26:57.600 --> 00:27:14.400
elementary, middle school, high school staff, our teacher assistants, our principles. All of you collectively have shown um a lot of dedication, knowledge and compassion for the students that are sitting in front of you in your

84
00:27:14.400 --> 00:27:30.320
classrooms and in your buildings. And because of all your hard work and dedication, our our students are really getting a very sound education. And I just want to thank everybody for having a very very productive year. And I look

85
00:27:30.320 --> 00:27:51.360
forward to seeing you all in September. >> [applause] >> Any other reported committees, new or unfinished business? So, seeing none, we'll move on to that and we'll hand over to Maddie for one last night. This month, the preschool finished their

86
00:27:51.360 --> 00:28:08.240
last theme of community helpers and is looking forward to their end of year parties. The moving up ceremonies began today with the ALJ site with the discovery and kinder care celebration this week and the municipal building ceremony on Monday. May and the start of June have been busy months for Henley students. Once NJSLA testing was

87
00:28:08.240 --> 00:28:25.120
completed, Henley was in full swing mode with students attending field trips and having grade level presentations. Parents and grandparents were invited to view the fine work of students ranging from a kindergarten singalong to first grade flat Stanley posters. Parents learned about famous American heroes from third graders and viewed diaramas

88
00:28:25.120 --> 00:28:40.159
of favorite books from fourth graders. Finally, the fifth grade students presented diaramas of endangered animals. The spring concert was held led by Mr. Tikas and the annual art show took place thanks to Mrs. Fulo. Looking forward, end of year assemblies including Henley Heroes and the Henley

89
00:28:40.159 --> 00:28:55.760
awards pro program will take place this week. To close the year, fifth graders will be promoted to middle school and the entire skill will move up to the next grade during the annual move up day event on the last day of school. At Valley Road, students and staff had a very successful field day. Special

90
00:28:55.760 --> 00:29:11.120
thanks goes to the PTA and all of the parent volunteers who helped make the event such a success. Last Monday, third grade students performed in the recorder concert and were also introduced to the instrumental music program. Today, the fifth graders celebrated with their annual pool party. And the school is

91
00:29:11.120 --> 00:29:27.600
looking forward to the fifth grade promotion, which will be held this Tuesday, June 18th, at 10:00 in the morning. Oh, sorry, Thursday at 10:00 in the morning. Students and staff are also eagerly anticipating moveup day on the last day of school, which gives current students and incoming kindergarten students the opportunity to meet their teachers and classmates for next year.

92
00:29:27.600 --> 00:29:43.679
The school community will then clap out the fifth graders and wish them well as they transition into middle school. Cle Middle School has celebrated a busy and exciting season of endofear events honoring the accomplishments of the eighth grade class. On June 4th, students were recognized at the distinguished honoral lunchon for honor

93
00:29:43.679 --> 00:29:59.919
for earning honor role and principal list during every marking period throughout their time at con. Students also enjoyed several se celebratory events including the eighth grade class trip on June 8th which featured a cruise around the Statue of Liberty and the eighth grade awards ceremony on June 11th where many students were recognized

94
00:29:59.919 --> 00:30:14.720
for their achievements. The annual eighth grade dance was held on June 12th at the Grand Centurions. Looking ahead, eighth grade promotion will take place on June 22nd at 6 p.m. on the ALJ field. To close out their middle school experience, the students will gather for an eighth grade bagel breakfast on June

95
00:30:14.720 --> 00:30:31.039
23rd, the final day at school. Finally, over at ALJ, 400 students attended prom at Embassy Suites in Berkeley Heights. The prom and princesses were Vinnie Sento and Cassie Kenfort, and the king and queen were Jonah Bena and Maline Schmidber.

96
00:30:31.039 --> 00:30:47.440
The girls [laughter] the girls softball team won their third state sectional championship beating Allentown High School in the final. Members of CESA, the student athlete organization, assisted in two field days at Frank Henley School. Senior events are also in full swing with the senior athletic awards, senior sunset, and senior

97
00:30:47.440 --> 00:31:05.760
scholarship night being a huge success. Looking forward, the senior dinner will take place this Friday and commencement on Tuesday. Thank you. Thank thank you for the last 10 months of updates. We really appreciate it. And to echo Mr. Dr. Grande, you have been

98
00:31:05.760 --> 00:31:26.320
prepared and very well informed of this event. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, at this time, we will open it up to to the public. So, if there's anything you would like to discuss, now would be the time. Super. >> Good evening, Clark Board of Education.

99
00:31:26.320 --> 00:31:42.960
Superintendent Dr. Grande and members of the Clark School community. I am deeply honored and humbled to be selected as acting principal and then principal of Valley Road School. For the past 11 years, I've had the privilege of serving this school community as assistant

100
00:31:42.960 --> 00:31:59.200
principal, and I have witnessed firsthand the care, dedication, and positive culture that make our school such a special place. I recognize that I have big shoes to fill and look forward to continuing the work and traditions that have helped our school thrive. As I

101
00:31:59.200 --> 00:32:15.120
begin this new chapter, I do so with excitement, with gratitude, and a deep commitment to our students, staff, and families. Over the years, I have come to know and love this community, and I remain committed to supporting every student academically, socially, and

102
00:32:15.120 --> 00:32:31.840
emotionally. My goal is to ensure that all students feel safe, challenged, connected, and inspired each day they walk through our doors. Thank you for your confidence and support, and I look forward to the journey ahead and all we can accomplish together. Thank you so

103
00:32:31.840 --> 00:32:57.279
much. Are there any other comments? Any other comments at any time? address. >> Good evening. John Gre from um so just we talked about the pilots uh last time and one of the things that I wasn't

104
00:32:57.279 --> 00:33:13.120
quite clear on was you guys said that um if the school needed money they would be able to go to the town and request money. And I guess the question I have is is what's the scenario where that looks like because you know the last two

105
00:33:13.120 --> 00:33:29.760
years ago you guys increased the tax levy by the highest it was in I I think ever by 1.2 million and then next year it was increased by another 1.4 million and then this year it's increased by another 2.7 million. So that's like over

106
00:33:29.760 --> 00:33:47.360
$5 million in the last 3 years. And there's probably going to be more pilots in the future. And I also remember seeing that the uh discretionary budget seemed to be about $2 million. And you know, that's not a very large portion of your overall budget. And just from the

107
00:33:47.360 --> 00:34:04.080
um sorry, the Walnut Hill Apartments, there's about $475,000 in student um burden that's being added. So, you know, it seems the the taxpayers are paying more for it, but what what's the scenario that the school board would

108
00:34:04.080 --> 00:34:23.119
ask and receive money from the town given that the town is getting extra money from the pilots? It it's just not clear. >> No, I think I think this is the only thing I would say is what I what I said before, which is um we sit together with

109
00:34:23.119 --> 00:34:38.879
our business administrator and our superintendent. We look at our budget. We make decisions as to what we think is reasonable. Um, we have [clears throat] an agreement in place right now with the town on the pilot program, which many other towns don't even have, where we do get where we do get money. We get we get

110
00:34:38.879 --> 00:34:54.480
paid from the town that there's a payment. And as I said to you last time, you had a meeting with the mayor and the business administrator across the street. They explain the pilot program to you in detail. Either you don't agree with it or you don't understand it. Either way, there's nothing more we can

111
00:34:54.480 --> 00:35:10.560
tell you about. >> Um, actually, the the money you get paid is about $50,000 and the burden that you have to to bear is like almost $500,000. So, that's the that's the issue. And yes, I did have a meeting with them and I've done research on the subject. I'm

112
00:35:10.560 --> 00:35:26.000
familiar with what's going on. And the main point is is that the burden that you guys are being asked to take on is not equal to the amount of money that you're receiving. And you're saying that if that sit if there was a situation where things got untenable, you would go

113
00:35:26.000 --> 00:35:45.359
to the town and ask for money. I just, you know, being that it's been $5 million increase over the last three three years in the tax levy, I'm asking what would it take for there to be a request to the town? Paul, any comment on if there's a for?

114
00:35:45.359 --> 00:36:02.160
>> We're we're we're a very good financial position. >> So, we don't need the $50,000 a year to be quite honest with you. >> So, I don't foresee a need anywhere in the near future for us to go to town and say, you know, give us $50,000

115
00:36:02.160 --> 00:36:18.640
or $100,000, whatever the case may be. So, there will never be a need for, as long as I'm here, will never be a need for us to go ask the town for money. But the the residents are paying a lot more though. Like you're you're quick to go to the residents but not for the town.

116
00:36:18.640 --> 00:36:33.920
>> You're either paying it out of one bucket or the other. >> Exactly. >> It either gets paid out of the school side or it gets paid out of the town side. It gets paid either way by the by the homeowner. So at the end of the day, it's a wash. >> If we if we if we ask for it on our

117
00:36:33.920 --> 00:36:49.680
side, we take the money and say we want it on our side, it's going to be lower on the town side. If we if we don't ask for the money, stays where it is. It's a wash. Again, they've taken you through the details of it. There's nothing else for us to say. If you if you want to understand more of the details,

118
00:36:49.680 --> 00:37:06.000
challenge it, you need to talk to the town about it. >> I I do. And everyone says that that everything's fine. But the 30-year tax break is basically there's not money that's coming in. So, you're right. If the town were to pay, that would probably make the town levy a little bit lower or a little bit higher. But the

119
00:37:06.000 --> 00:37:21.680
main point is is it seems that when I bring up the issue that the school isn't getting funding from these developments that are adding students to our schools, they say, "Oh, the town will pay it." Oh, no, the school's fine. But every year the tax

120
00:37:21.680 --> 00:37:40.160
levy on the school goes up and it's the last 3 years have been the highest in succession. And like I said, 1.2, 1.4, and then almost twice as much this year. it it doesn't seem like this is something that's being handled um in a

121
00:37:40.160 --> 00:37:54.800
way that's that's fair. >> It's not something that the school board has to handle. It's something that I think you're you need to address this with city council because >> I do. >> Okay. Well, then you don't need to be here. >> Well, I I also also I believe Mr. Green,

122
00:37:54.800 --> 00:38:10.880
yes, there's an impact to the town. Mr. Grande, maybe you can help me out here. I don't know how many students have come in through the apartments. I think you've said the number I >> 28 of that one >> I do not believe those 28 students have burdened the district >> to warrant it we have other costs if if

123
00:38:10.880 --> 00:38:27.839
you recall the budget the healthcare bud the healthcare and benefits is a drive is a large driver the students are not driving more teachers more staff or anything like that that's where I think you have a valid point if these did you say 28 students call 30 students doesn't

124
00:38:27.839 --> 00:38:43.839
matter 50 students the if the increases the students is driving an increase in cost, then I believe you have a very valid point. But as of this time, please correct me if I'm wrong, these 30 or so students have not driven increased

125
00:38:43.839 --> 00:38:59.200
teachers, increased anything within the district. So it's not driving our those are not driving our cost health care benefits are that's what's driving a large part portion. >> So am I correct in saying >> absolutely. So those 28 students, while

126
00:38:59.200 --> 00:39:15.680
that number may seem high, um what Mr. John Kursuit is saying is those are spread over preK to 12, 14 different grade levels. So it's not like if those 28 students were in here, we could

127
00:39:15.680 --> 00:39:32.079
decrease a teacher, decrease a program. And what Mr. Dr. Donut is saying was if we ever saw let's say a pocket of students that created an additional burden where let's say we had to open up an additional grade three and hire a

128
00:39:32.079 --> 00:39:47.599
teacher and buy textbooks and all of those things then we may need to sit at the table with the town council and ask for that additional funding. But right now, those students have been dispersed. So, we've been able to absorb them with

129
00:39:47.599 --> 00:40:03.440
our existing staff and our existing programs >> and I know you guys are dealing with it as best we can. And I guess I'm basically saying, you know, you guys are getting hit from both directions, right? You're you have these students come in. There's no funding come from there. You have these extra healthcare costs coming up.

130
00:40:03.440 --> 00:40:18.640
>> The the thing that this is an issue, >> we're going to wrap this up after this. Last thing I like to say is >> please make an effort to work with the council cuz there will 100% be >> when there's when there's an impact. If to Mr. Grande's point, if 28 first

131
00:40:18.640 --> 00:40:34.400
graders showed up in September, that's a different story. If Walnut Hill produced 28 students, 20 students, but we had to hire a whole new staff for that. That's the burden. That will probably be the threshold that we go over and say we need we need additional funds. But right now, and this is the last point on this,

132
00:40:34.400 --> 00:40:50.079
right now we absorb those costs based on Mr. Gandhi's preK through through 12. And right now, we we're able to afford, no pun intended, to absorb those costs without an increase to anybody. >> And the town has committed to us that if we have a situation, as Mr. Duncoot just

133
00:40:50.079 --> 00:41:06.319
explained, that they would be happy to sit at the table and work with us. And lastly, don't please I'm sure maybe you don't do it on purpose, but when you insinuate that this board doesn't work with the city council and the city administration, it's not an accurate statement on your

134
00:41:06.319 --> 00:41:21.119
behalf. >> Of the pilots, >> it doesn't matter. We work in conjunction with the municipality. And maybe it's not something you're aware of, but you shouldn't insinuate that we need to do that because we already do. >> Thanks. I'll leave it at that. Thank

135
00:41:21.119 --> 00:41:46.560
you. Mr. Dying, >> I would like to talk uh against state your name and your address. Just for the record, >> Bill Dragon, 47 Post Road, Clark, New Jersey. >> Thank you. >> Uh I'd like to talk against Governor Murphy's order. you know, he's not

136
00:41:46.560 --> 00:42:04.000
telling anymore, but uh to teach uh transgender education to the kids and to teach abortion to the kids. I think that should be just done through the parents. Now, Governor M Governor Chevro could have reversed it because Governor Murphy's was an executive order, I

137
00:42:04.000 --> 00:42:19.680
believe, and she could have reversed it with an executive order reversing it, but she didn't. So, it's just as much on her as it is on Governor Murphy. It's very bad to teach uh abortion to the kids. It should just be by the parents. Maybe a parent doesn't want

138
00:42:19.680 --> 00:42:37.119
their uh their daughter or or son uh son's child to uh be be aborted. That would that would kill their grandchildren. Um and also against a transgender education

139
00:42:37.119 --> 00:42:55.599
very bad even to to to uh six and seven year olds. Uh talking about that the United States Supreme Court in uh reversed California's ban on

140
00:42:55.599 --> 00:43:12.079
therapy for transgender people. So now the teachers can because this this is a this was this was from California but it applies to all the the states. the uh they they can now

141
00:43:12.079 --> 00:43:28.160
uh not uh they can now talk to the kids and tell them they don't have they they shouldn't change their sex [snorts] whereas Governor Murphy's and Governor Charles now were is saying they can't

142
00:43:28.160 --> 00:43:43.599
talk to them. They can't try to change their their their mind on on the sex of of of if they want to change their sex. So the the Supreme Court uh in in 320 uh 3226 said you can you they are allowed your

143
00:43:43.599 --> 00:43:59.920
teachers are allowed to talk to to the kids and try to try to change them to go tell them that they should not be changing their sex according to the Supreme Court. Uh,

144
00:43:59.920 --> 00:44:18.560
also to see how bad it is for the trans people. Uh, a trans woman, Robert changed to Robert Dorgan, shot five family members, killing his wife and his son before taking his own life. This was

145
00:44:18.560 --> 00:44:35.839
a transgender person. >> Mr. J, you about 20 seconds left. and a transgender woman, Robert Westman, a former student of Annunciation Catholic High School, opened fire during a school mass and killed two children and injuring 21 others. This is what happens

146
00:44:35.839 --> 00:44:53.040
to these these kids that changed their sex. They they realized they did the wrong thing and they have the operations on themselves and they they go crazy. >> Ridiculous. >> Thank you. >> All right. So looking at are there any other comments

147
00:44:53.040 --> 00:45:08.520
for non-aggenda items? Now would be the time. If not, we're going to close out that portion of the meeting. So we've closed that out. At this time, can I get a motion to adjurnn? Miss, Miss Neling. All in favor? Thank you.